Disclaimer: The pretender and its characters belong to their respectful owners. No money is being made from this. It's all for good fun.

XXXXXXX

Late October 2002

Blue Cove, Delaware

Miss Parker walked through the front door, grateful to finally be home. Another chase, another dead end. Letting out a tired sigh, she threw her keys down on the table, and headed straight for the bathroom.

While the tub filled up with water, she went into her bedroom to check for any messages. The answering machine showed one message. Pushing the play button, she listened to the message.

"Angel, it's your father. I see you came up empty again for the search on Jarod. The powers that be are becoming frustrated with your results. I can only hold them off for so long," he said with disappointment. "They feel you've lost your edge when it comes to Jarod. I told them that can't be, a Parker is strong willed, and they don't let petty emotions get in the way. However, they disagree with me. They've called for a meeting 8:00am sharp, tomorrow morning. See you there, Angel." With that, the message ended.

Miss Parker threw her head back and looked at the ceiling. "Great, just what I need. A nice little tower meeting, explaining once again why Jarod is so hard to catch," she said to the room sarcastically. Feeling a migraine starting to come on, she rubbed her forehead as she hobbled into the bathroom.

Sitting down on the toilet seat, she took off her favorite heels, which were now useless since one of them was broken. Casting the shoes aside, she rubbed her right ankle, which was now sore and looking bruised. Well, she learned her lesson from this latest trip, never chase after a pretender on farmland while wearing heels. Turning off the running bath water, she slowly got back up, looking for any ibuprofen to relieve the pounding behind her eyes.

After swallowing the pills, she took off her soiled clothes, throwing them down on the floor. Looking back into the mirror, she could still see leftover remnants from the latest chase stuck in her hair. She thought she cleaned all the mud off; unfortunately there was still some left, which was now dried and caked onto her scalp. Lab rat is going to pay for this, she thought to herself bitterly. Rubbing the weariness out of her face, she went over to the tub, gingerly lowering herself in.

The warm, scented water was relaxing to say the least. Every sore muscle in her body was slowly beginning to relax. Closing her eyes, she leaned back, letting out a contented sigh. She tried to think of pleasant thoughts, but the only thought that came to her mind was Jarod and this latest chase.

After two weeks of nothing, Broots had finally found Jarod. The pretender was working on a horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky. He was trying to help a jockey get over the fear of getting back up on the saddle again. Feeling confident, she ordered Broots to call the airstrip to get the Centre jet ready. Three hours later, the plane touched down in the bluegrass state.

With Broots driving, she was able to take in the scenery that surrounded her. It was late October, and the huge cluster of trees that lined the forests was like fireworks. Red, green, yellow, gold, and orange were sprinkled everywhere. The interstate was lined with horse farms that were surrounded by white wooden fences. She could see horses, and some cows, grazing and running along their confines. With the sun shining brightly down, everything looked so picturesque and peaceful. It was like looking at a real life post card.

When they reached the O'Bannon Horse Farm, she was surprised to find Jarod still there. He was in the distance, walking alongside a horse that seemed to be injured. When their eyes met, neither one moved, both too stunned to see the other one there. Both were broken out of their reverie when Broots shouted out to Jarod, pointing him out in the distance. Taking one last fleeting glance, Jarod quickly turned on his heel and ran toward the stables. Miss Parker told Broots and Sydney to split up as she reached behind her back, bringing out her gun.

The chase was now on. She had no problems running until she stepped onto the grass. She cursed to herself as her heels instantly sank into the rain soaked ground, hindering her progress. Looking back up to the stable, she could still see Jarod there, which surprised her. She was sure he would be gone by now. Feeling more confident, she grudgingly ran towards the stables.

When she reached the stables, she found Jarod sitting on top of a horse, trying to make it move. Smiling wickedly at him, she pointed here gun at him. "After all of these years, I've finally got you," she said with confidence. "Now, slowly get off the horse. Try anything funny, and I'll make sure to keep that little promise I made to you when we were in the Keys, but instead of the knee, it might be your pretty little face."

Giving up on making the horse move, Jarod gave her an amused look and sat back. "Now, now Miss Parker, I know you don't mean that." He paused, looking around the building. "You know I'll get away. I always do. I wonder why that is?" he said thoughtfully.

Ignoring his words, she signaled for him to get down with the wave of her gun. "Jarod, I'll give you five seconds. If you still haven't moved, I'll shoot you," she said with determination.

"Is that so?"

"Yes it is." She then started to countdown. "1…2…"

Instead of getting down, Jarod sat stubbornly on the saddle as he watched her rattle off the numbers. Feeling bored, he brought his fingers up to his face, pretending to inspect his fingernails. Once he heard five, he looked down at an irritated Miss Parker. Flashing his infamous cocky smile he commented, "Well Miss Parker it looks like I called your bluff. I told you nothing would happen. Now if you don't mind, could you get out of the way, so I can get out of here. I know chasing me is the only thing you've got going in your life right now."

Patting the horse on the neck he commanded, "Come on, Doc Randall. Time to go. Yah!" Unfortunately, the thoroughbred wouldn't budge. There was one thing that would get this horse to move. He didn't want to do it, but knew he had to. "What's the matter, Miss Parker? Cat got your tongue?" he said tauntingly. "See, I knew you wouldn't fire that gun."

She was angry. More at herself, than with Jarod, because he did call her bluff. And now he was taunting her. There was one way to get the pretender down from that horse. She looked back up at Jarod who was looking more confident than ever, smiling mischievously at him she said, "You think you know me so well, don't you?" With that, she pointed the gun in the air and fired the shot, hoping to spook the horse.

She partially got what she wanted when she saw the horse rear up, kicking its front legs in the air. However, Jarod held on, trying to calm the horse down, but Doc Randall wouldn't have any part of it.

Miss Parker could see the horse was making its way towards her. Trying to get out of the way, she backed out of the stables slowly. When she reached the doorway, the horse seemed to calm down, but that all changed when she heard a commotion off to the side.

Miss Parker turned towards the noise, only to find Broots lying on the ground among large pails of feed. Broots looked at her, mumbling out his apologies to her. Giving him an annoyed look, she turned her gaze back towards Jarod. Her eyes grew wide when she saw the horse rear up again and started off towards her. Trying to get out of the way she turned on her heels. When she did this, she lost her footing when one of her heels broke, sending her into a puddle of mud. She yelped in pain as she twisted her ankle. When she looked back up, she watched the horse and Jarod run past her and into the sunset. "Damn him," she muttered to herself as she pounded the ground with her fist.

Miss Parker sat up in the tub, shaking the whole debacle away from her mind. Getting out of the tub was a bit tricky, but she was able to do it. Wrapping her hair up in a towel, she went into the bedroom to change into her favorite silk pajamas. With that done, she headed down the stairs for a much needed drink.

Going into the kitchen, she opened up the cabinets to find her favorite bottle of scotch to be empty. Throwing the bottle into the trashcan, she headed to the pantry to get another bottle. Opening up the door, she scanned the shelves looking for her favorite brand of scotch. Just when she was about to give up, she caught a glimpse of a brown bottle sitting in the corner on the floor. Hobbling over, she knelt down to pick it up. She let out a frightened gasp when she saw a gray mouse scurry along the floor.

She instantly jumped back. The sudden movements made her loose her balance. She tried to get control of her equilibrium, but her ankle protested against it. Spinning out of control, she fell, hitting her head against one of the shelves, knocking herself out.

When Miss Parker slowly came to her senses, the first thing she realized was how cold she was. She could hear voices around her, but she couldn't focus on them. She tried to open her eyes, but the light was painful. Miss Parker could feel someone gently shaking her shoulders, trying to get her attention. Finally, after some time, she was able to focus on a voice. What she heard shocked her.

"Mom, are you okay? Come on Mom, this isn't funny. Hurry up, go get Dad!" she heard a boy yell out to someone.

Miss Parker instantly opened up her eyes, blinking away the sudden brightness. With her vision focused she was finally able to focus on the face staring back at her. The boy was a teenager, probably fifteen or sixteen. He had dark brown hair that was almost black. His eyes were blue just like hers. He had a worried expression on his face as he looked intently at her. "Wha…what's going on?" she asked dumbfounded, while rubbing her head.

The boy cocked his head to the side, giving her a puzzled look. "You don't remember? You were out walking Buddy, when all of a sudden you tripped and fell, Mom."

Now it was Miss Parker's turn to look confused. "Why do you keep calling me Mom? I don't have any children," she stated. The teenage boy gave her look that was all too familiar as he smiled warmly at her, while tilting his head to the side.

"Mom, you're too funny." He turned around and looked behind him, turning back around he continued, "I hope Sarah caught Dad before he left."

"Sarah?"

"Yeah, you know, you're daughter," he paused. "My twin sister, the one who can be a pain in the butt at times."

"I don't understand," was all she could mutter out. There was no way she could have a son and a daughter without remembering it, could she?

"Well, it looks like Sarah caught him in time."

Following the boy's gaze, she saw three figures running towards them. The youngest was a boy about ten years old with red hair. The girl, who she assumed was Sarah, resembled her brother somewhat with shoulder length, dark brown hair. However, what caught her attention was the dark headed man running towards them. No, it can't be, she thought to herself. Turning to the boy she asked, "Is that your father?"

"Of course it is mom," he stated matter-of-factly. Giving her a sympathetic, concerned look he asked, "You really don't remember us, do you?"

Rubbing her head out of frustration she answered, "I don't know what's going on. I feel like I'm in the twilight zone." When she looked back up, she saw the boy's father kneeling down before her, concern etched across his face.

"Parker, are you okay?" he asked, as he reached out to touch her forehead.

Out of reflex, she instantly swiped his hand away. This had to be one of his little tricks. "Jarod, I don't know what's going on, but if this one of your sick little games to teach me a lesson, then you have another thing coming."

XXXXXXX

Disclaimer: In first chapter.

Chapter 3

Once Jarod and Zoe left, Josh turned to his side, glancing at his mother.  “As much as I hate to say this, Dad is right. I need to take you to the hospital to get you looked at,” he stated.

As she watched Jarod drive away, she looked back at Josh.  “Your father is just being overprotective.  I’m perfectly fine.”

Josh grabbed Miss Parker’s shoulders, looking at her with a serious face.  “Mom, you’re not fine.  Something is terribly wrong. I can feel it.  You know who Dad is, yet you don’t know your own children.  Please, just humor me and let me take you.”

Miss Parker looked away from Josh, looking out into the distance.  He was showing so much concern for her, that it melted the icy walls around her heart a bit.  Looking back at him she said with a half smile, “Fine, you win.  Lead the way.”

Josh grinned down at her.  “Okay, I’ll be right back.  Let me go grab my car keys.”

Before he could run off, Miss Parker grabbed his arm.  “Drive?  How old are you?”

Josh rolled his eyes playfully at her as he answered, “Mom, Sarah and I are sixteen.  I got my license right before school started.  However, Sarah still hasn’t gotten hers.  Maybe it’s because she scares half the instructors to death.  When they see her they run for the hills.  The last guy she was with nearly had a heart attack.”

Miss Parker couldn’t help but laugh at that.  If these were indeed her children, then Sarah must’ve inherited her driving skills.  Looking back at Josh, she stared intently at his face.  He did resemble Jarod somewhat.  They both had the same jaw line and nose, but what caught her attention were his eyes.  These were not Jarod’s they were hers.  In fact, they were mirror images of her eyes.

Feeling uncomfortable under his mother’s scrutiny he asked, “What?”

“Nothing, it’s just…that I’m seeing you for the first time,” she answered with wonder.

Josh gave his mother a strange look.  “Okay,” he said with confusion.  Looking up, he saw one of their neighbors coming across the street.  “Hey, Mr. Broots,” he yelled out, waving his hand in the air.

Broots.  Miss Parker’s eyes grew wide.  Turning around, she saw her lovable moron walking across the street, flanked by his daughter Debbie.         She wanted to ask him what was going on.  But, with the two teenagers standing beside them she remained quiet.

“I pulled up into the driveway to find Jarod leaving.  He didn’t look too happy.  Did something bad happen?” Broots asked anxiously.  He glanced at Miss Parker.  “Parker, are you okay?” he asked with concern.

Miss Parker gave him a bewildered look.  “Parker?  Since when have you started calling me that?”

Broots looked like a deer caught in the headlights as he answered, “I well…you’ve asked people to start calling you that when Jarod and you separated.”  He paused an added, “Did something bad happen between you and Jarod?”

“Everything’s bad between us,” she answered with exasperation.

Before Broots asked more questions, Josh chimed in.  “Mom was out walking Buddy and fell, hitting her head on the driveway.  She doesn’t remember us.  The only person she does remember is Dad,” he said sadly.  “I was just about to leave and take her to the hospital.”

Miss Parker needed to speak with Broots alone.  Seeing her opportunity she commented, “Josh, why don’t you stay here with your brother and sister, and let Broots take me.”

“But…”

Miss Parker interrupted him.  “No buts.  Besides, didn’t you promise Brandon a round of video games?”

Josh looked between Broots and his mother.  He knew that stare his mother was giving him.  It was the one he knew not to argue with, because he knew he wouldn’t win.  “Alright,” he sighed in defeat.  “Call us and let us know how everything went.” 

“I will.”  Before she could walk off, Josh grabbed her, giving her a quick hug.  She froze in the embrace, somewhat stunned by the action. When he let go of her, he looked back down at her with a mischievous grin.

“Be good, Mom.  I don’t want to turn on the evening news, and find a news report talking about a tall brunette taking out doctors left and right, because she had to wait an hour,” he said jokingly.

Miss Parker flashed him the same smile.  “I can’t make any promises,” she replied back in the same manner.

“Um, Parker, we better go,” chimed in Broots.

Miss Parker nodded her head, and waved goodbye to Josh and Debbie. Climbing into the car, Broots drove her off to the hospital. 

XXXXXX

3 ½ HOURS LATER

Miss Parker was irritated as hell.  Having to wait three hours in a hospital waiting room was not her idea of fun.  After all the waiting, the doctor only confirmed what Jarod said only hours before.  They said she had amnesia, but she scoffed at the ludicrous diagnosis.  She knew she didn’t have amnesia.  The only explanation she could come up with was that this had to be some sick dream, or nightmare for that matter. 

She tried to get Broots to open up, but he remained tight lipped.  He told her he would give her the answers she needed once they left the hospital.  Walking out in a huff, she headed straight for the parking garage with Broots on her heels.

“Parker?”

She abruptly stopped, turning on Broots.  He instantly took a step back.  “What Broots?” she asked with annoyance.

He dug into his pocket, bringing out his cell phone.  “You need to call home, remember?”

She stared at the phone for a few seconds before snatching it out of Broots’ hand.  She was about to dial, when she remembered something.  She had no idea what the number was.  “Broots, what’s my number?” she asked more calmly.

“It’s 555-1189.”

She could feel the apprehension building within her with each passing ring.  These three children were still a blank slate to her.  She felt somewhat comfortable with Josh, but she still didn’t know anything about the other two.  Feeling more nervous, she began to pace back and forth, waiting for one of them to pick up.  Just when she was about to give up, someone answered.

“Hello, Hunter residence,” answered Brandon.  “Hello.”

Miss Parker took a deep breath before she answered back.  “Brandon, it’s me.  Is your brother there?”

“No.  He left to pick up some pizzas.  He should be back shortly.”  He paused, before asking, “He said you went to the doctor.  Is everything okay?”

Miss Parker couldn’t help but smile at the little boy’s concern.  There was so much love in his small voice, that she couldn’t stop the warm feeling that melted her heart.  Bringing her left hand up to cover her heart she answered, “I’m fine.  There’s nothing to worry about.”  Changing the subject she asked, “Is your sister there?”

“Yeah, she’s upstairs with Debbie listening to some music.  I’ll go get her.”  Miss Parker waited patiently as Brandon went to go get his sister.  A few short seconds later he came back on.  “Here she is.”

“What?” Sarah asked with annoyance.

Miss Parker’s smile only got bigger when she heard the way her daughter answered the phone.  “Do you always answer the phone like that?” she asked with a curious voice.

“Sometimes, it depends on how I’m feeling at the moment.  So, what do you want?”

Miss Parker could hear the animosity in Sarah’s voice when she spoke.  She was now starting to dread this call.  “I was just calling to let you know that I’m okay, and I’ll be home soon.”

“Great.  Maybe when you get home we could throw you a big parade to celebrate this momentous occasion,” Sarah bit out sarcastically.

Miss Parker clutched the phone more tightly in her hands, starting to become angry with Sarah.  “Don’t get smart with me.”

“Whatever Mom.  Listen I have to go.”  Before Miss Parker could answer back, she heard a dial tone come out of the phone.  Pulling the phone away from her ear, she looked at it with disbelief.  “What a little brat,” she muttered to herself.

Broots took a step closer to Miss Parker.  “Sarah’s not that bad.  She’s just angry at the world over your separation.  But, be warned Parker.  She blames you for the separation.  Just as Josh blames Jarod.”

Giving Broots a dumbfounded look she asked, “I need to go the Centre.”

XXXXXXX

When Broots pulled up to the building she turned to him.  “You moron, this isn’t the Centre.  I think you’ve been spending way to much time on those porn sites.”

Broots gave her a gaping look.  “I’ve never been to those sites,” he adamantly denied.

Miss Parker let out of soft chuckle.  With a calmer voice she commented, “The Centre I’m talking about is a huge building that sits on the side of the ocean.  This…” she paused waving her hand in the air, “is not the Centre.”

Broots gave her a puzzled look.  “Parker, this is the only Centre in town, well, besides the Blue Cove shopping Center.”

Looking through the windshield, Miss Parker read the sign out loud.  “Blue Cove Animal Center.”  Letting her gaze fall back on Broots she asked, “Do I work here?”

Broots smiled at her.  “Yeah, of course you do.  You’re a veterinarian.  You run this place along with Emily.”

“Emily?”

“She’s Jarod’s younger sister.”  He paused, giving her a sympathetic look.  “You still don’t remember anything, do you?”

Looking at the clinic she answered softly, “No.”

Broots gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder.  “Don’t worry, I’m sure everything will come back to you soon enough.”

Looking at Broots she asked, “If there’s no Centre, then where’s my father?”

“He works over in Dover.  He’s a big time lawyer on the east coast.  His law firm is called Parker, Raines, & Cox.  The law firm is very powerful, of course, they have a questionable reputation.”

Miss Parker gave him a bewildered look.  “What do you mean by that?”

She could tell this was a question that Broots didn’t want to answer.  To try an avoid her; he looked out of the drivers side window.  “Broots?” she asked pleadingly.  “Answer me.”

With reluctance, he looked back at her.  “Well, there have been rumors going around saying that your father and his partners have been known to buy off a few judges, politicians, lawyers on other cases, and even jurors.  I’ve even heard that they’ve been known to ‘permanently’ silence witnesses from testifying against them in court, just so they could win.”

“Are these rumors true?” she asked with dread.

Broots rested his left elbow by the window, rubbing his mouth.  “I think they are,” he responded in a low whisper.  “I think that’s one of the reasons why your father and Jarod don’t get along.”

“How does Jarod fit into all of this?” she asked.

“From what I gather, Jarod and your father have never gotten along.  He thought Jarod filled your head with foolish ideas.  See, your father wanted you to follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer yourself, but your heart just wasn’t in it.  Jarod told me about the story of the bunny, and that was one of the reasons why you became a veterinarian,” he answered.

“The bunny?” 

Broots gave her a solemn look.  “When Jarod and you were twelve, you found a white bunny out in the woods that had a broken leg.  Jarod said you instantly fell in love with it; you wanted to help it and nurse it back to health.  Gathering up all the spare change you could, with some help from your mother, you took it down to the vet’s office to have it fixed.  Once the rabbit was more stable, you took it back home, hoping you could keep it for a pet.  However, when your father saw it, he became furious.  Ripping the rabbit from your arms, he drove to the pound and dropped it off.  You pleaded with him to keep the bunny, but he wouldn’t hear of it.”

Miss Parker could feel her eyes watering up, but she held the tears at bay.  How could her father do that to her?  She was only a child.  “How could my father be so cruel?” she asked sadly.

Broots gave her a half smile.  “Well, there is a happy ending to the story.   Jarod was coming back to your house to visit, when he heard you and your father fighting.   He followed your father on his bike.  When your father left the pound, Jarod went inside to adopt the rabbit.  With his parents support, he brought the rabbit back home, so you could help take care of it when you came to visit.”

Miss Parker smiled to herself.  “Jarod did all that for me,” she stated with astonishment.

“Of course he did, Parker.  He loves you.”

Miss Parker gave him a look of disbelief.  How could Jarod love her after all the things she’d put him through.  But, then she remembered, this was a different life.  All the horrible deeds she did in her other life were null and void in this life.  Looking back at Broots she asked, “So, how did Jarod and I meet?”

XXXXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer: In first chapter.

Chapter 5

Broots smiled at her.  “So, you want to know how Jarod and you became more than just friends, huh?

Miss Parker flashed him an irritated look.  “Broots, would you just spill it?”

“Okay, okay.”  Taking another sip of coffee he continued, “Well, it was our last year of college…”

XXXXXXX

It was Valentine’s Day.  A day that Jarod dreaded because once again he had no one to share it with, but he was hoping to change that by the end of the day.  Of course, he could have his pick of any women, but there was only one who had their name stamped on his heart.  Parker.  They have been best friends for the past twelve years, and now he was willing to put that friendship on the line for love.

The past year had been a tough one for Parker.  Last March, she found her mother dead from an apparent drug overdose.  It was spring break.  Instead of going to the usual college hot spots for that time of the year, she decided to go home and visit her mother.  The marriage between the elder Parkers was on the rocks.  It was obvious that Mrs. Parker was ready to leave her husband.  The last time Parker called her mother was the day before she left Princeton University.   Jarod remembered Parker telling him about how her mother sounded.  Parker said she sounded lost, confused, and somewhat scared, which frightened Parker only more. 

Jarod, Broots, Timmy, Bobby, and Kyle had planned to go to Vegas for spring break.  It would be just the guys.  Before he left for the airport Jarod asked her if she wanted him to come with her.  Of course, she said no, saying he needed to spend some time with the guys for a change.  When the car pulled away from the curb, he knew he should’ve listened to his instincts and went with her instead of going to Vegas.  When they got into their hotel rooms, the phone started to ring.  Since Bobby was the closest he picked it up. 

While the other three unpacked their bags and suitcases, Jarod watched Bobby intently.  The huge grin that was once on Bobby’s face quickly vanished as he listened to the news on the other end.  A few seconds later, Bobby dropped the phone as he sat down on the bed, shocked by what he heard.

Jarod quickly rushed over an asked, “Bobby what’s wrong?  Did something bad happen?”  Of course, Jarod knew the answer to his questions when Bobby stared up at him with tear filled eyes.

“She…she’s dead Jarod,” Bobby stated sadly as a few tears ran down his cheeks. 

Jarod sat down on the bed across from him, trying to comprehend his words.  “Who’s dead, Bobby?”

Jarod watched as Bobby quickly shook his head from side to side, trying to gather his composure, but it seemed to be useless, as more tears fell down his face.  “I need some air, some space.”  Before Jarod could get any more answers, Bobby quickly shot up and ran out the door. 

Hearing a sound come from the telephone, Jarod quickly signaled the other guys to go after Bobby.  Picking up the receiver he took a deep breath an asked, “Hello?”  No answer.  He could only hear low muffled cries coming from the other end.  Feeling fear creeping through his body, he gripped the phone more tightly.            

“Who’s there?  What the hell is going on?”  Still no answer.  Becoming frustrated he shouted into the phone, “Damnit, answer me!”

“Jarod…”  The voice was low, barely audible, but there was no mistaken it.  It was Parker.

All the air in Jarod’s lungs escaped his body.  “What happened?” he asked with concern.

There was a long pause before she answered.  “She…she’s dead,” she replied hoarsely through the tears.

Jarod’s breath caught in his throat. “Who’s dead?” he asked with fear.

“My mother, Jarod.  She’s dead.  I…I found her in bed.  I thought she was sleeping, but as I got closer I saw the empty pill bottle clutched in her hand.”  She stopped as she started sobbing into the phone.

He was at a loss for words.  All Jarod could say was, “I’m sorry, Parker.  Is there anything I can do?”

“Ca…can you accompany Bobby home?  I don’t want him being by himself right now,” she asked softly.

“I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”  Getting up, he started pacing back and forth.  “What about you?  Is there someone there with you now?”

“My father is stuck in London right now, but he’s trying to get home.  I called Sydney.  He’s here with me.  He wanted to call Bobby and break the news to him, but I thought it would be better coming from me.”  There was a pause as she tried to keep the tears at bay.  “Jarod, what am I going to do without her?” she asked with a lost voice.

Jarod’s heart went out to her.  He would give anything to be with her right now and hold her in his arms, trying to take her pain away.  Taking a deep breath he replied, “I truly don’t know.  I couldn’t even imagine the pain you’re going through right now.  I know this might sound cliché, but time will ease the pain.”

“No amount of time will ease the pain that’s in my heart right now.  I feel like a part of me died with her.”  Jarod could hear her starting to weep again.  “Please, just come home.”  He was then greeted with a dial tone.  Pulling the phone from his ear, he put it back in its cradle.

Jarod still couldn’t believe all the people that came to the funeral.  Catherine Parker was truly a special person.  She touched so many lives.  Jarod never left Parker’s side during those three days of mourning.  How she found the strength to get through it, he would never know?  Hearing a knock on the door, Jarod was broken from his thoughts.  Looking in the mirror by the door, he checked his hair.  Satisfied with his appearance, he let out a deep breath and opened the door.

“What took you so long?  I was about to call out the cavalry for you,” said Parker playfully.

“I uh…um got held up on the phone.”  Reaching out, he grabbed the pizza box she was holding and stepped aside for her to come in.  Following her to the kitchen, he put the box down on the counter and got some plates out.

Opening up the refrigerator, she reached in and grabbed two bottles of beer.  Handing one to Jarod, she jumped up on the counter across from him.  “So, who were you talking with?” she asked curiously.

Jarod could feel his cheeks becoming flushed.  Feeling embarrassed, he turned around and started cutting the pizza.  “No one you would know,” he lied.  Jarod regretted it once the words came out of his mouth.  He knew Parker wouldn’t drop it.  Curiosity always got the best of her.

Turning back around, he found a mischievous smile grace her lips.  “Hmm, Jarod being tight lipped about a phone call.  Was it someone of the opposite sex you were talking too?” she teased.

“Why can’t you drop it, Parker,” he whined, as he took their plates and walked over to the couch.  Setting the plates down on the table, he reached for the remote and turned on the television set. 

Parker sat down beside him, snatching the remote from him.  Pushing the mute button, she set the remote back down on the table.  With more seriousness she asked, “Really Jarod, who were you talking too?”

Jarod let out an exasperated sigh.  “It’s no one you would know.”

Parker leaned back into the couch, taking a sip of her beer.  “Ah, so it’s a mystery woman.  You must really like her if you’re not talking to me about her.”

Jarod didn’t answer her. Leaning forward, he started eating his pizza.  There were so many things he wanted to tell her, but he just couldn’t seem to get the words out. 

“So, who is she?” she asked.

Jarod smiled to himself.  If he weren’t mistaken, she sounded somewhat jealous.  Turning around, he looked at her.  “Why Miss Parker, you sound somewhat jealous,” he replied with a mock southern accent.

Parker just rolled her eyes at him.  “Please, what do I have to be jealous about?  I need to know who she is so I can warn her about you.”

Laughing, Jarod leaned back in the couch.  “And what would you tell this mystery woman?”

Turning sideways, Parker rested her arm on the back of the couch, with her head on her hand.  “Well, I’ll tell her how you like to call people at ungodly hours just to tease them and make their lives miserable.  My, won’t she love hearing that,” she said jokingly.

Jarod feigned shock.  “What?  You mean you don’t like hearing the sound of my voice late at night?”

Parker started laughing.  “What’s there to like?  Besides, who wants to go out with you?”

“Hey, I’m a pretty good catch.  Women think I’m quite a stud,” he replied playfully.

“Were these women intoxicated when they told you this?”

Jarod joined in with her laughter.  “Well, maybe some.”

Shaking her head, Parker got up.  “You’re hopeless, Jarod.”  Turning around she headed back into the kitchen.

Watching her retreating form, Jarod commented to himself, “Yeah, I’m hopeless, hopelessly in love with you.”  He wanted to tell her how he felt about her, but the words always seemed to get caught in his throat.  Looking back up, he saw her walking out of the kitchen with some napkins in her hands.  Handing one to him, she sat back down on the seat she vacated.

“So, what movies did you rent?”

The movies.  He forgot to get those.  “Uh, you’re not going to believe this, but I forgot to stop at the video store,” he answered with embarrassment.

Parker gave him a strange look.  “Hell must’ve frozen over, Jarod.  You never forget anything.”  Grabbing a slice of pizza, she took a bite.  “You must be head over heels for this mystery woman.”

Running his hand through his hair, he muttered under his breath, “You have no idea.”

“Hmm?”

“Oh, uh nothing.”  Standing up, he grabbed his car keys.  “I can still get the movies, if you want?”

Parker gave him a reassuring smile.  “Jarod, it’s okay.  Besides, the weather is starting to get real bad outside.  While driving over here, they said the county was under a winter storm warning.  They’re predicting freezing rain, sleet, and a foot of snow by daybreak.  There’s no point in risking your neck for a couple of movies.”

Jarod walked over to the window to look outside.  He could see the snow coming down in such intensity, that it was almost blinding.  Letting his gaze fall back on Parker he commented, “Maybe you’re right.”

“Well duh.  Of course I’m always right.  Haven’t you learned that by now,” she said teasingly.  “Why don’t we just relax and watch some TV.”

Letting out a soft chuckle, Jarod walked back over and plopped down on the couch next to her.  Reaching for the remote, he channel surfed through the channels.  Once he found a show, he leaned back into the cushions, throwing the remote on the table.  He let out a soft gasp when Parker snuggled up to him, draping her left arm around his waist, while resting her head in the crook of his neck. 

“Jarod?”

“Yeah,” he answered softly.

“I’m glad we’re spending Valentine’s Day together.  I’m sure you would rather be spending the day with your mystery woman instead of me.”  Looking up at him with tear filled eyes she said, “I just want to say thank you for being here for me this past year.  I know I don’t say it enough, but you’re a true friend and a special guy.  Any girl would be lucky to have you as a boyfriend.”  Resting her head on his chest she continued, “Jarod, if you really like this girl you should tell her, because if you don’t, you’ll regret it the rest of your life.”

Jarod looked down at this beautiful, amazing woman sitting beside him.  In his heart, he knew she was the only woman for him.  This was the woman he was going to marry and have children with.  This was the only woman he ever wanted to call his wife and grow old with.  The realization hit him like a semi truck.  Seeing a stray tear run down her cheek, he wiped it away with his thumb.  Lifting up his arm, he wrapped it around her shoulders, pulling her more closely to him.  Bending his head down, he placed a gentle kiss on top of her head.  “Parker, I…I don’t…know how to say this.”  Jarod stopped because he felt like an idiot.  He couldn’t put a coherent sentence together.

Parker looked back up at him.  “Say what?”

Jarod could feel his heart beating faster.  Just say it you idiot, he thought to himself.  “I l…lo…I l…like that shirt your wearing,” he said rapidly.

Parker gave him a strange look.  “Uh, thank you, Jarod.  I think,” she replied with confusion.

Why did he say that?  God, he was such an idiot.  How hard was it to say ‘I love you.’  A five year old would sound better than he just did.  Getting up quickly, he headed straight for the bathroom.  Closing his eyes, he pounded the palm of his hand against his forehead while saying, “Stupid, stupid, stupid.”  Putting the toilet seat down, he sat down, covering his face with his hands.

He’d run this scenario so many times in his head, yet why couldn’t he do it?  He knew the reason why, because he was afraid of being rejected.  It was such a scary step.  Once he uttered those three words, everything would change between them.  What happens if for some reason it didn’t work out, would they still be friends?  That was his biggest fear, losing her forever.  Never having her in his life again scared him shitless.  Standing back up on wobbly legs, he made up his mind.  Taking a deep breath, he opened up the door.  He took a step back, not expecting Parker to be standing there.

“Jarod, are you okay?’ she asked with worry.  “You don’t look to good.”

Jarod meekly nodded at her.  “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” he answered softly.

Parker stared at him a few more seconds before turning back around and grabbing her coat.

“Why are you leaving for?” he asked.

“Jarod, you’re sick.  You need to get some rest.”  Grabbing his elbow she steered him to the couch.  “Now lie down and get some sleep.”

“No.”

Parker gave him an annoyed look as she tried to push him down on the couch, but he wouldn’t budge.  “Why do you have to be so damn stubborn for?”

“Parker, I’m not sick.  I’m nervous and scared right now,” he replied, as he held her hands in his.

Still keeping her eyes on him, she sat down beside him, with their hands entangled together.  “Jarod, you’re scaring me.  Tell me what’s wrong?”

Jarod looked down at their hands than back up to her face.  “I’m sorry.  I don’t mean to scare you; it’s just that there is something I need to say to you.” 

“Is it good news or bad news?” she asked with dread.

Jarod smiled at her.  “I don’t know about you, but I consider it good news.”  This was it.  Taking a deep breath, he looked straight into her eyes.  “Parker, I…I love you.”

Parker let out a sigh of relief.  “I love you too, Jarod, but why are you acting like a goofball for.”

Jarod shook his head.  “No, you don’t understand.  I’m in love with you.”  Parker gave him a gaping look, eyes wide with shock.  Becoming uncomfortable with the silence, Jarod chimed in, “Parker, I don’t mean to be pushy, but please say something.  I mean, if you…”  Parker hushed Jarod, as she laid her fingers on his lips.  Looking up into her beautiful blue eyes, he could see her eyes becoming watery with silent tears.  Now he was starting to feel guilty.  The last thing he wanted to do was make her cry.

“Jarod…”  More tears came out of her eyes.  Trying to shake the tears away, she got up and stood in front of the window, looking out at the winter wonderland that now covered everything in a blanket of white.  Crossing her arms in front of her she said, “Jarod, you don’t know what you’re saying.”

Jarod got up and stood behind her.  “I do know what I’m saying.  I do, with all my heart, love you.  This is no joke.  You’ve seen the way I’ve been acting lately.  Every time I’m around you my heart starts beating faster, my palms become sweaty, I get butterflies in my stomach, or my mouth becomes dry.  I see your face wherever I go.  Please, look at me,” he pleaded.

Parker slowly turned around with her head hung low.  Taking a deep breath, Jarod lifted her chin up, and cupped her face in his hands.  “If you don’t feel the same way I do, I’ll understand, but this was something I had to say to you.   I couldn’t sit on the sidelines an always wonder what could’ve been.  However, always remember this, no matter what you say right now, I’ll always be there for you,” he said gently.  “If you want to stay friends, I’ll understand.  It may be hard for me at the beginning, but I’ll just have to try my best.  I just don’t want to lose you over this.”

He watched as Parker closed her eyes, and rested her hands on top of his.  Gaining some composure back, she opened up her eyes again.  Pulling her left hand away from atop of his, she cupped the side of his face, looking into his eyes adorningly.  “Jarod, I do love you, with all my heart and soul,” she replied in a low whisper.  “This is such a huge turning point for us.  If we do this, everything will change for us.  There’s no going back to what we use to be?”

“I know.  I’m scared too, but we can’t deny what’s in our hearts.”

Parker couldn’t stop the grin that slowly came upon her face.  Wrapping her arms around his neck she commented, “Are you sure you’re man enough to deal with the likes of me?  Just to let you know, I’m not a pretty sight in the mornings.”

Jarod smiled down at her, wrapping his arms around her waist.  “I think I’m up for the challenge.”

“Well, actions speak louder than words,” she challenged.  Pulling his face down to hers she kissed him for the second time in their lives.  When they pulled back for air, she turned around in Jarod’s arms and stared out the window, resting her head on his chest.

With his arms wrapped around her, he rested his chin on her shoulder.  Whispering in her ear he said, “This is where we belong, in each others arms.”

XXXXXXX

“What happened after that?” asked Miss Parker.

Broots smiled at her.  “Well, I got stuck at Timmy’s place due to the snowstorm.  When I came back the next day, I found the both of you on the couch sleeping.  The TV was still on so I assumed you two fell asleep in each other’s arms.  I don’t think any hanky panky went on that night.”

Miss Parker felt her cheeks becoming flushed.  She would’ve never dreamed of having this kind of conversation with Broots.  Taking a sip of her coffee she asked, “So, tell me about everyone else.

After two hours of talking with Broots, they headed back home.  She still couldn’t believe what she heard.  Sydney was a good friend of her mother’s.  They met each other at the hospital Jacob worked at in Blue Cove.  Her mother was one of the volunteers that helped out, while Jacob was a psychologist who worked there.  Sydney and Catherine met on one of the elevators when Syd went to go visit Jacob.  As for Sydney, he was a psychology professor at the University of Maryland, and was married to Michelle.   They had one child named Nicholas, who was expecting his first child any day now.  Both Sydney and Michelle lived near the campus of Maryland, but Broots said every now and then they always come to visit Jarod and her.  Most times, it was just Sydney who visited.

As for Sam, he was married and had two sons.  He was the police chief of the Blue Cove police force.  Broots told her that one of his sons was Josh and Sarah’s age, while the other one was nineteen.  Broots told her that the oldest one was in the marines, who were sent out to Afghanistan only two months ago.  Broots said that Sam and his wife had been very worried about him because they hadn’t heard anything from him in the past month.  Now, with tensions heating up in Iraq, Sam was afraid they might send him there to fight.

As for Broots and Angelo, or Timmy as he was known here, they met her and Jarod their freshmen year at college.  However, Timmy was not the same person as he was in college.

A couple of weeks before Brandon was born; Timmy was in a car accident, along with Kyle and Lyle, or Robert, as he was known here.  All three of them went up to Sydney’s cabin to go fishing for the weekend.  Before coming home, they had been drinking.  Thinking he could handle driving, Robert got behind the wheel, it would be a mistake that would haunt him the rest of his life.

Coming around a curve to fast, Robert lost control and rolled down an embankment.  Timmy suffered severe head trauma.  There was nothing the doctors could do to reverse his condition.  For the past ten years, Timmy has been living at a mental care facility.

As for Kyle, the news was more tragic.  Since he didn’t have his seatbelt on, he flew through the windshield, killing him instantly.  Broots told her that till this day, Robert and Jarod have never mended their friendship.  Both Jarod and Emily still blamed Robert for their brother’s death.  It seemed history had a sick way of repeating itself in this life also.

As for her brother, Broots told her that Robert was engaged to Jarod’s sister, Emily, but she broke it off after the car accident.  Broots told her that Robert was somewhat lucky; the only thing he lost in the accident was his left thumb, which got severed off.  What shocked her the most was Robert’s profession.  She would’ve never guessed that in a million years for her brother.

When Broots pulled into his driveway she thanked him for taking the time to explain things to her.  “Broots, why don’t you come over with me?” she suggested.

“I can’t.  I have to take Debbie over to her mother’s house for the weekend, but thanks for the offer.”  He paused, looking at her house across the street.  “Listen, I know you’re scared when it comes to your kids, but in their eyes you can’t do anything wrong.  They’ll love you no matter what.”

“I hope you’re right, Broots,” she sighed.  Glancing over at him she asked, “Tell me a little about them.”

“Well, the twins are juniors in high school, right along with Debbie.  Brandon is ten, and in the fifth grade.  I will say this; all three of your kids are exceptionally smart.  Sarah has the highest GPA in her class, followed closely by her brother.  They could’ve moved up a couple of grades, but Jarod and you decided to have them stay with kids their own age.

As for Josh, he’s the star quarterback on his football team.  He already has scouts looking at him.  He’s a very serious boy.  I don’t know, maybe he suffers from that older child mentality, always having to set a good example for people younger than him.  But, he’s a good kid.  Very responsible, has a good head on his shoulders.  Family is the most important thing to him, so he’s very protective, especially with Jarod gone.  With his absence, I believe he feels he has to be the man of the house, and look out for all of you.  As for Brandon, he follows him wherever he goes, always looking up to him.

Sarah is your wild child I guess you can say.  She has a mouth on her and will speak her mind.  You two were very close until the separation.  In a way she felt that you gave up on Jarod, when you sided with your father.”

“My father?  What does he have to with this?” she asked.

“I don’t really know all the details.  I think it’s better if you talk with Jarod.  As for Brandon, he’s completely different from the other two.  He’s very quiet and soft spoken.  The kids around here like to pick on him because he’s the smartest kid in the class, plus one of the smallest.  It’s sad because he’s a really good kid.  The kids at school like to call him a momma’s boy, because whenever he’s about to get pounded on you’re right there to stop it.  Out of all your kids, you seem to worry about him the most.”

Parker leaned on the car, closing her eyes.  How was she going to be a mother to these three kids?  She could barely take care of herself.  Pushing herself off the car, she took a deep breath and walked across the street to her house.  Before she made it to her house she heard Broots yell out, “Can you tell Debbie to come home?”  Waving her hand to him, she walked up to the house.

When she got on the porch she could hear the TV blaring from one of the rooms.  Stepping aside, she looked through the window.  Staring into the living room she found Brandon lying on his stomach with his head propped up on his elbows, watching a cartoon on TV.  Over in the corner she saw Sarah sitting on a plush chair, talking on the telephone with her legs dangling over the armrest.  She watched as Sarah laughed into the phone while twirling her hair with her finger.  She was obviously talking to a boy.  ‘Great, that’s just what I need, a boy crazed daughter,’ she thought to herself.  She just prayed she had a talk with her about the birds and the bees.  That was a talk she just wasn’t looking forward to right now.

Deciding to have a look around the house, she climbed off the porch and walked to the back.  Stopping by one of the kitchen windows, she found Debbie and Josh goofing around in the kitchen, while doing dishes.  She watched as Josh took some suds out of the sink, flinging them at Debbie.  Of course, Debbie retaliated by doing the same thing.  Both seemed to be having the time of their lives.  Letting out a heavy sigh, she repeated to herself, “I can do this, I can do this.”  Opening up the door, she realized she was no longer a single woman, but a family woman now.

XXXXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer:  In first chapter.

Chapter 6

“Mom, you’re home!” came an excited voice from behind her as she closed the door.  Turning around, she saw Brandon running too her.  Seconds later, he crashed into her, wrapping his tiny arms around her, burying his face in her waist.  Miss Parker didn’t know what to do as her hands hung limply on the side.  This whole mothering thing was very new to her.  However, when Brandon looked up at her with an adorable smile on his face, she couldn’t stop herself from embracing him back, placing a kiss on top of his head.

“Hey Mom,” Josh called out from the kitchen as he dried his hands off with a dishtowel. 

“Hi Mrs. Hunter,” said Debbie, standing beside Josh.

Miss Parker glanced over at Debbie.  “Mrs. Hunter?”

“Oh, I’m sorry.  I forgot about that.”  She stopped, knocking her palm to the side of her head, as if knocking some sense back into her.  “What I meant to say was…”

Miss Parker smiled at the girl.  “It’s okay, Debbie.”  She couldn’t help but smile at the irony of the name.  ‘So, Jarod’s last name was Hunter,’ she thought to herself.  

Seeing movement coming from the corner of her eye, she saw Sarah come walking in with an empty glass.  However, compared to her other two children Sarah just ignored her presence. 

“Sarah look, mom’s home,” commented a happy Brandon.

Sarah stopped mid stride and looked at Miss Parker.  Looking her up and down she said non-chalantly, “So what?”  Shrugging her shoulders, she went into the kitchen.

Debbie gave Sarah an incredulous look.  “Sarah!” she chided.

Coming back out of the kitchen, Sarah looked at Debbie.  “What?”

Josh chimed in, taking a step closer to Sarah.  “You know what, you’re some piece of work.  I’m so sick and tired of this selfish brat routine you’ve got going,” he said with disgust.

Not backing down, Sarah took a step closer to her twin, anger burning in her brown eyes.  “Josh, get off of your high horse and get a life.  You’re not Dad, so stop trying to take his place.  As for her,” she paused, pointing at Miss Parker, “she got what she deserved,” she spat out.

“Sarah, you don’t mean that,” commented Debbie.

Sarah turned on Debbie.  “Yes, yes I do,” she replied harshly.  “Now, if you excuse me, I’m going out tonight.”  She was about to leave when Josh grabbed her arm.

“Who you going out with?” he demanded.

Tearing her arm away from his grasp she said, “None of your damn business.”

Josh turned from his sister to his mother.  “Mom, you can’t let her go out with him,” he pleaded.

“Who?” was all Miss Parker could ask.  She had no idea who they were talking about.

“Brad, that college frat guy,” answered Josh.  Looking back at Sarah he continued, “You know he only wants one thing from you, and once he gets it, he’ll throw you back onto the street as if you were yesterday’s garbage.”

Sarah glared at her brother.  “You don’t know what you’re talking about.  You haven’t even met him.  How would you know how he’s like?”

“Let’s just say I’ve heard the rumors about him.”

Sarah let out an exasperated sigh as she turned around, and walked towards the living room, unfortunately Josh blocked her way.  “Josh, get out of my way,” she growled out.

“No,” he simply said.

Sarah looked back at her Mom.  “Tell him to get out of my way,” she said calmly.

Miss Parker could already feel a headache coming on.  Pinching the bridge of her nose, she closed her eyes.  Looking back up she said, “Sarah, maybe it’s best if you stay in tonight.  Besides, I would like to talk to you.”

Miss Parker could see the rage blazing in her eyes.  “I can’t believe this!  You always take his side over mine.  I’m so sick of everyone treating Josh as if he’s the greatest thing that ever walked the earth.  It’s bad enough that Grandpa Parker treats him like God, but you…” she was so angry, she couldn’t even finish the sentence.

“I’m not taking sides,” Miss Parker said defensively as she walked over to Sarah, putting a hand on her shoulder.  Her hand didn’t rest long as Sarah swatted it away.

“No, don’t touch me.  I’m so sick of this family.  I’m so sick of YOU!  I hate you! I wish you weren’t even my mother!  I wish Zoe was my mother!” she shouted as she ran past Josh and her mother, going up to her room.  Seconds later, they were greeted with the sound of a door slamming.

Feeling uncomfortable Debbie said, “I…I better get going.”  With that, she quickly scurried to the door, letting herself out.

Josh looked at his mother and could see the hurt in her eyes.  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause such a huge fight between the two of you,” he said with remorse.  “I just don’t want to see Sarah get hurt by this guy.  I thought I was doing the right thing.”

Reaching up, Miss Parker patted his shoulder.  “It’s okay.  I’m glad you said something.  She shouldn’t be dating someone from college.  She’s way to young for that.”  Giving him a weak smile she pulled her hand away.  “Does Jarod know about her and this guy?” she asked.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know.”

Letting out a tired sigh, Miss Parker walked over to the stairs and climbed them.  When she reached the second floor she found Sarah’s room easily, since it was the only door closed.  Walking over, she stopped in front of it.  She was about to open the door, but stopped herself.  She couldn’t just barge into her room.  Taking her hand away from the doorknob, she lightly knocked on the door.  “Sarah, can I come in?” she said gently.

“Go away!” the girl yelled back.

Feeling her irritation starting to build, she said with a firmer voice, “Sarah, open up the door.”

“Are you deaf?  Didn’t you just hear me?  I said go away!” she yelled more harshly.

‘That’s it,’ Miss Parker thought to herself.  She was tired of playing nice.  Reaching for the doorknob, she turned it, trying to let herself in, however the door wouldn’t budge since it was locked.  “Young lady, open this door right now!” she demanded.

“No,” answered Sarah.  A few seconds later, Miss Parker heard the stereo blasting at a high volume.

“What a pain in the ass,” she mumbled to herself.  Deciding to let Sarah calm down for a while, she decided to go back downstairs. 

Meanwhile in Sarah’s room, she waited ten minutes before she called Brad.  Picking up her cell phone, she dialed his number.  After the third ring he answered the phone, “Yeah.”

“Hi, it’s me,” she whispered into the phone as she walked over to the window.

“Hey there,” he replied back in low husky voice.  “I know I’m running late, but I haven’t forgot about you.  I’m on my way even as we speak.”

Sarah smiled.  “I’m not worried about that, it’s just that I need you to park at the end of my street.”

“Why all the secrecy?  You’re not ashamed of me, are you?” Brad asked light heartily.

Sarah shook her head.  “No, it’s not that.  My Mom found out about you, courtesy of my holier than thou brother,” she bit out sarcastically.  “But don’t worry.  I’m still going out with you tonight.  I won’t let my mother run my life.”

“Alright baby, whatever you say.  I should be there in five minutes.  Bye.” 

Sarah heard the dial tone come over the phone.  Turning off her cell phone, she threw it in her purse.  Wrapping her purse securely around her, she opened up her window and climbed down to the ground.  Taking one last glance at the house she said to herself, “They won’t keep me away from you, Brad.  My mother doesn’t know you like I do.  I know you would never lie to me.”  Turning on her heels, she bolted down the street.

When she reached the end of the street, she found Brad’s car waiting by the curb.  Grinning to herself, she ran over to the car and threw the door open.  Once she closed the door, she leaned over and kissed Brad on the lips.  When she opened her eyes, she found Brad staring at her adorningly.  Giving her a devilish grin he commented, “Let’s have a little fun of our own tonight.”  With that, he put the car in drive and sped down the street into the dark filled night.

XXXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer: In first chapter.

Chapter 10

When Josh walked out the door, Sarah turned on her heels and ran up the steps to her room.  She ignored her father’s voice as she slammed the door.  Feeling exhaustion taking over, she leaned against the door and slowly slid down, becoming a tumbled heap on the floor. 

God, why did she have to say those awful things to her mother?  Even she knew it was a cheap shot, but she couldn’t stop herself.  It hurt when her mother called her stupid, especially right in front of her brother and father.  It was so embarrassing.  Feeling self preservation kicking in, she felt it was only right to return some of that hurt back, only ten times worse, and what better way than by blaming her mother for her grandmother’s suicide. Feeling disgusted with herself, she was becoming the one person she despised the most, Grandpa Parker.

Her and her grandfather always had a love/hate relationship, which was now starting to turn into a hate/hate relationship, especially since her parents divorce.  He was the reason for her parent’s recent predicament.  Her father tried to turn a deaf ear to the old man, but eventually her father had enough of his constant put downs and lies. 

A month before her parents separated, her grandfather paid them a late night visit.  Curiosity getting the best of her, she got out of bed and snuck out to the top of the steps to eavesdrop.  She could hear them arguing downstairs, but she had a hard time deciphering their words since they were in the study.  Just when she took a step down the stairs, she heard the door slam open.  Seconds later, her grandfather stormed out of the house, anger radiating from him.  She could still hear the tires squealing as her parents walked out into the foyer.  Afraid she might be caught snooping, she stepped back into the shadows to listen.

“See, what did I tell you?  I knew this new evidence about Catherine’s death would spook him.  Your father is definitely hiding something, that’s for sure,” said Jarod.

Folding her arms across her chest, Parker glared at him.  “I know what you’re thinking Jarod, so stop it.  Why can’t you let my mother rest in peace?”

Jarod took a step back, putting his hands on his hips as he gave her an incredulous look.  “I can’t believe this.  After everything I’ve showed you, you still believe him?”

Parker started pacing back and forth as she rubbed the back of her neck.  “Jarod, even I know this new evidence won’t hold up in court.  It’s circumstantial.”  Looking over at the stairs she said, “I’m going to bed.”   With that, she climbed the stairs.

The next morning when Sarah woke up, she found a pillow and blanket neatly folded on the couch.  Obviously, her father slept there that night.  When they sat at the table for breakfast, neither of her parents said a word to each other.  Even when they went to work they didn’t say good-bye or kiss each other like they usually did, so she knew whatever happened the night before was bad.

Whenever Sarah asked about this new evidence her father had, he would remain tight lipped about it, saying he had no idea what she was talking about.  Of course, she knew he was lying.  What was her father trying to protect her and her brothers from?  Hearing a knock on the door broke her from her thoughts.

“Sarah?”

Quickly getting up, Sarah grabbed a few tissues to wipe off some of the tear stained makeup from her face.  “Just a minute.”  Satisfied with her appearance, she walked over to the door and let her father inside.  While her father sat down in her desk chair, she went over to the bay window to sit.  Grabbing a small pillow, she held it to her chest as she stared up into the night sky.

She could hear her father clearing his throat as he started.  “Sarah, what you said downstairs was uncalled for.”

Looking down at her hands she replied softly, “I know.”  Looking over at her father she could see he was somewhat stunned by her words.  He must’ve been expecting her to be defensive.

Resting his elbows on his knees, he leaned forward clasping his hands together as he asked, “Then why did you say it?”

“Dad, she’s not the only one that got hurt.  Do you know what it’s like having your mother calling you stupid in front of everyone?”  She paused, then continued, “Well, it doesn’t feel all that great.”

Letting out a heavy sigh, Jarod leaned back against the chair.  Looking up at the ceiling he commented, “Women.”  Shaking his head, he let his gaze fall back on his daughter.  “Sarah, you know your mother didn’t mean it.  She was angry and caught up in the moment.  I know that’s no excuse, but you have to give your mother a break.”

Sarah’s eyes got wider.  “Are you kidding?  What about me?  You know, my life isn’t all that glamorous right now either.”

“Sarah, stop playing the victim in all of this,” Jarod said evenly.  “With the divorce, her father, and now this amnesia, your mother has a lot on her plate right now, and the last thing she needs is you starting trouble with her.” 

Crossing her arms she commented, “Whatever.”  Meeting her father’s eyes she asked, “Are we done?”

“No, we’re not.”

“Great, just what I need, another lecture on why I’m the bad seed,” she commented sarcastically.

Becoming frustrated, Jarod bolted up from his chair, and briskly walked over to Sarah.  Standing in front of her, he pointed his finger at her and said, “Young lady, don’t use that tone with me.  Always remember, I’m your father and I deserve respect, got it?”  When Sarah meekly nodded to him he continued, “Now, you’re going to apologize to your mother when she comes back in.  As for your punishment, you’re grounded for two weeks.  No television, no phone, and no internet.  Plus, you’ll have extra chores to do around the house.”

“What!  Are you crazy?  That’s so unfair.  I…”

Jarod interrupted her.  “Fair?  You want to talk about fair?  Well, do you think it’s fair that we’ve been out all night searching for you?  Having no clue as to where you might be.  Having to make arrangements for your brother Brandon.  Do you know how worried we were about you?”

“I…I,” was all Sarah could mumble out, as her eyes burned with unshed tears.

Jarod’s face softened a bit.  “Listen Sarah, I know I may be coming off harsh, but it’s only because I love you so much.  You’re our child, a precious asset that can never be replaced.  I just hate seeing you throwing your life away for this boy.  I know he’s not right for you.”  Taking a seat beside her he asked, “Why are you dating him?”

“Dad,” she sighed.  “I know you mean well, but I don’t feel comfortable talking about this with you.”

“Well, do you feel more comfortable talking with your mother about…”

“No,” she interjected.  “She’s the last person I want to speak to right now.”  Leaning her head against the window she said gently, “Dad, I just want to be by myself right now.”

She could see the hesitancy in her father as he contemplated her words.   “Okay,” he whispered out.  “We’ll continue this tomorrow since it’s getting late.”  With reluctance, he finally stood up.  Leaning down, he kissed her on the forehead.  “Get some sleep.”  With that, he walked out of the room closing the door behind him.

Throwing the pillow aside, she got up and changed into her pajamas.  Once she was done, she pulled down the covers and got into bed.  Turning on her side, her eyes fell onto a picture of her and her mother from a year ago during Thanksgiving.  They looked so happy, what happened to change all that?  Reaching out her hand, she ran her fingers down her mother’s face and whispered out, “I’m sorry.”

XXXXXXX

“Mom?” called out Josh.  “Mom, where are you?”  Hearing no answer, he walked over to his car, grabbing a flashlight out of the glove compartment.  Making his way through the backyard, he headed towards the woods on the other side of the creek.  He had a feeling he knew where she was.  Crossing the bridge, he turned on the flashlight following the path to the lake. 

After fifteen minutes of walking he reached the clearing.  Scanning the area with his flashlight he found her sitting on a log, staring off into the distance.  Keeping the light on the ground, he jogged over to her.  “Mom, are you all right?”

He watched as she turned her head away, wiping away the few remaining tears from her face.  Taking in a shaky breath she replied, “I’m fine.”  Looking over at him she commented,  “You shouldn’t be out here.”

Ignoring her comment, he took off his jacket and put it around her shoulders.  She was about to say something, but he cut her off.  “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.  Besides, I’m not going to sit back and watch you freeze to death.”  She gave him a weak smile as he sat down beside her.

“Thank you, Josh.”

“No problem.”  Both remained in silence as they stared out over the lake.  Feeling hunger starting to kick in, he reached into his pockets looking for his favorite candy.

“What are you looking for?” asked his mother.

“Some Pez.”

Looking over at his mom, he could see her smiling to herself as she rolled her eyes.  “Figures.  Like father, like son.”

“I’m nothing like him,” he said in disgust.  Feeling uncomfortable with his mother’s scrutiny, he let his gaze fall to the ground.

With a sympathetic voice, she replied, “It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”  She paused, an added, “You should be proud to call him your father.”

“Yeah right, some father,” he scoffed.  “What kind of man would give up on his family?”

Tilting her head, she looked at him thoughtfully.  “To tell you the truth, that’s what I’ve been wondering myself,” she pondered.  Glancing over at Josh she said, “One thing I do know about your father is that it has to be something big.  I know family is the most important thing to him.  Do you know what it is?”

“To tell you the truth, I really don’t know.  I always felt you guys were hiding something from us kids.”  Peeling his eyes away from the ground, he looked over at her.  “From what Sarah has told me, she thinks it has something to do with Grandma and Grandpa Parker.  She said something about new evidence coming up about Grandma’s death.  She’s tried to pry it out of the both of you, but everyone is closed mouthed about it, so I have no idea on what to believe anymore.”

He watched as his mother suddenly perked up.  Laying a hand on his arm she asked, “Does Jarod think that my mother was murdered?”

“I…I don’t know.  I mean, I’ve heard rumors around town.  People saying someone was running from the house when she died, but seeing no evidence, the cops wrote the story off, calling it hogwash.”

Letting out a defeated sigh, she let go of his arm, and tucked her hands into her pockets.  Seconds later, she pulled out a Pez dispenser; also tumbling out was Josh’s wallet.  Handing the dispenser to Josh, she picked up the wallet, perusing through the pictures.  She found pictures of Josh, Sarah, and Brandon from not long ago.  There was a picture of Emily and Sarah together.  One thing was for sure; Sarah bore a close resemblance to Emily.  The next picture she flipped over, she couldn’t stop the smile that graced her lips.  It was a picture of Debbie and Josh, smiling like goofballs at the camera.  Looking over at Josh she asked, “So tell me, are you and Debbie dating each other?”

She couldn’t stop the soft chuckle that came from her, as Josh’s eyes grew wide, while he coughed out some of the candy.  “What?” he choked out.

“You heard me.”

“Mom,” he whined.  “As I’ve said before, me and Debbie are just friends.  That’s it, nothing more and nothing less.”  Letting out a frustrated sigh, he commented to the dark night, “Man, why does everyone think we’re a couple?”

Raising an eyebrow she commented, “Bit defensive are we?”

He smiled at her.  “What is it with you and Sarah embarrassing me all the time about this?”  He popped another Pez into his mouth.  “Want one?” he offered her.

She grimaced at the candy.  “No thank you.  I’ve had enough of that candy to last me a lifetime.”

Josh shrugged his shoulders.  “Suit yourself.”  Glancing down at his mother’s hands, he saw her stop on the last picture in his wallet.  “You know, that’s probably my favorite picture of our family.”

“I’m pregnant in this,” she gasped.

Josh rolled his eyes at her playfully.  “Well duh?” he teased.

“Don’t be a smartass,” she answered back in the same tone.

“Well, I learn from the best,” he grinned at her.

Smiling to herself, she shook her head.  “I’m guessing you and Sarah had to be about five or six years old in this picture.”

“We were five.  It was Christmas Eve and you were six months pregnant with Brandon when this was taken.”  Glancing up into her eyes he said, “I guess you can say, this was our first family picture together with all of us, including Brandon.”  Seeing tears building up in her eyes he asked, “Mom, are you okay?  Did I say something wrong?”

She smiled at him.  “No, it’s not that, it’s just that…that…you know what, never mind.”  Handing his wallet to him she asked,  “Tell me about that night, there has to be a reason as to why it’s your favorite picture.”

Looking down at the picture he started, “Well, here goes…”

XXXXXXXX

Try as he might, he just couldn’t fall asleep.  He was too excited about Santa coming tonight, and dropping off their presents.  Josh looked out the window expecting any moment to see Santa and his reindeers, but they were still nowhere to be seen.  He did write a letter to Santa, hopefully he knew where his family lived.

Flopping on his back, he stared up at the ceiling, being extra quiet so he would be able to hear the reindeer landing on the rooftop.  The only noise that greeted him was silence.  Where was Santa?  As if on cue, his sister came busting through his bedroom door.  Running over to him, she climbed up on the bed and started jumping up and down.

“Sarah, be quiet.  You’re going to get us in trouble!” he whispered out in panic.

“He’s coming,” she replied with excitement.

Josh gave her a puzzled look.  “Who’s coming?”

“Well duh, stupid, who do you think?”  Reaching into her pocket, she brought out a small radio.  “Santa’s coming.  The radio man said he was just spotted at the airport.”

Josh stood up on his bed, eyes wide with excitement.  Grabbing the radio from his sister, he turned up the volume.

“Well kids, it looks like Santa is making his way into Delaware.  Looks like his next stops will be Wilmington, Dover, and Blue Cove,” said the disc jockey.  Clicking the radio off, he started jumping up and down on the bed with his sister.

“He’s coming, he’s coming,” Josh repeated with delight. 

“You know what?  We need to tell mom and dad.”  Before she could jump off the bed, Josh grabbed her arm.

“Wait; don’t you remember what they said?  They told us we had to stay in bed or else Santa wouldn’t come, “ he commented with a worried tone.

Sarah rolled her eyes at him, and then started tapping her chin with her index finger.  “How about this, we could sneak downstairs and hide before he gets here,” she suggested.  “You know, mom and dad don’t have to know.  Once we see him, we can sneak back upstairs as if nothing ever happened.” 

Josh gave her a hesitant look.  “I…I don’t know.  If we get caught, Santa might not give us presents this year.”

“Don’t be a baby,” she teased.  Reaching out, she grabbed his hand.  “Come on.”  With reluctance, he followed his sister out the door.  Out in the hallway, Sarah turned around, bringing her index finger up to her lips, signaling for him to be quiet.  After a minute of standing still, they slowly tiptoed their way down the carpeted hallway.

“Do you hear that?” asked Sarah, as she concentrated on listening.

“Hear what?”

“That.”  Turning back around, Sarah started down the steps.  When she was third of the way down she looked up to the top of the steps to find Josh frozen in place.  “What’s the matter?” she whispered out.

Being ever so cautious, he looked back over his shoulder.  “We shouldn’t be doing this.  We’re going to get in trouble.   I don’t want Santa to think I’m a bad kid.”  He paused an added, “I don’t want to be checked off his name list.”

“We won’t, long as we don’t get caught,” she reminded him.  Turning around, she headed down the stairs.  Looking back over his shoulder one last time, he let out a deep sigh and followed his sister down the stairs.

Once they reached the downstairs, they edged themselves over to the living room entranceway.  Knowing someone was in there, they stayed hidden behind the wall and listened.  They only thing they heard was some shuffling noises and the stereo playing.  Being the braver one out of the two, Sarah squatted down and peeked into the room.

The Christmas tree lights were still on, casting the room in a soft golden light.  Hearing a crackling sound, she could see the fireplace was lit up.  “Oh no,” she whispered to herself.

“What’s wrong?” Josh asked with concern.

Ducking behind the wall, she looked up at her brother.  “There’s a fire in the fireplace, how is Santa going to get down the chimney now?”

Standing beside his sister, he peeked in.  Sure enough, there was a fire burning.  “I don’t know,” he mumbled out.  Looking at his sister he asked, “If mom and dad are asleep, then why is the stereo still on?”  Before Sarah could answer, they heard laughter coming from the room.  Both craning their necks, they let their eyes roam around, trying to find the laughing source.  Seconds later, Josh found it.  It was their parents.  Acting on instinct, he took a step back, pulling his sister along with him.

“Hey! What are you doing?” she whispered out angrily.

He shook his left thumb towards the living room.  “Mom and dad are in there.  See, I told you this was a bad idea, now we’re going to get into trouble.”

He watched as a mischievous smile graced Sarah’s lips.  “Would you stop worrying.  If we were in trouble, they would already be out here by now.  Sheesh.”

Josh couldn’t help but feel anxious as he fidgeted on his feet.  They were going to get in so much trouble, and it was all because of Sarah.  Letting out a deep breath, he rested his hands on his knees as he stared back into the room

He couldn’t stop the grin that appeared on his face as he looked upon his parents.  He never knew two people who loved each other so much as they did at this very moment, slow dancing to a Christmas song.  It was the one with chestnuts roasting on an open fire.  He never could get the name of the song right, so he just called it the chestnut song.

Josh couldn’t help but be mesmerized by them as they swayed gracefully across the floor.  He watched as his dad bent down, whispering something in his mother’s ear.  Josh’s grin got bigger as his mother’s eyes lit up with delight; she let out a throaty laugh, and then playfully swatted him on the arm.  Shrugging his shoulders, his father slowly dipped his mother causing her to shriek.  Below him, Josh could hear Sarah giggling to herself.

“Sshh! Be quiet,” he scolded lightly.

“Shut up, you can’t boss me around,” she replied back, smacking him lightly on the leg.

“Ouch,” he growled out.  While rubbing his leg, he looked up to see if their parents knew they were out here.  Apparently, everything seemed to be okay because they were still dancing, gazing adorningly at each other.

“Hey Stupid, you’re in my space, scoot over,” commented Sarah with annoyance.

“Be quiet.”

Ignoring his sister’s protests, he continued to watch his parents as they wrapped themselves within each other.  His mother let out a contented sigh as she closed her eyes, resting her head on his father’s shoulder.  Dad held her more closely, nuzzling his face close to hers, closing his eyes as he basked in her warmth.  If someone asked him what love was, all he had to do was point his finger in the direction of his parents.  Their love was pure, trusting, undying, for all eternity.  His happiness was short lived as he [-premembered Debbie from a couple of days ago.

Debbie’s mother left her and her father in the middle of the night.  No good-bye.  Nothing.  While Mr. Broots went searching for his wife, Debbie stayed with them.  At night, he could hear her crying in the guest room, calling out for her mother, but her pleas went unanswered.  But, at least his mother was there to comfort her and wipe away the tears.  He couldn’t even imagine a life without his mom.  Just the thought of it sent a shiver down his spine.

When the song came to an end, his mother reached up, gently running the back of her hand down his father’s cheek.  Even from where he was standing, Josh could tell what his mother said to his father, “I love you, Jarod.”

Josh watched as his father leaned his face into his mother’s hand, reveling in her touch.  Opening his eyes, his father flashed her a warm smile.  Grabbing the hand that was now resting on his cheek, he brought it up to his lips; placing a gentle kiss on top of her fingers as he whispered the same words his mother said only moments before.  “I love you too, Parker.”  Jarod then went down on one knee, placing a kiss on Parker’s abdomen.  “I love you too, kiddo,” he mumbled against her swollen waist.

Josh let his eyes wonder up to his mother’s face.  He could see tears glistening in the soft light as his mother smiled down at his father.  Quickly standing back up, his Dad cupped his mother’s cheeks, and kissed her passionately.  Feeling embarrassed, he brought his right hand up, covering his eyes.  He shouldn’t be seeing this.  Keeping his eyes shielded, he looked down at his sister.  

Sarah wrinkled her nose in slight disgust.  “Eww, they’re kissing,” she whined.  “Gross.”

“Come on, let’s go.  With mom and dad down here, there’s no way we’re going to see Santa tonight.”

She sighed.  “I think you’re right, but just this one time,” she reminded him.  Standing back up, she dusted her knees off.  However, as she did this, she began backing up.  Josh’s eyes grew wide, preparing himself for the inevitable to happen.  “Sarah,” was all he could fumble out.

The warning came too late as Sarah backed up against the small table, knocking the candy bowl to the ground.  Both dived for it, trying to prevent it from making any noise, but to no avail.  The bowl fell to the ground, shattering into a hundred different pieces.  Seconds later, both of their parents were standing in front of them.

“She did it—“

“—he did it,” they both said in unison, as they pointed fingers at each other.  Josh closed his eyes, preparing himself for the scolding that was about to happen, but he was surprised when he heard his parents actually laughing.  Opening up his eyes again, he gave them bewildered looks.

His dad knelt down in front of him, ruffling his hair.  “What are we going to do with you two?” he asked jovially.  Opening up his arms he said, “Come here you two.  I don’t want you guys to cut your feet on the glass.”

His dad picked him and Sarah up as if they weighed nothing, and carried them into the living room, setting them down on the couch.  Turning back around, he walked over to his mother who had a broom and dustpan in her hand.  Reaching out, he took the items from her.  “Here let me.  Besides, Lucy and Ethel might need to be checked out to make sure there aren’t any hidden cuts on them.”

Once Josh and Sarah were checked out, his dad came in with a camera.  Holding it up in his hand he suggested, “You know what, I think it’s time for a new family picture.”  When Jarod was done setting up the camera, he quickly ran back to the couch, lifting Josh onto his lap.  As Parker pulled Sarah more closely to her, Jarod wrapped an arm around her shoulder.  “Say cheese.”

“Cheese.”  Seconds later, the light flashed.  Once his eyes readjusted, Josh looked over at his mom and sister.  Sarah let out a soft yawn as she closed her eyes, snuggling more closely to their mother.  Reaching across Sarah, his mother grabbed the blanket sitting beside her and draped it across them.  On the stereo he could hear a new song playing, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” 

Feeling exhausted himself; he closed his eyes, leaning back against his father’s chest.  A few moments later, he felt the blanket being draped over him also.  With drowsy eyes, he looked up at his mother’s smiling face.  “Merry Christmas, sweetie,” she whispered with warmth.

He gave her a sleepy smile.  “Merry Christmas…mom,” he yawned.  Losing his battle with Mr. Sandman, he closed his eyes and fell into a fitful sleep.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Josh stood up, digging his hands into his jean pockets as he stared out across the lake.  “I…it’s just a night I will never forget.”  He turned around, looking back at his mother.  “It felt like we were the only people left in the world.  I’ve never felt more loved, protected, and happy than I did that Christmas Eve.  It’s a memory I’ll always hold dear in my heart.”  He let out a soft chuckle.  “God, if my teammates ever found out I was talking like this…” he trailed off.

Miss Parker smiled at him.  “Josh, it’s suffice to say that I think your secret is safe with me,” she reassured him.

“Yeah, well…” Shrugging his shoulders, he bent down grabbing some rocks and pebbles.  Turning around, he threw his arm back, throwing the rock into the lake. 

As Josh continued to throw rocks, Miss Parker felt another jolt of pain in her abdomen.  The last thing she wanted to do was worry Josh.  Gritting her teeth, she closed her eyes, taking deep, calming breaths.  However, try as she might, the pain continued to grow.  Even though she was freezing, she could feel beads of sweat gathering on her forehead.

When Josh threw the last remaining rock he turned back around to find his mother doubled over.  Taking three long strides, he was by his mother’s side in an instant.  “Mom, are you okay?  What’s wrong?” he asked with panic.  The only answer he got in return was a painful moan.  Reaching up, he rested his hand on her forehead, checking her temperature.  “Mom, you’re burning up.”  He paused.  “Do you think you can walk, or do you want me to carry you back?  Maybe I should go get Dad.”

“I…I’m fine.  Just…a little…stomachache,” she said through clenched teeth.  Slowly, she got up, leaning on Josh for support.

“You haven’t taken your medication today have you?” he asked, as he wrapped an arm around his mother’s back, trying to help her anyway he can.

“Medication?”

“Yeah, for your ulcer, but how could you remember that with everything that’s happened today,” he answered in a sympathetic voice.  Josh knew he had to hurry.  He could already feel his mom becoming slack in his arms. 

“Josh, I…” she trailed off as she fell to the ground.

Josh knelt down beside her, patting her gently on the cheeks.  “Mom, wake up!  Come on mom, don’t do this now!” he cried out.  “Please, wake up!”  Panic setting in, he did the only thing he could, he screamed out to the darkened woods for help.

XXXXXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer: In first chapter.

Chapter 12

Hours later, Miss Parker slowly began to stir in bed. Opening up her eyes, she found the room to still be dark. Rolling on her side, she glanced over at the alarm clock. "8:02am," she muttered to herself. Flopping down on her back, she looked around the bedroom to find all the blinds and curtains shut. 'Hmm, that's odd, when did I do that?' she thought to herself. Shrugging off the memory lapse, she rolled over to the opposite end of the bed, lying on her stomach as she hugged the pillow underneath her head.

She wanted to go back to sleep, but her thoughts kept going back to the crazy dream she had about Jarod. The two of them married, having children, a dog, and a white picket fence was ridiculous. Why on God's green earth would she have a dream about sharing a family with Jarod of all people? It was just too preposterous.

Of course, Sydney would have a field day with this. She could just picture the wheels turning in that inquisitive little mind of his. Smirking to herself, she snuggled more deeply into the pillow, hoping that sleep wouldn't evade her.

Miss Parker was just on the brink of falling asleep when she heard a soft, rattling noise by the side of her bed. Remaining ever so quiet, she slowly let her right hand search under the pillow, hoping to find her trusty Smith & Wesson. However, it was nowhere to be found. Beside her, she could hear someone getting up and shuffling on his or her feet. Miss Parker could feel her heart pounding in her chest as the seconds slowly ticked by. What the hell were they doing? Waiting for the second coming.

Even though it was only seconds, it felt like an eternity for Miss Parker as she continued to play the waiting game with the intruder. After some time, the intruder made the first move as she felt the edge of the bed slightly dip. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt and heard the intruder sniffing around her face. 'What the hell is with this guy, is he some fetish freak?' she thought to herself. She then let out a startled gasp as she felt herself being licked on the face by the intruder. Not able to take anymore of this, her eyes flew open, ready to strike out at this whack job.

When she reached out to grab him, she was surprised by what she felt. Well the intruder, had a furry face and floppy ears, plus he had a real bad case of doggy breath. Reaching over to the lamp, she turned it on to find Buddy staring up at her. "What the hell?" she muttered to herself as she scrambled away from the dog. "No this can't be happening, it's just a dream, just a dream," she kept rambling as she fell over the edge of the bed, crashing onto the floor

Quickly standing up, she looked around the room, just now noticing that it was not hers, but someone else's. Glancing over at the dresser, she found a picture of Josh, Sarah, and Brandon. "No…" she trailed off as she brought a trembling hand up to her lips. "This isn't real," she kept repeating as she slowly backed away from the dresser. Just then, the bedroom door flew open. Startled, Miss Parker quickly whipped around to come face to face with a very worried Jarod.

"Are you okay? I heard a loud thump from downstairs," he asked.

"I…I'm fine," she replied as she ran her hands through her hair. "Well, besides the fact that I might be going crazy, I'm just peachy." Jarod didn't say anything, just stared at her with probing eyes, looking for something that only he knew. Feeling uncomfortable, Miss Parker wrapped her arms around herself as she walked over to one of the windows. Reaching out, she threw the curtains open, revealing the bright glare of the morning sun. Shielding her eyes with her right hand, she squinted down at the backyard, revealing the same lawn she ran through after the fight with Sarah.

She could hear Jarod taking a couple of steps towards her before stopping a few feet behind her. Clearing his throat he said gently, "I should've known this might happen. Confusion isn't uncommon with amnesia patients."

Miss Parker turned her head back, glaring at him. "How many times do I have to say it, I don't have amnesia," she snapped. Turning back around, she continued to gaze out the window as her thoughts wondered back to yesterday evening.

She remembered going to Lexington to capture Jarod, but of course, he ran off into the sunset. Once she got home and cleaned up, she went downstairs to get a drink, only to be surprised by a mouse scurrying across the floor. The next thing she remembered was spinning wildly as she fell down to the ground, then everything went black. That's it! Her mind screamed at her. Maybe this was some crazy Centre plot to make her go crazy. Who knows, maybe her sick freak of a brother was in charge of overseeing her demise in the Renewal Wing, taking delight in screwing up her mind. Turning around, she screamed out into the invisible air, "Wake up, Parker! Wake up now! Wake up, damn it!"

Jarod came to her instantly. As she continued to scream, Jarod gently grasped her shoulders and began shaking her, trying to get her attention. "Parker, it's okay, just listen to me." But Miss Parker ignored Jarod's words as she continued to scream out, hoping to somehow wake herself up. "Parker, you're becoming hysterical," Jarod shouted over her screams. He shook her shoulders more vigorously, but Miss Parker was stubborn as she continued to ignore his pleas.

Jarod knew he had to something to calm her down. Taking a deep breath, he wrapped his arms around her, saying soothing words as he tried to comfort her. "Everything is going to be okay. You're safe. You're not going crazy, you're brain is just having a hard time remembering things, but I know you'll remember."

"Let go of me!" she cried out as she struggled against him, trying to free herself from his strong arms. She could already feel the frustrated tears building in her eyes, but she had to remain strong. The last thing she wanted was to be weak in front of Jarod.

"No," he replied back in a simple manner as he held her more tightly. After a few more seconds of ceaseless struggling, Miss Parker finally stopped. When she stopped, Jarod didn't let go. He slowly rocked back and forth with her as he ran his right hand up and down her back, trying to reassure her that everything would be all right. Feeling her tears on his shirt he whispered to her, "I hope you let us help you. I know you're strong, vibrant, independent, and full of life, but you always have a tendency of keeping things to yourself. I just want you to know that me and the kids will be here to help you anyway we can."

Miss Parker just nodded against his chest as a few more tears ran down her cheeks. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, inhaling the smell of his aftershave. She always loved that smell, even though she would never admit that to anyone. Whenever Broots, Sydney, and she would show up late to one of Jarod's lairs, she was always blindsided by the smell of him that lingered in those places. They always brought her a strange sense of comfort, and now was no exception.

After a few more moments, Miss Parker finally extracted herself from Jarod's arms. Feeling embarrassed at showing her vulnerable side, she looked down at the ground as she twiddled with her fingers. Quickly tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, she muttered a passing, "Thank you." Turning on her heels, she walked briskly to the bathroom and closed the door. Once she was inside, she closed her eyes, letting out a heavy sigh as she leaned back against the door.

On the other side of the door, a small smile graced Jarod's lips. However, the smile was short lived as his thoughts went back to the threatening letters he received seven months ago. He had to protect her and the kids. They were his life. If anything bad should ever happen to them, he would never forgive himself.

XXXXXXXX

To Be Continued….

Disclaimer:  In first chapter

Chapter 15

She couldn’t believe it; here she was sitting at a high school football game with Jarod of all people, waiting to watch their eldest son play.  It just felt surreal to her.  With fifteen minutes left before the game started, Jarod and Brandon headed off down to the concession stand.  Sitting by herself, she looked down on the field to find Sarah and Debbie wearing matching jackets that said ‘stats’ on the back.  Miss Parker found out that morning that both girls were known as ‘stat girls’, which meant they kept stats for the football team.  Boy, did a lot of things happen this morning…

As she sat back down at the kitchen table, she listened intently as Jarod revealed more findings about her mother’s death.  Jarod told her about the rumors that circulated around town saying that Catherine was killed because of what she knew her husband did on the side to make more money.  But, she died before she told any authorities.  There was another rumor saying she had all this revealing evidence against Mr. Parker locked away somewhere that only she and someone else knew, but as to whom that other person was, it was still a mystery.  Of course, Miss Parker knew these rumors had to be true, now they both just needed to find them.

She listened more as Jarod told her about the contact he was suppose to meet on the pier, but whose life was cut tragically short.  When he mentioned one of the gunmen as Willie, she stiffened in her chair.  If Willie was involved, then that meant Mr. Raines wasn’t far behind.  Raines had to be the one that killed her mother.  And this time, she wouldn’t let the emphysema ghoul off so easily.  She would shoot first and ask questions later.

Maybe that was the kicker in this whole little charade of hers.  She had to avenge her mother’s death, see that the murderers are brought to justice so that she could somehow go back to her own world.  Watching Jarod gazing out the window, she couldn’t fight off the nagging feeling that there was something else he wasn’t telling her, but she decided to let it go, who knows, maybe paranoia was starting to take over her mind.

No sooner had they finished their little talk did Sarah and Josh come walking through the door, followed by Brandon and Lyle.  When Jarod saw her brother his jaw clenched as he got up to leave.   Before departing, he bent down by her ear whispering that he would be back around 4 o’clock to pick her for the game, and then gave her a quick peck on the cheek.  Watching his retreating form, she brought her hand up to her cheek, giving Jarod a stunned look.

As Josh sat the two boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts on the table, Brandon brought out a carton of chocolate milk to sit on the table.  Sarah meanwhile stood against the wall, picking at a doughnut in her hand, doing her best to avoid her mother’s eyes.  Clearing her throat, Sarah mumbled out, “So Mom, how…” she didn’t finish her question as she was interrupted by the ringing telephone beside her.  Stopping mid sentence she picked up the phone an answered it.  “Hello…yeah…a huh…let me call you back,” she then hung up the phone.  Turning to her mother she told her she had to call Debbie back, and then left the room.

Turning back around in her chair, she glanced over at Lyle.  He still seemed to be the normal, loving brother she met from last night.  His eyes held no madness only love for the family that sat before him.  She watched him as he held a civil conversation with Josh, always laughing or smiling at whatever Josh had to say.    She was soon interrupted from her thoughts when she heard the doorbell ring.  Getting up, she went to answer it.  “Daddy?” she gasped.

“Ah Angel, glad to see you up and about.”  Grabbing her hands, he leaned forward giving her a kiss on the cheek before letting himself in.  “So tell me, how are you doing?”

Still dumbfounded she replied, “I…I’m fine.  What are you doing here?”

He frowned at her question.  “You’re my daughter.  Is it against the law for a father to be concerned about his daughter?” he smiled.

“No, of course not Daddy,” she answered, running a nervous hand through her hair.  “Do you want something to eat or drink?” she offered.

Still smiling at her, he shook his head.  “No that’s okay, I’ve already had breakfast.” 

Leading her father into the kitchen, everyone stopped talking, wary looks cast upon their faces.  “Mr. Parker,” Lyle bit out sarcastically.

Her father just ignored Lyle’s comment, taking a seat between Josh and Brandon.  Miss Parker watched with peculiar eyes as her father’s face lit up when talking to Josh, but when Brandon tried to say something, her father would give a stern, almost disgusted look at the red hair boy.  With a solemn look upon his face, Brandon sat back in his chair, picking at the glazed doughnut sitting before him.  She then saw something she thought she would never see, Lyle showing concern for someone else.

She watched in fascination as Lyle got up from his chair, walking over to Brandon.  Sitting down beside him, he asked Brandon to tell him what was on his mind.  The young boy’s eyes lit up as he talked about how Josh was going to lead Blue Cove High to victory over those pathetic Bulldogs of Adams High.  Lyle grinned at him, saying that he was right as he ruffled the boy’s hair.  Brandon began laughing hysterically as Lyle tickled him mercilessly.  Out of control with laughter, Brandon’s arm flew out, knocking over his glass of chocolate milk, the contents spilling all over Mr. Parker’s lap.  At that precise moment, Sarah came walking in, stopping dead in her tracks when she saw her Grandpa.

“Damn it!” Mr. Parker yelled out loud as he jumped from his chair. 

Brandon and Lyle both stopped what they were doing.  “I…I’m sorry Grandpa.  I didn’t mean…” apologized Brandon.

Mr. Parker stared at him, fire burning in his eyes.  Brandon sank back in his chair, frightened of the old man before him.  Miss Parker knew she had to do something.  “Daddy, it was an accident,” she tried to reassure him, but her father had that look in his eyes whenever he lashed out at people.

“Accident my ass, that little brat knew what he was doing,” he snarled.  “See, this is what happens when you marry a heathen, you have heathen children.”

She flinched at her father’s words as if she had been slapped.  Looking down at Brandon, she could see the tears streaming down his eyes as he tried to put on a brave face.  Becoming angry, she looked back at her father with seething eyes.  “How dare you talk about him like that?  He’s just a kid for crying out loud.  If I ever hear you talk that way to him again…”

“Angel,” he interjected, trying to gain some composure.  “Calm down.  I’m only speaking the truth.  If you would’ve listened to your father you would be married to a wealthy, sophisticated man like Mr. Cox instead of Jarod.”

Before she could reply back, Sarah walked past her, standing toe to toe with the old man.  “You don’t know anything about my father.  He’s ten times the father you’ll ever be.  And in case you’ve forgotten you’ve got three grandchildren, not one, but three, got that?” she said furiously.

Looking up at Miss Parker, her father commented, “Are you going to stand there and let her talk to me like that?”

Heaving a sigh, she glanced at Sarah, “Sarah, you…”

Throwing her hands up in the air, she interrupted Miss Parker, “I don’t believe this.  Here we go again, you taking his side.  I’m so sick of this.”  Without saying another word, Sarah stormed out of the kitchen, ran up the stairs, slamming her bedroom door shut.

The room remained silent, the only noise being that of Brandon’s sniffling as he tried to stop himself from crying.  Mr. Parker glared at the boy.  “Would you be quiet and stop that whining?  For crying out loud, you’re a Parker so start acting like one,” Mr. Parker scolded.

“I…I’m…sorry,” Brandon choked out.

Miss Parker had enough of this.  Grabbing her father’s coat she suggested coldly, “Maybe its best if you leave voluntarily before I throw you out.”

With disbelief in his eyes he replied back, “I’m your father, you can’t talk to me like that.”

“Says who?” Lyle interjected angrily. 

Mr. Parker took a step closer to Lyle.  “Just so you know your words have no impact on me anymore.  You’ve been dead to me for the past ten years now.  Choosing religion over law, such a dismal career path.”  Looking his son up and down he scoffed.  “Just like your mother, so weak and pathetic.”

Before Miss Parker knew what was happening, Lyle bolted from his chair, grabbing Mr. Parker roughly by the collar.  “Don’t EVER talk about her like that again!” he spat out. 

Miss Parker and Josh instantly rushed over, trying to ease Lyle’s grip from Mr. Parker.  Try as they might, Lyle’s grip was to strong.  Looking over at Brandon then back at Lyle she commented, “Bobby, let go of him.  Brandon is scared as it is; don’t frighten him anymore by doing this.”  Lyle looked over at her then back to Brandon, finally he let go.  Running a nervous hand through his hair he said he was sorry, looking dazed, he grabbed his coat and headed out the door.

Her father cleared his throat and straightened his tie.  Without saying anything else, Mr. Parker walked briskly to the door letting his own self out.  When the door slammed shut, Brandon got up from his chair, ready to bolt from the room, however Miss Parker stopped him, wrapping her arms around the hurt, young boy.  “Brandon, I’m so sorry.  I shouldn’t have let him talk to you like that.  I’m sorry, baby.”

“Its okay, Mom,” he mumbled through the tears.

Holding him more tightly she responded back, “No, it’s not.”

As the day wore on, Sarah remained in her room, only coming out for lunch.  Miss Parker tried talking to her, but the girl remained quiet, giving her the silent treatment.  As both girls turned around to look up at the stands, Miss Parker instantly waved her hand at them.  Debbie eagerly waved back, however Sarah gave her a disgusted look, turning back around.  Sighing in defeat, she looked over to the side to find someone walking up the bleachers to her.  Smiling she said, “Sydney, I’m so glad to see you.”

XXXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer:  In first chapter.

Chapter 16

“Hello Parker,” Sydney replied back with a warm smile as he sat down beside her.  Taking his hat off, his gaze wandered down to the football field, watching Josh as he warmed up before the game.  Glancing back at Miss Parker he said, “Before coming to the game, I read the newspaper article about Josh.  You must be very proud of him.”

Miss Parker gave Sydney a somewhat puzzled look before looking down at Josh who already seemed to have a little fan club building down at the bottom of the bleachers.  There were about ten girls all dressed in red and black (the school’s colors),  waving signs and chanting words like, “We love you, Josh” or “Number eight is great”, but Miss Parker couldn’t help but cringe when a couple of the girls started shouting, “That’s it, shake what your mama gave you.”  As for Josh, he seemed oblivious to their words as he continued warming up.

Muttering under her breath she commented, “God, I hope Josh has some common sense when dating girls.”

Sydney gave her an amused look.  “Ah, I wouldn’t worry about Josh.”  He paused as he watched Josh walk over to Sarah and Debbie.  Standing beside Debbie, Josh whispered something into her ear.   Sydney chuckled as Debbie playfully punched Josh in the arm, smiling up at him.  “Besides, I think Josh is already smitten with somebody.”

Miss Parker followed Sydney’s gaze.  She couldn’t help but smile as the two teens continued to joke around with each other.    Down near the end zone she could hear Josh’s coach calling out to him to get back on the field.    Throwing his water cup in the trashcan, Josh ran back onto the field.  Looking at Sydney, Miss Parker replied back, “It’s funny you should mention that because Josh told me specifically last night that Debbie and him are just ‘friends’.”

Sydney’s smile got broader.  “Do you know who they remind of?”

“Who?”

“Jarod and you,” he answered, leaning back against the railing.

“What” she asked incredulously.

“You heard me.  Jarod and you had that same kind of bond between each other.  Playfully teasing each other, seeing who could get on whose nerves.”  Sydney tore his gaze away from Miss Parker, looking down at the hat he had in his hands.  “However, there are times when even love is not enough to save a marriage,” he commented solemnly.

“Syd, please…” Miss Parker groaned.  The last thing she wanted to discuss was this troubling marriage between her and Jarod.

Catching the tone in Miss Parker’s voice, Sydney gave her a sympathetic look, deciding to drop the subject at hand.  Changing gears he asked, “So tell me, how are you doing since yesterday’s little accident?”

Miss Parker shrugged her shoulders.  “Well, as you can see I’m feeling fantastic,” she said sarcastically.  “Everyone thinks my mind has taken a vacation at the moment.”

Sydney looked at her, pondering what she just said.  “What do you mean by that?”

“Syd…” Folding her arms across her chest, she leaned back against the railing also.  “Syd, this…” she said, waving her hand through the air, “…isn’t my life.”

Meeting Sydney’s eyes, she could see his concern for her dancing within them.  Reaching out, he took hold of one her hands.  “But it is, Parker,” he replied softly, giving her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

Miss Parker looked down at their entangled hands.  Her younger, smaller hand seemed to be dwarfed by the larger, older one.  She could see the age spots that dotted over the top of his hand, indicating that Sydney was getting older with each passing year, and then soon, he would be gone also. 

The realization hit her hard as her steely blue eyes became tear laden.  For some reason, she always felt Sydney would live forever, never leave her, but looking down at his hand, she became aware of his mortality.  Sydney, a man she always took for granted in her life.  When her father disappointed her time and time again, Sydney would always be there, trying to reach out to her, hoping she would open up to him.  But, Miss Parker had to be her father’s perfect little angel, never showing any emotions.  Her father told her she had to be strong as granite, but a funny thing about granite was that sometimes it had to break and crumble, to release the pent up tension building within it, and she was no exception.

Looking away from Sydney’s caring eyes, she swiped away her tears, trying to get control of her emotions.  Feeling his warm fingers under her chin, he turned her chin back around to face him.  “Parker, I’m sorry…here…” reaching into his pocket he brought out a handkerchief, wiping the tears from her eyes.  Handing her the handkerchief, he threw his arm over her shoulders, pulling her into a warm embrace.  “Parker, I’m truly sorry.  I know this whole ordeal has to be troubling for you.  The last thing I wanted to do was make you cry, but you know, sometimes we all need to release a few tears now and again,” he said soothingly.

Reluctantly pulling away from his arms, she wiped the few remaining tears away.  “I…I know you’re right, Sydney,” she replied shakily.

“Do you feel somewhat better?” he asked hopefully.

“Yeah, I do.”  And truth be told, she did feel somewhat better.

They remained in a comfortable silence for a few moments before Sydney spoke up again, “Tell me, what do you remember before you fell and bumped your head yesterday?”

Taking a deep fortifying breath she answered back, “Sydney, its best if I don’t tell you.”

Sydney looked down at her hands to find her twisting and gripping the handkerchief tightly.  She seemed very distraught by the thoughts running through her mind.  Running a wary hand over his face he asked gently, “Tell me about it?”  The only answer he got back was silence.  Hiding his frustration he pleaded, “Parker, how can I help you if you won’t let me in?”

When Miss Parker turned to look back at Sydney his heart caught in his throat.  He could see the despair and anguish written in her features.  Absentmindedly, he reached out grabbing her hand again, trying to be an anchor of support for her.  Taking another deep breath she started, “Well, I work at a place called The Centre…”

Once she was done telling her story, Sydney sat back, speechless.  “Well, I can see why you were so hesitant to tell me, but Parker you must know the Centre doesn’t exist here.”

Miss Parker shook her head from side to side.  “But that’s just it Syd, it does exist albeit a twisted way.  The way Broots described my father’s law firm; I couldn’t help but be reminded of the Centre.  And what about everyone here; Lyle, or shall I say Bobby, Jarod, Broots, you, and me?  How do you explain the eerie resemblance between the two different lives?  Take for example Lyle’s missing left thumb, Kyle’s death at the hands of my brother, Angelo’s lost innocence…” she stopped mid sentence as a thought came to her.  “But I’m still confused about one thing.”

“And what’s that?” asked Sydney.

Resting her fingers over her lips, she let her eyes wander down between Josh and Sarah.  She then turned her gaze to the left, finding Brandon and Jarod talking to someone down by the concession stand.  Letting her gaze fall back on Sydney she stated, “My children.”

Sydney stared at her thoughtfully, pondering her words.  Finally, after some time he suggested, “Parker, have you ever thought that the Centre could be a figment of your imagination?”

“What?” she asked incredulously, staring at him wide eyed.

Sydney put his hands up defensively, trying to calm her down.  “What I’m trying to say is that it’s not uncommon for people to build these fantasy lives inside their minds, so they can escape the reality they’re living in now.”  He paused.  “Think about it, you’ve been under a huge amount of stress these past ten years, trying to be the peacemaker within your family.  You have your father and Jarod fighting constantly through the years, and you being pulled back and forth between them, having no idea as to whose side you’re on.  Then there is your brother and Jarod since that horrible car accident from many years back, again you’re being pulled back and forth between them.  And now, there are your children and the divorce.”  He stopped talking, giving her a sympathetic look.  “Anyone under these circumstances would have a hard time dealing with reality.”

Miss Parker scoffed at him.  “I’m not loosing my grip on reality.  I don’t know how many times I have to say this, but this is not my life.  I know what I’m talking about.  But tell me this Freud, since you’re such a genius on the subject, how do you explain Josh, Sarah, and Brandon.”

Sydney fidgeted in his seat, not liking the conclusion he came too.  After some time, he cleared his throat an answered, “Maybe the reason your children don’t exist in this Centre life is because maybe you’ve never wanted a family with Jarod.  Maybe you fell out of love with him over the years, hence no children in your Centre life.  Maybe you felt betrayed by him for leaving you.”

Miss Parker felt blindsided by Sydney’s words, gaping at him.  She tried to find her voice, but nothing would come out.  She did agree with Sydney on one thing, she did feel betrayed by Jarod when he escaped from the Centre.  When they were kids, they promised each other they would runaway together, never look back, however only one of them ran away from the pits of Hell, but still, Sydney’s theory just didn’t hold up for her.

For the past week she had been having these strange dreams about faceless children.  When she tried to look at their faces, she was met with blurry images, never able to see their true faces.  Then the night before the big chase in Lexington she dreamt of her and Jarod sharing a family, when she woke up from it, she laughed at the absurdity of it, but as the laughter subsided, disappointment began knocking within the walls of her heart.  All she ever wanted in life was to have someone love her the way her mother loved her, that pure unconditional love, no strings attached.  It would’ve been nice to come home to a house full of love, instead of a house shrouded with emptiness, just like her soul.  And, if she was truthful with herself, in a way, she did harbor feelings for the annoying little lab rat, but the question was, did she love him?

XXXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer:  In first chapter.

Chapter 17

Did she love him? 

Tuning Sydney’s voice out from beside her, she let her eyes wander down to where Jarod and Brandon were.  Brandon seemed to be in his own little world as he stood a couple of feet away from Jarod, munching on some popcorn as he watched the football players on the field.  As for Jarod, he seemed to be in a deep conversation with a blonde hair woman that looked to be the same age as they were, but she wasn’t for sure since the woman’s back was facing her.  When Jarod reached out, giving the blonde lady a warm hug, Miss Parker couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy wash over her.

Still keeping her eyes on the blonde hair lady, she asked Sydney, “Who’s that lady Jarod’s with?”

Sydney smiled to himself, detecting the hint of envy in Miss Parker’s voice.  “Oh, that’s Lynn Walker, Sam’s wife.”

“Oh,” she mumbled to herself.

She instantly chided herself for the ridiculous thought.  Jarod was free to hug whomever he wanted, it shouldn’t bother her, yet it did.  And it seemed everything came down to that one, mortifying question, was it because she loved him? 

When they were children, she cared for him very deeply, and yes, she probably did love him, but that was when they were children.  Now, they were adults and a lot of time had passed since their younger years.  Even though she would never admit it to anyone, she did have feelings for the lab rat, but she always told herself that they were nothing more than feelings for an old childhood friend.  Yet, as she watched Jarod with curious eyes, her mind began to wonder whether she’d been lying to herself this whole time, denying a love that was buried beneath years of lies and mistrust that was told to her by her father.

Sydney stopped talking when he realized that the only audience listening to him was himself.  Parker seemed to be immersed in her own thoughts.  Letting out a sigh, he followed Parker’s eyes to find her watching Jarod.  As he glanced back up at her he noticed a small smile play across her lips, like she just came to some sort of realization.  Looking back down to Jarod then up to her again he commented softly, “You’re still in love with him, are you not?”

Miss Parker quickly averted her eyes from Jarod as she turned to the old man sitting beside her.  “Excuse me?” she replied back with a stunned voice, to shocked by Sydney’s words.  Had she been that transparent?

“Jarod,” Sydney said as he pointed down do the man in question, “You still love him.”

“Please Sydney, that man has been a thorn in my side for as long as I can remember,” she scoffed an added; “There’s nothing lovable about the man.”  She had to admit, even to her own ears, her words didn’t sound believable.  Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, she looked away from Sydney, trying to escape his knowing eyes.  Biting her lower lip, she tucked an errant piece of hair back behind her left ear as she stared straight ahead.

She mentally kicked herself for not keeping herself in check.  Damn, now Sydney knew the truth.  As much as she hated to admit it, she was in love with Jarod.  It was time she started facing the truth instead of running away from it, but it was hard to let go of the past her father created for her.  This sense of complacency was nothing more than a figment of her imagination.  But, how could she love this man when her love or, their love for each other could be manipulated or get them killed by the Centre.

Feeling frustrated, she rubbed her hands over her weary face, trying to get control of her thoughts, but all she could think about was Jarod.  The way he looked when he tied her up in the Keys, and how she wanted nothing more than to taste his lips, or how he remembered their time as children when he gave the white bunny to her during Christmas that one year, or when Kyle died in his arms and how she regretted the words she uttered to him instead of taking him in her arms, trying to ease his pain away.  How could she not love this man?

“Parker…” came Sydney’s voice from beside her.

Stealing a quick glance at Jarod, she turned her face back towards Sydney.  “What now?”

She watched his face, seeing the amusing gleam dancing within his eyes as a broad grin appeared on his face.  “Biting your lip, pushing a lock of hair behind your left ear, all clear signs that you’re not telling the truth about Jarod.”

Miss Parker flashed him an annoyed look, leaning back against the railing.  “Okay, now this I’ve got to hear.  Alright Freud, give me your best shot.  Dissect the sick workings of my mind.”

“Well, when you were a child, you use to bite your lip and push the hair behind your ears whenever you told a fib.”  Glancing back at her he added, “I haven’t seen you do that since you were a child.”

“Syd…”

Sydney interrupted her.  “Parker, don’t sit there and lie to me.  What I don’t understand is if you love Jarod, then you should fight for him.  Don’t let your father dictate your life,” he said with conviction.

Miss Parker closed her eyes, feeling the hot, stinging tears banging inside her eyelids, demanding to be let out.  Afraid of opening her eyes she said, “Syd, you don’t understand.”

Sydney reached out, grabbing her hands in his.  “Then make me understand, Parker.”

She opened her eyes, waving her hand towards Jarod.  “If the Centre ever found out…”

Miss Parker felt Sydney caress her cheek, wiping a few stray tears from her face.  Locking his eyes with hers he replied, “But you forget Miss Parker, there’s no Centre here to stop you.”  Pulling his hand away from her face, he leaned back still holding her remaining hand.  “Now, what’s stopping you from claiming what’s rightfully yours,” he said with a wink.

And, he was right, Miss Parker thought to herself.  She couldn’t keep using the Centre to hide behind her fears, and since there was no Centre, maybe, just maybe there was hope for Jarod and her after all.  Turning her attention to Jarod, she expected to see Sam’s wife, but instead what she found stunned her. 

The person Jarod was talking to now was his divorce lawyer Zoe.  She was laughing at practically anything that came out of his mouth.  God, how pathetic can one woman be, Miss Parker thought caustically.  Miss Parker watched as Zoe laid her hand on top of Jarod’s forearm, leaning forward as she bumped her head on Jarod’s chin, laughing the whole time through.  As Jarod inspected the bump on Zoe’s head, Brandon came running up beside them.  Miss Parker was taken aback by the sight.  With Brandon and Zoe’s red hair, people could easily assume that the three of them were a nice, happy family, just having a fun time at the football game.  Well, this time she wasn’t going to stand back and do nothing about Jarod.  If Zoe wanted Jarod, well then, she would have to go through Miss Parker first.

“Let the games begin,” Miss Parker mumbled to herself with a devilish grin.

XXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer:  In first chapter.

Chapter 18

Taking a deep breath, Miss Parker got up from her seat and headed down the bleachers.  It wasn’t easy, since everyone was climbing up, taking their seats as the game was about ready to start.  Just when she got down to the last step, she heard someone shout out from the field, “Hey, look out!”  Looking up, she found a football flying out of control through the air, heading straight for Zoe and Jarod. 

Jarod must’ve heard the shouting for he took a few steps back, leaving Zoe by herself.  With a plate of nachos and soft drink in her hands, Zoe didn’t have a chance.  Just when the red head looked up, the football came down, hitting Zoe squarely in the chest, scattering the soft drink and nachos all over her chest and face.

Zoe held out her arms as the soft drink and nacho cheese dripped off of her.  From her vantage point, Miss Parker could see the embarrassment an anger written in Zoe’s facial features as she looked to Jarod for help.  From the corner of her eye, Miss Parker saw two football players running towards the area where the mess just happened.  Recognizing one of them as Josh, Miss Parker made her way through the crowd, trying to get to the scene of the crime.

Busting through the small gathering of onlookers, Miss Parker made her way over to the fence where Josh and his teammate were standing, both grinning like Cheshire cats.  Folding her arms across her chest, she leaned back against the fence staring at Zoe and Jarod and stated, “I take it, this wasn’t an accident.”

Miss Parker could hear the mischievous smile in Josh’s voice as he replied back.  “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Mom.  Eli and I were just practicing some plays when I lost control of the pass.  I can’t help it if it landed on some poor, unfortunate soul.”  Behind her, Miss Parker could hear the boys chuckling to themselves. 

Miss Parker shook her head, trying to keep her ever-growing smile from appearing.  Feeling a bit more in control, she turned around, looking up at Josh.  “Josh, I know you mean well, but you shouldn’t have done that.  I can take care of myself.”

When Josh looked over at Zoe, Miss Parker was slightly taken aback by what she saw.  The way Josh was staring at Zoe was the way she stared at people whenever she disliked or got irritated with people.  It was her infamous ice queen stare.  His blazing blue eyes held so much anger, hate, and disdain for the red hair woman before him.  Still looking at Zoe, he whispered to Miss Parker, “Why is she here?”  Glancing back at his mother he added, “Did Dad invite her?”

Miss Parker shrugged her shoulders.  “To tell you the truth, I have no idea as to why she’s here.”

“Dude, we need to get going before the coach has a coronary,” Eli commented from beside them.  Glancing at Miss Parker, Eli asked shyly, “Mrs. Hunter, I mean…”

“Just call me Parker,” interrupted Miss Parker.

“Sorry.  Could you hand us the football over there?” Eli asked, pointing over to the trashcan near by.

Smiling at the blonde headed boy, Miss Parker walked over to the trashcan.  When she squatted down to pick up the football, she heard a gravelly voice from behind her that sounded all too familiar.  “Sam,” she whispered to herself as she picked up the football and turned around.

“What in the world happened here?” asked Sam curiously, glancing between Miss Parker, Jarod, Zoe, and the two boys.  Locking eyes with the blonde headed boy, Sam strode over to him and asked, “Eli, what did you do now?”

“Dad, I swear, this isn’t my fault.  Josh and I were just practicing when he lost control of the pass, which resulted in this,” Eli replied, waving his hand around the area.  “It was an accident.”

Somewhat stunned, Miss Parker walked up beside Sam.  Glancing at the burly sweeper she asked, “Eli is your son?”

“Of course he is,” Sam replied, baffled by the question.  A few seconds passed before his face dawned in realization.  “Oh, I forgot.  You don’t remember certain people from before your little accident.  I’m sorry.  Jarod told me this morning, I just can’t believe I forgot about it.”

“Its okay, Sam,” she smiled reassuringly.  Letting her gaze fall back on the boys, she gave the football to Eli.

Gratefully taking the football, Eli looked over at Josh, “Hey, you coming or what?”

“You go on ahead.  Tell the coach I had to go to the bathroom.”

“Josh, you’re taking a big risk staying here,” replied Eli with a worried voice.

“E, I’ll be okay, now go,” said Josh, pointing back towards the field.  Without hesitation, Eli tucked the football in his arm, running back onto the field towards the bench.

From behind his mother and Sam, Josh heard Jarod say to Zoe, “Listen, how about I take you home, so you can get out of these clothes and into something cleaner.”

“I don’t believe this,” Josh mumbled to himself.  “Hey Dad,” he shouted over to his father, “You can’t leave now, the game’s about ready to start.  It’s the championship game.”  Staring at Zoe in disgust he commented, “Can’t SHE, drive herself home?”  He paused an added, “By the way, why are you doing here?  Don’t you have some ambulances to chase or another family to ruin?”

“That’s enough young man!” Jarod warned from beside Zoe. 

“You really got your priorities straight, Dad,” Josh bit out sarcastically.  “I see Zoe comes first, then your family.  And to think, I wanted to be just like you when I was younger.”  With that said, Josh abruptly turned around, heading back on towards the field.

“I…I’m sorry, Zoe,” Jarod apologized with a defeated voice.  “Josh, really is a good kid, it’s just…ever since this separation…”

Zoe reached out, placing her fingers on Jarod’s lips.  “Sshh, its okay, Jarod.  I understand.  There’s no need to apologize.”  Looking around her surroundings she said, “Well, it’s best if I get out of here.  I hope Josh does well in his game tonight.”  With a quick peck on the cheek, Zoe left, leaving Jarod to ponder his thoughts.

“Well, I better go find my wife,” Sam said, feeling uncomfortable with the current circumstances.  With that, he headed up into the bleachers.

With the crowds thinning out around them, Miss Parker took a few hesitant steps towards Jarod.  The man before her looked miserable to say the least.  Just within those five minutes he looked to have aged five to ten years.  With his shoulders hung low in defeat, he kicked an empty soda can across the pavement as he dug his hands in his pockets.

When she came to her great revelation from atop the bleachers, she thought it would be a piece of cake, but now, standing before him, she knew it wouldn’t be easy.  She was still very apprehensive, which surprised her.  Taking a deep breath, she gathered up as much courage as she could.  Finally, when she felt brave enough, she walked over to Jarod.  Standing before him, she reached out, pulling him into her arms.  She felt Jarod’s arms wrap around her waist, holding onto her.  Running her hands up and down his back and through his air, she kept repeating, “It’s alright, Jarod.  Everything is going to be fine.”

Feeling Jarod’s hot breath on her ear, Miss Parker felt a shiver a go down her spine.  “I wish that were true,” he whispered to her, his voice filled with emotions.  “I wish it were true.”

“You and Josh will come around eventually, just give it some time,” she said, still consoling him.

“I hope you’re right.”  Giving her one last squeeze around the waist, Jarod pulled back slightly, getting lost in her blue eyes.

Miss Parker reached up, wiping the few stray tears that ran down his cheek.  Smiling up at him, she said, “Have you not learned by now?  Of course I’m always right.”

Jarod reluctantly pulled out of her embrace, chuckling to himself as he swiped his hand across his eyes.  “Yeah, how could I forget that, silly me.”

“Come on, Pez Head.  It’s time to watch our son’s football game.”  Miss Parker held out her hand to him.  

Grinning at her, he reached out, taking hold of her hand.  Bringing her hand up to his face, he placed a gentle kiss on top of her fingers.  “Thank you.”

Jarod’s words held such sincerity that she was surprised by the emotional impact that they had on her.  Wiping a stray tear from her own eyes, she replied back a simple, “You’re welcome.”  With that, they headed back towards the bleachers. 

They were a few steps from the stairs when Miss Parker stopped abruptly.  “What’s wrong?” Jarod asked with concern.

“I don’t know.  Something doesn’t feel right.”  Spinning around, her eyes scanned the area.  When she looked up to where Sydney was, she realized someone was missing.  Turning back around to face Jarod, she asked with worry, “Where’s Brandon?”

XXXXXX

The man watched from the distance, disgusted with the way things turned out here tonight.  Grabbing his cell phone, he dialed her number.  After four rings she finally answered.

“Hello?”

“Why are you not still at the football game?”

The woman let out an impatient huff.  “Well, as you can see, a lot of disturbances happened tonight.  I don’t know what else you want me to do.”  She paused.  “Jarod loves her very much.  It’s not going to be easy to break their bond between one another, especially with the kids in the picture.”

The man chuckled into the phone.  “Ah yes, the children, it would be a shame if something bad happened to one of them tonight, especially right below their parent’s noses.”

He could hear the woman let out a throaty laugh.  “That would be something, and of course, if something did happen, I would be there to console the troubled Jarod.”

“Are you sure about that, Zoe?  From where I’m sitting, it seems the two love birds are finding their way back to one another,” the man teased, knowing full well how much this would get under Zoe’s skin.

“That bitch has nothing on me,” Zoe spat out.  “She and that son, Josh, are too smug for their own good.  Did you see what he did with the football?”

“Calm down, Zoe.  You’ll get your chance to even the score,” he said with delight.

“Yeah, well whatever.”  Changing the subject she asked, “So, how’s Brad doing with Sarah?”

The man smiled to himself.  “Brad’s charms seem to be working very well on the poor girl.  By the time she realizes that Brad was putting on an act, it will be too late.  My, I can’t wait to see the look on Jarod’s face once he realizes we got to his daughter also.”

“Are you sure about, Sarah?  The girl is only sixteen years old,” commented Zoe.

“Zoe, you’re not growing a conscience on me, are you?  As you know, I tried to play nice with Jarod, but he just doesn’t want to drop his investigation into Catherine’s death, so drastic times call for drastic measures.”  Looking out into the distance, he could see that Parker and Jarod just now realized that their little boy was missing.  “Ah, would you look at that, it seems are troubled parents have lost their youngest son,” he grinned into the phone.

“You didn’t hurt him, did you?” Zoe asked, slightly concerned.

“Well now, I can’t reveal all my secrets.”  With that, he clicked off the phone, sliding it back into his pocket.  From afar, he watched as the troubled parents searched frantically for their youngest son.  He smiled to himself, realizing that this was his Christmas morning.

XXXXXX

To Be Continued….

Disclaimer:  In first chapter.

Chapter 19

Running past Parker, Jarod ran back to the area they just vacated.  He hoped that Brandon just wandered off somewhere, which his son did have a knack for, but the black and white photograph kept flashing through his mind, reminding him of the deadly threats against his youngest child.  If something horrible did happen to Brandon, he would never forgive himself. 

Breathing heavily, Jarod skidded to a stop.  Staying in place, he spun around frantically, scanning the area in hopes of spotting his son.  He looked to his right to find Parker searching the stands, hoping to find Brandon among the thriving crowd.  He could see the panic and worry radiating from her as she ran a frustrated hand through her dark tresses, cursing to herself at coming up empty.  Seeing this only made Jarod guiltier.

Yes, maybe he should’ve told Parker about the threatening picture he received about Brandon, but in the end, he decided to keep this information to himself.  After telling her the gruesome details about her mother’s death he figured that was plenty of bad news to receive in one day.  He knew he would eventually have to tell her, and that he was dreading because he knew she would be furious with him for keeping this from her.  So lost in his thoughts, he didn’t realize Parker was standing beside him until he saw her fingers snapping in front of him.

“Hello?  Earth to Wonder Boy,” she said, trying to get his attention.

Flinching, he shook his head, trying to get back some composure.  “What?” Jarod asked in slight confusion.

“I said, do you have any pictures of Brandon with you?  That way we can show people what he looks like, so in case they do see him they would know who he is,” she suggested.

“Oh yeah, good idea,” replied Jarod as he dug in his pockets, looking for his wallet.  Seconds later, as he pulled out his wallet, the folded black and white picture fell out onto the ground.  Before he had a chance to bend down and pick it up, Parker bent down to get it.

“What’s this?” she asked as she unfolded the crumpled photo.

“Oh, it’s…it’s nothing,” he answered as he tried to take it from her fingers.  But, as fast he was, she was faster as she turned away from him, trying to get a better look at the photo.  Swallowing down the huge lump in his throat, Jarod prepared himself for the wrath of her fury.  When she whirled back around, he took a step back as he came face to face with the angry sea of blue that danced within her eyes.

“Jarod, what the hell is this?” she growled out, trying her best to keep her anger in check, so she wouldn’t cause a scene.

“Parker…I thought…I mean…I…I thought that it was best…” he stumbled out.  He was truly at a loss for words, knowing there was nothing he could do or say to calm her down.

Smiling at the curious onlookers that passed by, Parker grabbed Jarod by the elbow, and steered them away from the prying ears an eyes that lurked nearby.  Once they were a good distance away, Parker dropped her smile.  Taking a step closer to him, she said through clenched teeth, “I’m so sick of this, Jarod.  I’m tired of being some sick little game piece on your quest for the truth.  Besides, the only person who knows what’s best for me is me.  Got that?”

Straightening his stance, Jarod adjusted his jacket angrily.  “Yeah, I get it,” he replied back bitterly.  “I’m sorry that my concern for you is hampering your life.”  Opening his wallet, he took out a picture of Brandon and handed it to her.  “Here, you start your search on the east side and I’ll start on the west side.  We’ll meet back here in fifteen minutes.”  When he was about to leave, Parker grabbed his arm and whirled him back around.

“You are some piece of work, you know that?”  Pinching the bridge of her nose, Miss Parker began pacing back and forth.  “Why do you have to have this control over people’s lives?  You always assume you know what’s best for people.”  Stopping in front of him, she clasped her hands under her chin.  “Jarod, when will you realize you’re not God, but just a man who has flaws like the rest of us?  You can’t be a one-man judge, jury, and executioner.”

Jarod gave her a puzzled look.  “What are you talking about?’

Miss Parker let out a sardonic chuckle.  “Well Jarod, it was always my job to try and predict your next move, and knowing you I’m guessing you planned on taking Mr. Raines and his slew of men on by yourself, am I right?”

Folding his arms across his chest, he responded back, “Mr. Raines?  Why would he have anything to do with this picture…or your mother’s death?”

Miss Parker took a step back, giving him an incredulous look.  “You’re kidding me, right?  I can’t believe I’m standing here listening to this.  How can you stand here and defend that murdering ghoul?  After all the awful things he’s dished out to us, how can you stand there and not be angry at him?”

“Parker, I don’t understand where all this hostility towards Mr. Raines is coming from?”

“He killed my mother,” she whispered out as a lone tear made its way down her cheek.  “Jarod, he killed her in cold blood.  Every fiber of my being knows he killed her.”  Locking eyes with Jarod she added, “Aren’t my words enough for you to believe me?”

As the announcer at the football game asked everyone to rise for the playing of the national anthem, Jarod’s eyes took in the vulnerable woman before him.  He couldn’t shake the uneasiness that crept within him when she said Mr. Raines killed her mother.  There was so much conviction in her voice that he began to question his trust in Mr. Raines.

He could still remember like it was yesterday when he went to work for Parker’s father.  He graduated early from law school.  All the top law firms wanted him to work for them.  When they heard the score on his bar exam and the grades he received in school, firms knew he was an asset they simply couldn’t pass up.

Just like it is today, the law firm of Parker and Raines was powerful.  They had offices located in Washington D.C., which was their busiest section, probably because of all the political scandals that brewed within that area, New York, London, Toronto, Los Angeles, Paris, and Chicago.  But, their main office was in Dover, Delaware, which was where Jarod wanted to be.

Unlike Parker, Jarod loved working in law.  It was a chance for him to help the little guy find justice, and as an extra bonus, maybe Mr. Parker and him would eventually get along with each other. 

When Jarod and Parker got married, he was surprised by the wedding gift Mr. Parker gave them.  He was floored when Mr. Parker offered him the opening in the Delaware office.  When Jarod shook his father-in-law’s hand, sealing the deal, he thought for sure things were only going to get better between him and the elder Parker.

Well, two years passed by and everything seemed to be going great.  Parker and he were parents of three month old twins.  His relationship with Mr. Parker only seemed to get stronger with each passing day.  Then one day while they were at lunch, Jarod and two new associates, Andrew Cox and Alex King, were asked to join Mr. Parker and Mr. Raines on their biggest case yet.

At first, Jarod was excited to work on such an extensive case, but once the evidence started pouring in his excitement soon turned into agony over the case.  Their client was the son of a respected politician, who was charged with date rape of a female college student at nearby Georgetown University.  Since Mr. Raines was called away to New York, Mr. Parker was left in charge. 

Alex and Cox were eager about the case, while Jarod wanted nothing more to do with it.  One day, while they were going over the case with their client, Jarod came across some damning evidence against the politician’s son.  When he showed it to his father-in-law, he thought Mr. Parker would do the right thing, sharing this new evidence with prosecutor, however, Jarod was to naïve for his own good.  When he left the office, and came back a few seconds later, he found Mr. Parker lighting the evidence on fire, throwing it into the fireplace.  Jarod watched as Mr. Parker patted the congressman on the back saying he didn’t need to worry about the evidence as long as he was on the case.

As Jarod sat in his car, he knew what he had to do.  He would have to put the girl on the stand even though she was against it.  It was the only way to throw this scumbag in jail.  Jarod knew the son had an unusual looking birthmark on his right hip, if the girl described it somehow, everyone would know that the congressman’s son would be guilty.  As he drove home, Jarod knew his relationship with Mr. Parker would be dead, but that didn’t matter to him.  All that mattered was getting justice for this young woman.

The next day rolled around, and Jarod was the next one in line to defend their client in court.  He fumbled his way through the proceedings, purposefully damning their client in the jury’s eyes.  Unfortunately, he knew it was time to pull out his secret weapon.  When he told the court that he would like the young woman to take the stand, the courtroom erupted in surprised gasps.  Mr. Parker bolted from his chair, demanding a recess.  His recess was denied.

The young woman described the birthmark so perfectly that there was no way for Mr. Parker to argue their side on this one.  With that, the jury came back with a guilty verdict, placing the politician’s son in prison for rape an assault.  Five minutes later, Jarod was fired.

The next day as he was cleaning out his office, Mr. Raines dropped by saying how sorry he was about the way things turned out.  When Jarod told him he was thinking about opening up his own law office and running things his way, Mr. Raines offered his support and help.  With Raines’ help, Jarod and Parker’s brother, Bobby, were able to open their own small firm and run things their way.

Jarod always wondered why Mr. Raines never left his job, and was going to ask this on the day when Mr. Raines’s house caught on fire, killing his wife and daughter in the process, and severely damaging Mr. Raines’ lungs.  The man now carried his breath of life in a squeaky oxygen tank.  Till this day, Jarod always wondered if the fire at Raines’ house was retaliation for helping Jarod, but he would never know, since Raines was transferred to the office in London, never to be heard of again.

And that was the one question that always plagued Jarod’s mind about Mr. Raines, why did he stay with the law firm?  But could it be that maybe Raines had as much to hide as Mr. Parker.

As he looked down upon Parker’s defeated form, he was beginning to believe that there may be something to Parker words.   Could Raines had a hand in Catherine Parker’s death?  As he stood there and thought more about it, he realized he had been played the fool the whole time.  Jarod unfolded his arms and stood behind Parker.  Looking over her shoulder at the photograph he whispered in her ear, “I believe you.”

As she turned around, Jarod found the faintest smile grace her lips.  Cupping his cheek with her free hand she said shakily, “Thank you, for saying that.  I wasn’t for sure if you would believe me.”  Once she took her hand away she added, “Now, tell me about this picture.”

XXXXXX

Once Jarod told her the story about the photograph, they split up with Parker taking the east side and Jarod taking the west side.  Taking out his cell phone, Jarod called Sydney who was still sitting in the bleachers with Sam and his wife.  With Sam’s help, there were a couple of security guards and police officers located at all possible exits in case someone should take off with Brandon.  Jarod just hoped that it wasn’t too late.  With Sam scouring the area, Jarod told Sydney to stay in their seats in case Brandon came back.

After ten minutes of searching Jarod was becoming frustrated.  He checked the restrooms, under the bleachers, and the concession area, but no one spotted the small red hair boy.  Jarod was making his way out into the parking lot to check for any clues when something caught his eye.  Off to the side by the equipment building, Jarod found a small black glove.  When Jarod flipped it over and saw the number eight written on the top he knew who the owner was.  Brandon.  As Jarod stood back up, he was slightly startled by the ringing cell phone in his jacket.  Pulling it out he answered, “Hello?”

“Jarod?”

Knowing who it was Jarod scanned the area, looking for the obtrusive caller.  “Where is he?” he barked into the phone.

“Where’s who?”  Jarod could hear the delight in the caller’s voice which only angered Jarod more.

“You know who you bastard!  Where’s Brandon?”

There was a pause as the caller drew out agonizing seconds making Jarod grow more agitated.  “Jarod, do you like games?”

“My son’s life is no game,” Jarod warned.

“Ah Jarod, is that any way talk to the person who holds your son’s life in their hands?  Now, let me ask again, do you like to play games?” the caller asked with more seriousness.

Jarod didn’t know how much more he could take.  Running a worried hand through his hair, he began pacing back and forth.  After some time he finally answered, “Yes.”

The caller was obviously enjoying himself as Jarod heard him chuckling on the other end.  “Now, was that so hard?  Well, since you’re obviously not listening to my employer, he’s decided it was time for more desperate measures.  So, let’s begin the games, shall we?  Okay, here’s your clue, if you want to find your son all you have to do is look in the palm of your hand, the eagle knows where your son is.”  The line then went dead.

“Hello?  Hello!” Jarod shouted into the phone.  “Damn!” he muttered to himself as he hung up his cell.  Letting his eyes roam the area, Jarod found Parker running towards him with someone on her heels.  ‘What the hell is he doing here?’ Jarod thought to himself as he saw Bobby running behind his sister.

“Jarod, any luck?” Parker panted out, trying to get control of her breathing.

“What’s he doing here?” Jarod indicated with a nod towards the man he once thought of as a friend.

“He’s here to help us,” replied Parker. 

“Jarod, I know we haven’t gotten along since…”

Before Bobby had a chance to finish, Jarod cut him off, “You killed my brother and you expect me to just forgive and forget…?”

“Jarod…”

“No!  You should be the one six feet under, not my brother.”

Jarod stood firmly in place as Bobby stepped up to him.  “You don’t think I relive that horrible night day in and day out.  When I go to sleep, if I’m lucky enough to get that, I hear the screams of your brother and Timmy.  When I wake up they’re still there.  Try as I might, I can’t escape that day.  You are right about one thing, I should be the one dead, not your brother, but you have to remember Jarod, Timmy or Kyle could’ve been the driver also.  If Kyle survived would you feel the same way about him?”

With Kyle’s death being brought up to the forefront and his missing son, Jarod snapped.  Grabbing Robert roughly by the shirt, Jarod slammed him against the wall.  “I’ll never forgive you for killing my brother.”  Slamming him against the wall again he repeated, “Never.”

“Jarod let him go!” Parker demanded, trying to release Jarod’s firm grip on her brother, but Jarod remained in place, ignoring Parker’s pleas.

“He killed my brother, Parker.  Kyle’s dead because of him,” Jarod said through clenched teeth.

Placing a hand on Jarod’s upper arm, Parker whispered to him, “Jarod, I know you and my brother don’t get along, but now is not the time for this.  Listen, we all three have one thing in common; we want to find Brandon.  I’ve seen how Bobby treats Brandon; there is no denying the fact that he loves Brandon with all his heart.  Now, let him go so we can find our son.”  Trying to drive her point home, Parker gave him a reassuring squeeze on his arm.  “Let him go.”

Jarod didn’t miss the double meaning behind Parker’s words.  Let him go.  If only it were that easy to let Kyle go, but how could he when his pain and grief consumed him whenever Robert was around.  Looking at the man before him, Jarod eased up, letting Bobby go.  Slowly stepping away from him Jarod said, “I will never forgive you.”

Straightening his shirt and jacket, Bobby looked at him with solemn eyes.  “Then you’ll never heal.”  With that said, Bobby slipped past Jarod giving his sister a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder as he left to search for Brandon.

When he was out of sight, Jarod turned to Parker.  “I know he’s your brother, but I can’t help the way I feel when he’s around.  My brother’s dead because of him.”

“I know, Jarod, but you can’t keep dwelling on the past.  You’ll never live life to the fullest if a part of you is still back there entwined with your brother’s death.”

Letting out a heavy sigh, Jarod held out Brandon’s glove.  “I found this over by the stairs that leads down to the basement in the equipment building here.  I was on the phone with one of the people that’s associated with sending Brandon’s threatening photo to me.”

“What did he say?” Miss Parker asked as she looked down at Brandon’s glove.

“Well he said, and I quote, ‘If you want to find your son all you have to do is look in the palm of your hand, the eagle knows where your son is,’” answered Jarod.  “I have a feeling the glove answers the palm part, but I’m having trouble with the eagle part.”

Miss Parker closed her eyes as she mumbled the words, “The eagle knows where your son is, the eagle knows where you son is.”  Opening up her eyes she scanned the area, looking for any clues.  As she looked up at Jarod again, a painting on the back of the wall caught her eyes.  Walking past Jarod, she took a step closer.

“What is it?” Jarod asked with concern.

With a triumphant smile plastered across her face, she turned back around to face him.  “You said you found the glove over by the stairs?”

“Yeah,” Jarod replied with hope.  “Did you figure out the clue?”

Pointing to the painting on top of the wall she said, “What does that painting look like to you?”

Turning his head slightly upwards, his gaze wandered over the painting.  Grinning he replied back, “The Blue Cove High mascot, the eagle.”  He paused for a moment then looked over at Parker.  “This building has ten rooms located down in the basement.”  Grabbing the glove from Parker’s hand, he continued, “The rooms are numbered from one to ten; I bet the key to finding Brandon is in room 8.”  Grabbing Parker’s hand, they rushed down the stairs, looking for room 8.

Once they found it, they tried the knob to find it locked.  “Brandon, are you in there?” Miss Parker shouted over the banging of her fists on the door.  She paused, hoping to hear something.  She was about to start shouting again, when she heard his voice.

“Mom, is that you?” asked a frightened Brandon from behind the door.

Relief rushed through Miss Parker as she answered back, “Yes, it’s me.  Your father is out here also.  We’re going to try and break down the door, so step aside so you won’t get hurt.”  Stepping out of Jarod’s way, Jarod kicked the door open. 

Seconds later, Brandon came barreling through the doorway with tears streaming down his face as his mother wrapped him in a warm embrace.  “I…I was so scared.  I was helping…this guy look for his dog…I…I heard a dog barking down here…so…so I came.  When I stepped into the room the…the door closed, locking me inside.  It was so dark, but I…I knew you would come,” he choked out as he buried his face in Miss Parker’s waist.

Miss Parker didn’t realize she was crying until a few tears ran down her own cheeks.  Hugging the boy more tightly, she tried to sooth his fears away.  “Everything’s okay.  You’re safe now, but you can’t wander off like that without telling someone.”

“I know.  I’m so sorry.  I just wanted to help the man find his dog,” he replied through his tears.  “It will never happen again.”

“Sshh, it’s okay.  The only thing that matters is that you’re safe and sound.”  Wiping his tears away, she playfully ruffled his hair.

Smiling at his mother, Brandon looked over at his father, somewhat shocked to see him crying.  “Dad, are you alright?” he asked with worry, he never seen his dad cry before.

Grinning down at him, Jarod answered back, “Yeah, I’m okay.  I…we were just so worried about you, but don’t worry, these are tears of joy not sadness.”  Walking over to Brandon, he picked him up and held him in his arms.  “I love you so much,” he whispered to his son.

“I love you too, Dad, but…can you put me down.  I’m kind of old for this,” Brandon slightly teased.

Jarod let out a soft chuckle.  “Sorry, I sometimes forget how fast you’re growing up.”  Putting Brandon back down, Jarod commented, “Now, why don’t we go watch a football game.”  With that, they headed up the stairs, making their way back to the bleachers.

XXXXXX

From afar, the man smiled sardonically at the recent happy family reunion.  He loved playing with people’s minds, and Jarod’s, well; it was the cream of the crop.  “Enjoy it while you can, Jarod, the fun is only just beginning,” the man whispered out to the cool, October air.  Putting his hat back on, the man exited the football game, passing the police chief and security guards on his way out.  He chuckled to himself; sometimes it was just too easy.

XXXXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer:  In first chapter.

Chapter 20

Debbie stood beside Sarah as they waited with the other students to congratulate the football players on winning their championship.  It was a close game, but in the end they pulled it out.  Even though Josh had a somewhat decent game, Debbie knew there was something plaguing Josh’s thoughts as she watched him walk away from his parents before the game started.  He had such a tense, angry look when he took the field.

The first half of the game, Josh messed up on plays.  He fumbled the ball twice, luckily he recovered them both times, he missed Eli and the other receivers when he threw the ball, and he even threw an interception that was ran back for a touchdown.  After that play, when he walked off the field, he was greeted with boos from the stands.  When he walked over to the bench, he took his helmet off, throwing it to the ground and then kicking it as he plopped down angrily on the bench. 

Debbie was about to walk over to see what the problem was when Eli walked over and sat beside Josh.  Reaching down, Eli grabbed Josh’s helmet and threw it on his lap.  Josh glared at Eli, but Eli remained the picture of calm.

“Don’t throw my helmet on my lap again, got it?” Josh snarled.

Standing up, Eli looked over at Josh.  “I’m glad you’re angry, but instead of letting it beat you up inside, how bout you take it out on the field, as say the other team.”

Standing up also, Josh slid his helmet back on, taking a step closer to Eli so they were standing toe to toe.  “Don’t tell me what to do.  I’m the captain of this team, not you, so shut up and mind your own damn business,” said Josh furiously as he used his index finger to drive his point home, poking Eli in the forehead.

Eli quickly reached up and grabbed his finger, threatening to bend it back.  “Listen here, the only reason I haven’t broken your finger yet, is because I’m your friend, but let this be a warning, you do that again and so help me a broken finger will be the least of your worries,” replied Eli in a low, threatening voice.  Pushing his hand away, Eli continued, “Now, why don’t you grow up and get over your little family drama.  Everyone has problems within their families, but do you see us having little pity parties out here—no, because we know when we step on the field we leave our problems on the sidelines.   If we don’t, they’ll bog us down, so speaking as a friend, get over yourself and start acting like a captain, and lead your team to victory.”  With that, Eli ran back onto the field, leaving a stunned Josh to ponder his words.

Well, soon after that, the old Josh slowly started making his appearance.  Plays were being executed to perfection.  He threw two touchdown passes to Eli, which the last one happened to be the winning pass that won the game.

When the game was over, Debbie was afraid that Josh wouldn’t let Eli off the hook so easily, but as they made their way to the locker rooms, they were their old selves as they talked and joked with each other, their previous incident completely forgotten.  So, here she was now waiting outside in the cool, autumn air, with Sarah.

Glancing over at Sarah, Debbie asked, “So, how did you finagle your way out of your grounding tonight?”

A mischievous smile graced Sarah’s lips.  “Well, I just told my parents the truth.”

“And what was that?”

“I just told them that tonight we’re going to the victory party at Mama Mia’s Pizzeria, which is partially true,” Sarah answered slyly.

Groaning, Debbie shook her head.  “Why don’t I like the sound of that?”

“C’mon Deb, we can have some real fun tonight,” Sarah replied cheerfully. 

Folding her arms across her chest to ward off the cold, Debbie asked, “So what did you have in mind?”

Reaching out, Sarah grabbed Debbie’s elbow, steering her away from the other students.  Once they were out of earshot, Sarah said, “Listen, Brad called me this morning.  I told my Mom that it was you, so if she asks, just go along with it…”

“Sarah…”  Debbie interrupted, knowing this was going to lead to disaster with whatever Sarah had in mind.

“Sshh, listen now,” Sarah paused for a few seconds looking around, when she was satisfied that no one was near she continued.  “Well, Brad told me that his frat house is having a party tonight, and he wanted us to come.”

“Us?” Debbie questioned.  “Oh yeah, I’m sure Brad is just dying to have me tag along with you,” she commented sarcastically.  From the moment she met Brad, Debbie couldn’t stand him.  He was smug an arrogant, thinking that all the ‘little people’ should bow down to him because he came from a family of wealth.  The only thing that Brad loved was himself.  She couldn’t understand why Sarah kept deluding herself that Brad loved her, because he didn’t.  Even she knew Brad was only after one thing when it came down to Sarah, and that was getting her into bed, but there was something else about him that always gave Debbie the creeps whenever he looked at any female, including herself.  If one looked closely, you could almost see the hatred burning in his green eyes.  Thinking this only made Debbie shiver more.

“C’mon Debbie, cut him some slack,” defended Sarah.  “I wish everyone would stop judging him before they actually got to know him.  He really is a good guy.”

“I’m sorry, Sarah, but there’s something about him I just don’t like.”

Debbie could see Sarah was starting to get irritated.  “Why are you being so judgmental?  You know, I get this same crap from my brother and parents, now I’m getting this from you.”  She paused an added, “I thought you were my friend.”

Debbie looked away, starting to feel ashamed at what she said, turning back to Sarah she commented, “I’m still your friend, Sarah.  I just don’t want to see you get hurt, that’s all.”

Sarah’s face slowly brightened up.  “You mean that?”

Debbie gave her a puzzled look, “Of course I do.”

“Good, then you’ll come with me to Brad’s party?” she asked hopefully. 

“I…”

Sarah put her hand up, interrupting her.  “Wait, before you say anything, you have to know something.  Before my parents left the game, I told my father I would be staying the night at your house…”

“Sarah!” Debbie exclaimed.

“Wait, just listen, okay?”

“Fine,” Debbie grumbled, knowing this was going to blow up in their faces before the night was over.  “So, I’m guessing I’m you’re cover story in case your parents get a little inquisitive about tonight, huh?

Sarah smiled brightly.  “Now you’re getting it.”

“I don’t like this one bit, Sarah.  The next time you pull something like this again I won’t follow through,” Debbie warned.

“Fine, now let’s go find my brother and hitch a ride to the victory party.  Brad should be waiting to pick us up there.”  As Sarah walked back over to the group of students, Debbie knew things were only going to get worse before they got better.

XXXXXX

She was in hell, plain and simple, Debbie thought to herself as she sat on the couch by a couple making out.  “God, get a room already,” she grumbled as she got up to look for Sarah.

She hated this.  Never in her life had she felt so out of place like she was here.  Brad’s frat brothers were womanizing, arrogant pricks.  As she made her way to the kitchen, she found Sarah stumbling around, downing Jell-O shots that Brad and his friends were giving her, laughing at the way she was acting.  Debbie was just about to pull Sarah away when someone caught her wrist, pulling her forcefully back.

“Hey baby, where’s the fire,” one of Brad’s frat brothers slurred out.  Once he got control of his equilibrium, a sleazy smile spread across his face.  Keeping his hand firmly around Debbie’s wrist he added, “Aren’t you a young little thing.”  Debbie thought she was going to vomit right there.  The guy reeked of booze, smoke, and God only knows what else.  His smile getting broader, he leaned more closely to Debbie’s ear.  “I bet a young little thing like you is a wildcat in bed.”

Debbie was appalled.  “Let go of me,” she demanded through clenched teeth, as she tried to wiggle herself free.

“Baby, calm down.  Don’t try to fight this…this…” he couldn’t finish his sentence as he had a laughing fit.  Through the laughter he added, “…pent up sexual tension.”  Looking at her with lust filled eyes; he slowly raked his eyes over her body, licking his lips as he went, smiling to himself.

All of a sudden, Debbie felt violated.  She wanted to get away from this guy, this house, from this college as far away as possible.  “I’m not your ‘baby,’ got that?”  With that, she ripped her arm away, hoping to make a break for it, however the sleazebag wouldn’t leave her alone as she felt his arms wrap around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

“Now baby…that wasn’t nice.”  Hearing him chuckling behind her, Debbie began to panic as she tried to pry herself loose.  She froze when she felt his mouth beside her ear.  “Ah, I see I have a little spitfire.  Good…I like it when a girl fights back…turns me on even more,” he whispered in her ear.

Debbie could feel her eyes building up with unshed tears.  She had to do something.  Her eyes looked around frantically, hoping to find some type of weapon to use.  When her eyes fell on a table nearby, she smiled inwardly to herself; she just hoped she was fast enough.  Taking a few deep, calming breaths, she quickly brought her foot up, slamming it down hard on the guy’s foot.  The guy yelped out in pain, letting her go.  Taking the advantage, Debbie grabbed the empty beer bottle from the table, slamming it against the guy’s head, knocking him out within seconds.  Debbie quickly looked around, hoping none of his buddies noticed.  No one came charging at her, it seemed the blaring music covered up the sound of the bottle shattering. 

Letting out a huge sigh of relief, Debbie walked back to the kitchen, but stopped when she saw that the only occupants in the room were three of Brad’s friends.  Sarah and Brad were nowhere to be seen.  Before any of them noticed her, she slid behind the wall, listening to them.

“Well, it looks like Brad is going to have some fun tonight,” one of the guys commented.

While the other two chuckled, the third one remained silent for a moment before asking, “What do you mean by that?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Hey dude, lay off.  He’s still just a wet, behind the ear freshman,” the second guy commented through his laughter.”  Turning to their freshman brother, the guy continued, “Well, let’s just say that Brad added a little spice to Sarah’s drinks tonight.”

There was a pause, before the freshman guy realized what they were talking about, “Hold on, are you telling me he slipped his own girlfriend a roofie.”

From behind the wall, Debbie was stunned by what she heard.  She would never dream Brad would stoop that low. 

“Well, Brad is the ladies man, you know,” the first guy replied matter-of-factly.  “And in case you ever need help in that department, freshman, Brad’s the man to go to.  You wouldn’t believe all the little drugs he has within his grasp.”

“Why would he do that for?  If he ever got caught, we could all get in trouble,” the freshman said with concern.  “I don’t want him jeopardizing my full ride here.”

“Don’t worry newbie.  Brad’s been at this for years, and has yet to get caught,” said the second guy, trying to calm the younger man down.

“But…but these women are being raped…”

“No, they’re not,” the first guy interjected harshly.  “All these drugs do is relax them a bit.”

“Yeah, but…”

“Listen newbie; don’t worry about it, okay?  Besides we have a party to get to.”  Hearing the shuffling of feet, Debbie quickly scurried away.  She had to find Sarah before it was too late, but she knew she would also need help—and a ride to get out of here.  She dug her cell phone out as she made her way up the stairs, looking for Sarah.

She knew she couldn’t dial either of their parents; they would flip out if they knew where they were, so that left only one person.  Josh.  Hitting the speed dial for Josh’s cell number, she waited on the phone while calling Sarah’s name out.  After the fourth ring, she got an answer.

“Josh?”

“Yeah?”

“It’s Debbie.  Now, before you go off the deep end, you need to listen.”

“What’s wrong, Deb,” Josh asked with concern.

Letting out a heavy sigh she went ahead.  “Josh, we’re at a frat party hosted by Brad’s fraternity.  I need you to get here as quick as you can.  Your sister’s in trouble.  We’re at…”  Before Debbie could finish, her phone went dead due to a dead battery.  “Great, just what I need,” she mumbled to herself as she put her phone back into her pocket.  Debbie just hoped Josh knew where they were.

Walking over to the door on her left, she closed her eyes and opened the door.  She was surprised to see only Sarah in room.  She was lying on the bed, obviously passed out.  Walking quickly over to the bed, Debbie sat on the edge, trying to wake up Sarah.  “Sarah, wake up, c’mon wake up.  We have to get out of here,” she whispered out worriedly, shaking Sarah’s shoulders in the process.  While trying to get her friend’s attention, she didn’t hear the other person slip into the room.  When the door slammed shut, Debbie jumped, startled by the noise.  Turning, Debbie blanched at who she saw.

Blocking the only way out, Brad asked angrily, “What are you doing here, Debbie?”

XXXXX

To Be Continued….

Disclaimer: In first chapter.

Chapter 21

“B…Brad.  W…what are you…doing here?” Debbie asked haltingly, trying to remain the picture of calm under Brad’s demanding gaze.

Brad took a step closer, holding his arms out in the air.  “Well, as you can see, this is my room.”  Dropping his arms to the side, he took another step towards Debbie.  “Tell me, Deb…” he spat out sarcastically, “…what are you doing here?  As I recall, I didn’t invite you in here.  It seems to me that you’re trespassing.”

Debbie had to admit, she was scared.  She tried to speak, but her voice was nowhere to be found.   She watched helplessly as Brad advanced towards her, fists clinched tightly at his side, face scrunched up in anger.  Debbie hadn’t realized she moved until she felt herself bump against the wall behind her.  With the bed on her right, and the nightstand on her left, there was nowhere for her to run.  She was trapped.

A smug smile graced Brad’s lips as he stood in front of Debbie, knowing there was nowhere for her to run.  Raising his left arm, he rested his palm against the wall, only inches away from Debbie’s face.  Leaning in closely he whispered menacingly, “Thought you should know we have a strict rule here about trespassers…”  Pausing for effect, his grin only got broader before he added, “They must be punished…by any means necessary.” 

With his free hand, he let his index finger trace along Debbie’s jawbone, enjoying the fearful shiver it created.  She wanted to scream and punch him in the face, but she was paralyzed by the fear that coursed through her veins.  She had to do something, but what?  When Brad let his wondering hand travel down her neck, her mind finally snapped.  Just when he was playing with the first button on her shirt, she reached up, slapping him fully in the face.  “Don’t touch me, you sick freak!” she shouted at him.

Brad’s face swung awkwardly to the side as he clutched his throbbing face.  Seizing the opportunity, Debbie moved past him, trying to get to the bedroom door.  However, she wasn’t fast enough as she felt someone grab her wrist, roughly twisting it behind her back.

“You stupid bitch!” Brad roared furiously as he pulled her wrist up further.  “You know, I would love nothing more than to break your arm right now.”

Tears slid down Debbie’s cheeks as her arm throbbed in pain.  When Brad twisted it again, she cried out in agony, falling to her knees.  She could feel the muscles and tendons in her shoulder being stretched beyond their limits.  Debbie felt it was only a matter of time before her arm would be completely snapped off.  Behind her, she could hear Brad laughing with delight. “I hate you, you son of a bitch!” she screamed out.

Still chuckling, Brad brought her back up to her feet, issuing another curse from Debbie.   “Ah Debbie, Debbie, Debbie, where’s all this hostility coming from?” he teased as he pushed her to the ground.

Debbie fell to the ground, trying her best to cushion the fall.  However, with only one good arm, she was only partially successful.  Wincing as the right side of her body fell on her right arm, she quickly flipped over, preparing to defend herself against Brad.  However, when she did, she was surprised to see him standing by the window, looking out into the dark filled night.  Using the desk to help pull herself up, she leaned against the wall, rubbing the soreness from her right arm. 

Taking a quick glance towards the bed, she could still see Sarah passed out, oblivious to what surrounded her.  Turning back towards Brad, she quickly looked down at her watch seeing that only ten minutes had passed since she made the call to Josh.  She just prayed that he would get here as soon as possible. 

As Debbie made her way along the wall, she felt something jab her in the side.  Looking down, she found the doorknob to the bedroom door.  A small smile graced her lips as she wrapped her hand around it.  She was just about to turn the knob when she stopped herself.  Wait, she couldn’t leave Sarah here all by herself, Debbie thought to herself.  If Debbie did leave her, there was no telling what that monster of a boyfriend would do to her.  The morbid thought alone sent a shiver down Debbie’s spine.  As tempting as it was to escape she just couldn’t leave her friend behind, defenseless.

Letting go of the knob, Debbie reluctantly turned back around.  Brad still had his back to her, remaining eerily quiet.  With his back still towards her, Debbie looked around frantically, hoping to find some type of weapon to use against Brad in case he attacked her again.  When her eyes fell upon the desk, she found a golden, shiny handle sticking out of the pencil holder sitting on his desk.  Trying to remain ever so quiet, she scooted over to the desk, pulling out the object.  Holding it up in the moonlight, she found it to be a letter opener, the type that looked like a knife.  Seeing this was her best and only option, she quickly slid the opener up her shirt sleeve, hiding it from Brad.

Glancing back up, Debbie straightened her stance when she saw him turning around.  From her vantage point, she watched him like a hawk as he walked over to a beanbag chair in the corner.  Once he was settled comfortably in the chair, Brad looked up, smiling at Debbie.  She couldn’t help it, but the smile on his face reminded her of the Grinch from the Dr. Seuss book.  Shaking the thought from her head, she took a deep breath, before walking to the bed, perching herself on the edge, creating a small barrier between Sarah and Brad.

“Debbie, why do you hate me?” Brad asked with a smile.

He’s kidding, right?  She thought to herself warily.  Trying to remain calm, she answered evenly, “You know why, Brad.  Don’t sit there and play dumb with me.”

“Then tell me.  Why do you hate me?” 

Letting out a nervous chuckle she replied, “Well, for starters, you attacked me tonight, threatened to use bodily harm against me.  Plus, I know you slipped something into Sarah’s drink tonight, hoping to keep her incapacitated so you could rape her.”

Brad listened to her words, his smile never leaving his face as he leaned forward in his chair.  “Wow Deb, you have me all figured out, don’t you?” he said with mock surprise.  “But tell me this, do you have proof that I slipped Sarah any drugs?” he challenged.

Debbie folded her arms across her chest, raising her chin up defiantly.  She could feel the cool metal of the letter opener brush against her arm as she moved about.  In some way, it gave her a bit more confidence when dealing with Brad.  “I heard your little buddies in the kitchen talking about it.  Don’t sit there and deny it when you know I’m telling the truth.”

Debbie smiled inwardly as she watched Brad’s smile falter just a tad before he quickly recovered.  Leaning back in his chair he said, “Debbie, the problem with your theory is that you don’t have any physical evidence that I’ve done these horrible things.  Who isn’t to say that maybe Sarah wanted to come up to my room and relieve a little tension that’s been plaguing her life…and who better than her ever loving boyfriend.”

“Ha!  That’s a load of crap and you know it,” Debbie replied back caustically.

Brad shook his head.  “Well, I can see I’m not going to change your mind about me.”  He paused, glancing at the sleeping figure behind Debbie.   When he locked gazes with Debbie, his face became hard looking as he narrowed his eyes.  “Do you want the truth?”

Debbie flashed him a perplexed look.  “Truth, you wouldn’t know the meaning of the word if it came up and bit you on the ass,” she spat out.

Before Debbie could react fast enough, Brad quickly jumped to his feet, and stalked over to her.  Grasping her by the shoulders, he hoisted her to her feet.  Debbie quickly slipped the letter opener from her sleeve; unfortunately she wasn’t quick enough to grab it.  She watched helplessly as the item fell to the floor, dashing her hopes of getting her and Sarah out of this situation unscathed.

Brad looked down at the floor, then back up to her.  Shaking his head he commented, “Debbie, didn’t you know I could see your reflection in the window when you took the opener, but I must say, kudos for the idea, however I’m afraid you won’t be able to test it out.”  Kicking the opener under the bed, Brad dragged her to his closet.

“W…what are you doing?” Debbie stammered fearfully.

“Well Debbie, I’m going to tell you the truth.  First off, yes I did drug Sarah, but it was for her own benefit.  I was growing tired of her tease act, so I slipped her some GHB.  Tell me Deb, do you know what GHB is?” Brad asked nonchalantly.

“N…no,” she whimpered out, watching as Brad dug through a toolbox, looking for something that only he knew.

“Well, GHB is categorized as a date rape drug, but back in eighties it was used for people who suffered from insomnia.  Of course, as the early nineties approached, emergency rooms were seeing a rise in the drug among teenagers.  Hearing the outcries from the medical field about the drug, the FDA banned the item in the great US of A.”  Brad shook his head sadly.  “It’s a shame, because the drug has such great benefits…”

“Like knocking people out, or more particularly, women out,” Debbie interrupted.

Brad paused through his rummaging, and looked down at Debbie.  Smiling, he replied cheerfully, “Oh, very much so.  And what makes this drug so great, is that it’s also called the ‘women’s Viagra’.  The drug actually heightens a person’s sexual libido.  So, when a woman is raped, it’s very hard for her to press charges against her assailant.  For one, it messes with the memory, two, it doesn’t stay in the system very long, so traces of the drug is very hard to find and three, which is my personal favorite, is the heightened sexual libido.  Hell, it’s a drug that every warm-blooded guy should have in stock.”

Debbie couldn’t believe what she was hearing.  He talked about drugging and raping women as if it was a normal, everyday activity.  “You’re sick,” she said with disgust.

“No Debbie, not sick, just misunderstood.”

From behind her, Debbie could hear Sarah moaning in pain as she slowly began to stir in bed.  When she turned back around, she gaped at what she saw.  Brad pulled out a syringe and a vial of some kind of clear liquid.  “What are you going to do with that?” she asked, horrified at what he intended to use it for.

Smiling wickedly at her he said, “Oh, just a little something to calm you down.  You seem too agitated to me.”

“The hell I am,” she yelled out, trying to break free from his firm grasp.  “Sarah! Sarah, wake up!  Wake up!” she cried out, as she moved about frantically.

“Oh, don’t worry, Deb.  This will only take a few seconds, and then poof…” snapping his fingers he continued, “…lights out.”

“You won’t get away with this.  Sarah’s father’s a lawyer, he’ll make sure that you rot in prison for the rest of your life,” she replied hysterically, as she tried kicking him, however, Brad had her at such an awkward angle, her kicks became useless.

She watched helplessly as Brad sat the vial of clear liquid on his desk.  Taking the syringe cap off with his teeth, he spat it out across the room.   “The thing you forget Debbie, is that I come from a family of wealth.  Who do you think pays law enforcement to look the other way, hmm?  That’s right, the wealthy.  Who do you think supports candidates when they run for political elections?  Once again, the wealthy.  Face it Deb, it’s the rich that run this country, not the measly, middle-class America.”

“You’re crazy,” she whimpered out through her tears.

“Oh, I’m crazy alright.  Crazy about the American dream.  And, if you need proof about what I’m talking about, all you have to do is look at who currently resides in the white house.  I mean, c’mon, do you really think someone like that got elected president of the United States by his smarts alone…please.” 

Taking the syringe, Brad plunged the needle into the vial.  Drawing the plunger up, he quickly filled the syringe to the desired dosage he wanted.  “Well, would you look at that, there seems to be some air bubbles at the top.”  Pausing, he reached around Debbie, holding the syringe out in front of her.  “Deb, would you be a doll and tap the bubbles out.  I would do it, but as you can see I’m kind of tied up right now,” he chuckled out.

Panicking, Debbie began to thrash about.  Brad brought his arm around her neck, exposing a small, fleshy area of her neck.  “Well, have it your way, but at least I tried.”

Debbie flailed about, scratching her fingernails along his hands and arms.  Behind her, she heard Brad curse to himself as she drew blood, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t break free of his grasp. 

“Well Deb, to tell you the truth, I have no idea what drug is in this syringe.  The vial appears to have no label, so I don’t know if this is just a mild sedative, GHB, or poison that will be injected into your system, but it’ll be fun to find out.”  Debbie watched through tear filled eyes as Brad brought the syringe closer and closer to her neck.  Bringing his mouth down to her ear, he whispered menacingly, “Bottom’s up.”

“Nooooooo!” Debbie screamed out as she felt the needle against her skin.

XXXXXXX

To Be Continued….

Disclaimer:  In first chapter.

Chapter 23

After the game, Sydney followed Jarod and Miss Parker to her house as Sam stayed behind with a few of his officers, combing the sports equipment room for any clues that might lead to the guy who locked Brandon inside.  When Jarod asked Brandon what the guy looked like, his son couldn’t give him a clear description.  All Brandon told them was that the guy looked like any other guy off the streets.  He was about six foot tall, medium build, no beard or mustache.  Brandon told them he couldn’t really see his eyes because of the baseball hat he had pulled over them, but he said the guy sounded nice and had a police badge with him, so he thought it was okay to help him find his dog.

Stopping at a stop light, Jarod looked in the rearview mirror.  Brandon was sitting in the backseat looking out the window without a care in the world.  Goosebumps formed on Jarod’s skin as he thought about how close he came to losing Brandon tonight.  When his son looked up into the rearview mirror, he smiled that warm, affectionate, smile that always warmed Jarod’s heart, because his son inherited his mother’s smile.   Grinning back, Jarod turned his gaze from Brandon to Parker sitting in the passenger seat.

Obviously, she was still angry at Jarod for letting Sarah stay the night at Debbie’s mother’s house and going to the pizza place after the game.   Parker argued with him, telling him that Sarah should be grounded after what happened the night before, with Sarah sneaking out to see Brad, plus the fight they had afterwards after finding their daughter making out with the creep in his car.  But, Jarod argued back saying that it was tradition for everyone to go to Mama Mia’s after the last game of the season, so the underclassmen can have one last hurrah with the parting seniors.  However, Parker told him to screw tradition, Sarah needed to be punished for the way she’d been acting, plain and simple.

Rubbing his face, Jarod let out a heavy sigh.  He’d never liked fighting with her, but for the past year, that’s all they seemed to do.  It was always about something; her brother, her father and his annoying habit of telling Jarod about how to raise his children, his job and the long hours he was putting in, and then last but certainly not least, was his co-worker and friend, Zoe.

It hurt Jarod to think that Parker couldn’t trust him when it came to Zoe.  With her father telling lies about Jarod’s fidelity, how could she not trust him, but being naïve, Jarod thought his words and love alone would be enough to convince Parker that he was telling the truth when it came to Zoe.  However, she believed her father over him, and when Jarod finally saw the picture she shoved in his face, he understood why.

Jarod sighed in disgust as the photo flashed in his mind.  The picture was taken outside of Zoe’s bedroom window.  With the curtains wide open, anyone could get a good picture of what was happening inside.  The man with Zoe was not Jarod, yet Jarod’s face was clearly seen on the photo.  When Jarod looked closely at the photo, he noticed how the head and body were slightly disproportioned with each other.  Looking at the picture, he wondered who would go to all this trouble to digitally alter a photo, so that it would appear that Jarod was cheating on his wife.  But then, just as fast as the thought entered his mind, did he realize who--Mr. Parker.  Jarod knew Mr. Parker despised him, but he would’ve never dreamed that the elder Parker would stoop so low in breaking him and Parker up.

Jarod knew that Parker wouldn’t believe his words alone; he knew he would need undeniable proof that the photo was altered.  For doing this, Jarod asked for Sam’s help.   Sam took the photograph to a friend of his that worked on the Philadelphia police force.  When Sam came back with the results, Jarod was ecstatic.  This evidence would prove to Parker that Jarod never strayed from her. 

When she looked at the evidence, Jarod could’ve of sworn he saw relief creeping in her facial features, but it only happened for a brief second before her face turned hard and steely.  Throwing the photo at him she told him he was truly pathetic.  The harshness of her words cut through him like a knife.  Getting up, she told him if he kept this up about her father she was going to sue for sole custody of the kids.  Jarod was stunned into silence by her parting words as she quickly walked away from him, leaving him alone and empty inside the café.

When Jarod left the café, he was beyond angry.  Getting in his car, he started it up and headed for Mr. Parker’s house.  Jarod knew it wasn’t really his wife that was calling him pathetic or wanting to sue for sole custody of their children.  It was her father.  He knew Parker was in turmoil; unfortunately she was turning to the devil for advice.  What made Jarod sick was how Mr. Parker used his daughter’s vulnerability and self doubt for his own personal gain.  He knew the older man would stop at nothing to reap the benefits of his daughter’s crumbling marriage. 

Screeching to a halt in the driveway, Jarod left the car running as he scrambled out of car, and ran to the front door.  He pounded on the door wildly, until finally, someone answered.  He rushed past the maid and headed straight for Mr. Parker’s study.  Without knocking, Jarod busted through the door.  Mr. Parker looked up from his desk, and seemed unfazed by Jarod’s actions.

Furious, Jarod quickly walked over to the desk.  Stopping in front, Jarod ripped the pen from Mr. Parker’s hand and threw it across the room.  Turning back around, he swung an arm out, sending Mr. Parker’s files, briefcase, telephone, laptop, and other items crashing to the floor.

Enraged, Mr. Parker bolted from his seat.  “How dare you come into my home and trash it!” he exclaimed lividly.

Grasping the front of the desk, Jarod leaned forward so he was mere inches from Mr. Parker’s face.  “It’s time you and I had a little chat,” Jarod snarled.  Releasing his firm grip on the desk, Jarod reached out and pushed Mr. Parker back in his black, leather desk chair. 

“I’ve had enough of this!”  Mr. Parker shouted angrily.  Reaching behind him, he dug into his suit jacket, grabbing his cell phone.  “I’m calling the police, young man.  Maybe then you could explain to them why you’re acting like a madman,” he spat out.

Before Mr. Parker could flip open the phone, Jarod walked around the desk, slapping the phone from his hand.  “I don’t think so.  No cops or any of your other little lackeys to get you out of this.  No, it’s time you and I had a talk, man to man.”  Casually leaning against the desk, Jarod added, “I’m not leaving, so start talking.”

Mr. Parker gave him an incredulous look.  “And what should I be talking about?  I’m no damn mind reader, you know.”

“Oh, I don’t know, lets see, how about my marriage,” Jarod bit out sarcastically. 

Mr. Parker held his gaze for a few moments before leaning back in his chair.  Resting his elbows on the armrest, he steepled his fingers, resting his chin on top.  Smirking, he said, “Oh, you want to talk about that disaster, or as I call it the biggest mistake of my daughter’s life.”

Jarod clenched his jaw at his father-in-law’s words.  Glaring at him, Jarod stood up straight and leaned over him.  “I know it was you that doctored up that photo you son of bitch,” he growled out.  “It sickens me how you treat your daughter.”

Mr. Parker looked up at him with hate filled eyes.  “I love my daughter!” he hissed out.  “You on the other hand proved your love to her with that photo,” he added with disgust.  “Now, you break into my house saying I did these awful things to my daughter.  You have some nerve.”

Straightening his stance, Jarod walked over to a chair in front of the desk.  Sitting down, he made himself comfortable before he talked.  “Mr. Parker, I know you despise and hate me, hell, I can live with that.”  Leaning forward, Jarod continued, “But, don’t think I’ll go into the dark night without fighting for my family, for…” He paused for a moment, picking up a photograph of Parker.  A small smile fell upon his lips as his eyes took in her beauty.  Glancing back up, his smile disappeared as his eyes narrowed on Mr. Parker.  “…for her,” he tacked on evenly as he placed the frame on top of the old man’s desk.

“You’re no good for her,” Mr. Parker replied back coldly.  “I knew it the first time I met you.”

“But we were kids back then.”

Mr. Parker shrugged his shoulders.  “So--I know when someone isn’t good.  You’re nothing more than a heathen.  A man who has no ambition in life except to help the poor and unfortunate.”  Getting up from his chair, Mr. Parker walked over to the liquor cabinet.  Grabbing a tumbler, he poured himself some scotch.  Jarod watched quietly as Mr. Parker took a couple of drinks from the glass before turning around to face him.  “With most of your cases being pro bono work, how can you support my daughter and grandchildren?”

“I make enough to support my family.  We may never live in a house like this, but that doesn’t matter because material things leave you with nothing but emptiness.  Long as I live in a house filled with love, I’ll always be a richer man than you’ll ever be,” Jarod answered back with a smirk.

Mr. Parker let out a sarcastic chuckle as he walked over to the window behind the desk.  Looking out over the back lawn he said, “You are a foolish man if you believe that, Jarod.  Love is a pathetic emotion that makes people weak.”  Turning around, he locked eyes with Jarod.  “Your love made my daughter a weak person.”

“You’re wrong,” replied Jarod as he abruptly stood up.  “Our love for one another has made us as what we are today.  As for your daughter, you underestimate her.  She’s stronger than you’ll ever be.”  He paused an added sarcastically, “And you say you love your daughter, please, you don’t even know the real her.  Hell, it’s a good thing she took after her mother more than you.”

Mr. Parker’s hands shook with fury.  Jarod flinched as Mr. Parker threw his tumbler against the wall, spilling remnants of scotch down the wall.  Taking a couple of steps towards Jarod, he pointed a shaking finger at him.  “My daughter is nothing like Catherine, you bastard!  How dare you say that!”

Jarod smiled, knowing he got under Mr. Parker’s skin.  “But it’s the truth, and you know it.  You can’t stand that, can you?”  The older man didn’t say anything as he glared at Jarod, so he continued, “And I guess with me around, I guess I just encourage that, for her to show her human side instead of the zombie that her father wants her to be, hollow and empty inside.”

“Get out of my house!” Mr. Parker demanded.

Jarod didn’t budge from his spot.  Waving his finger in a mock scolding manner he said, “Now, now, now, there’s no need to get angry over the truth.”

“Truth, Ha!  Now that’s a laugh coming from the likes of you,” Mr. Parker replied back bitterly.  “Tell me then Jarod, how do you explain your little romp in the hay with Zoe, huh?  As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.”

Inside, Jarod was seething, but he knew he had to remain level headed when it came to his father-in-law.  “True,” Jarod answered thoughtfully, “But, a picture doesn’t mean nothing if it’s been tampered with, am I right?” 

Silence enveloped the room, as the two men stared at each other with contempt.  The elder Parker’s silence gave Jarod his answer.  “If it’s a war you want then it’s a war you’ll get,” Jarod spat out.  “You may have won this battle, but I will win the war.  Nothing will stand in the way between me and my family.  As for your daughter, well, I don’t give up that easily.  Unfortunately for you, it’s one of those irritating qualities that she loves about me.”  Jarod grinned broadly at him.  Before he exited, he turned around an added in the doorway, “You have a nice night, and remember, don’t let the bed bugs bite.”  Laughing, Jarod walked out of the house and got in his car. 

Hearing a car horn blaring, Jarod was broken out of his reverie.  Gathering his composure, Jarod pressed on the gas pedal and continued driving.  It wasn’t long before his mind wandered back to this morning and how it felt to hold Parker in his arms once again.  He didn’t know how, but some how their sleeping positions changed on the couch as he found himself laying beside her, his chest against her back as his arms were wrapped around her waist, feeling every breath she took and exhaled. 

Jarod smiled wistfully as he remembered nuzzling her neck and hair, loving the smells that filled his senses.  And, as he lifted himself up slightly from the couch, he looked down at her still sleeping form knowing he would never give up on her.  The thought alone gave him enough courage to bend down and place a gentle kiss on her lips.    No matter how many roadblocks she threw his way, he would eventually find his way back to her heart.  And Jarod was one to never back away from a challenge.

However, his smile slowly vanished knowing the more time he spent with her and the kids the more danger he was putting them in.  He just couldn’t risk losing them.  So, when he peeled himself off the couch and carried her upstairs to what was once their bedroom he decided the only way to keep them safe was to stay as far away as possible, at least until he brought Catherine’s murderers to justice. 

When he reached the bedroom, he walked slowly to the bed, and gently laid her down.  Pulling the covers up and over her, he tucked her in and sat down beside her.  A million thoughts seemed to run through his head as he sat there and watched her sleep.  The way her chest slowly rose up and down with each breath she took.  The way her eyelids would flutter just slightly, knowing she was in a dream state.  The way her dark hair fanned out around her face, making her look almost angelic to him.  She was the most beautiful creature he ever laid eyes on, and to have her suddenly ripped away from him scared him to death.

As he turned down the street to what was once their home, he hated the realization he came up with that morning.  For her and the kids to stay safe he would have to push them away, to keep their distance from him.  And tonight, the incident with Brandon just proved his point.  Letting out a weary sigh, he pulled the car into the driveway.  Turning the ignition off, he watched as Parker and Brandon raced up to the door.  He smiled as Parker slowed down, letting Brandon win the race.  God, he loved them, which only made this much harder.   But, the question remained, could he do it and let them go?

XXXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer:  In first chapter.

Chapter 24

Still sitting in his car pondering his thoughts, Jarod was broken from his reverie when Sydney knocked on his window.  Flashing a wry smile at the aging doctor, Jarod stepped out of the vehicle.  Digging his hands in his pockets, Jarod slowly meandered behind Sydney as they made their way to the house. 

When they reached the top of the steps, Sydney abruptly stopped and turned around.  “Do you want to talk?” Sydney asked, facing Jarod.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Jarod nodded yes as he walked over to one of the rocking chairs sitting on the porch.  Following his lead, Sydney sat down in the other vacant rocking chair.  Once both men were settled, Jarod began pouring his thoughts to Sydney.

Running a frustrated hand through his hair, Jarod asked, “Sydney, what should I do?  I feel any choice I make will be the wrong decision.”

Rocking slowly in his chair, Sydney looked out across the yard.  “Jarod,” he began as his eyes fell back on the troubled man beside him, “Only you know the answer to that question.”

Jarod let out a sardonic chuckle.  “Well Sydney, that was real insightful.”

Sydney smiled at the comment.  “Jarod, I’ve known you since you were ten years old.  I’ve watched you grow from a caring friend to a loving husband to Parker.  And, through all those years, you’ve never once turned your back on Parker or your family when they needed you the most, so what’s to say that you’ll start now.”  Getting up from the rocking chair, Sydney glanced down at Jarod.  “You’ve already made your choice, Jarod.”     Pointing his finger at the living room window he added, “You both need to talk things through before you make any rash decisions regarding your family’s future.  Ease your burden and let her help you.”

Getting up from his chair, Jarod stood beside Sydney.  Inside, Parker and Brandon were sitting on the couch watching the latest Harry Potter movie.  “I know you’re right, Sydney,” Jarod agreed, “But, I just don’t want to saddle her with more problems.”

Sydney shook his head in disagreement.  “Jarod, don’t shut her out of this.  Remember, these are her children too.”   With that, Sydney patted Jarod on the shoulder as he made his way inside the house.

Sighing, Jarod tried to rub the growing tension away from the back of his neck and shoulders.  He knew he should talk to Parker, but what if they got into another one of their fights?  Would he be able to sit there and take it?  Feeling a whole mix of emotions running through him, Jarod shoved his hands in his pockets, pacing back and forth on the porch.

Sydney’s words and his own thoughts were running amok in his mind.  He knew Sydney was right.  He had to voice his concerns to Parker, but the other part of his mind was saying she didn’t need the added stress that already existed in her life.  But, on the other hand, if he made a decision regarding their children without talking things through with her, she would be royally pissed to the say the least.  It could possibly be the final straw that makes their impending divorce a crushing reality for Jarod.  Stopping in mid thought, Jarod glanced back into the living room.  He knew what he had to do.  Sighing heavily, he made his way to the door.

XXXXXXX

Josh turned his Jeep onto Campus Avenue, the road where Brad’s fraternity lived.  Driving slowly down the street, both he and Eli scanned the house numbers.  Once they found the house, Josh turned his Jeep back around, hiding it among the shadow of trees.  Turning the ignition and headlights off, Josh glanced over at Eli.  “So, are you ready?” he asked.

Putting his baseball cap on, Eli replied back, “As ready as I’ll ever be.”  Glancing at the house he said, “Do you really think it’s that bad?  You know…with Sarah and Debbie.”

Josh hoped that it wasn’t, but he had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach that it was far worse than Debbie let on.  If Brad or any of his friends did anything to hurt Debbie or his sister there’ll be hell to pay.  Putting on his baseball cap, he lowered the bill, trying his best to cover his eyes.  Following Eli’s gaze he replied back, “E, I pray to God it isn’t, but from the way Debbie sounded on the phone, I have this awful feeling that something bad has already happened, as to what that is, I have no idea.”

Turning his eyes away from the house, Eli glanced back at Josh.  “Shit, I was hoping for something more positive coming from you,” said Eli nervously.  “Listen man; if push comes to shove you know I’ve got your back, right?’

Josh smiled at him, patting him on the shoulder.  “I know you do, Bud, but can we can put this Hallmark moment aside and get to the task at hand,” joked Josh.

“Like kicking some college boys’ asses,” Eli grinned back mischievously, “Sure, besides I could use the exercise tonight.”  Rolling his shoulders, Eli cracked his knuckles.  “So, do you think we can trust this Chris guy?”

Josh shrugged his shoulders.  “We have too.  He’s our only link to Sarah and Debbie.”  Trying to gather up as much courage as possible, Josh opened the Jeep door.  He was about to get out when Eli grabbed him by the shoulder.

“Josh, maybe we should call my Dad to come here.  He is a police officer after all.” Eli suggested.

“Eli, you know we can’t do that.  If we told your father, then he’ll tell my parents and the last thing my mother needs is another fight with Sarah,” Josh told him.

“Shit,” Eli grumbled, “So, I guess this is it, huh?”

“I guess so,” Josh said with reluctance.  “Listen, if you want, you can stay out here and I’ll get them.”

Eli shook his head.  “Dude, you know I can’t sit back and let you do this all by yourself.”  He smiled crookedly at him.  “Besides, how can I miss an opportunity of teasing your sister for the rest of her life, knowing I was there to rescue her in her time of need.  Man, she’ll hate that.”

Josh chuckled.  “Yeah, she will.” Laughter subsiding, he commented, “Well, lets get this show on the road.”  Closing the door, Josh jogged across the street with Brad on his heels.  When they reached the door, Josh knocked a couple of times before the door was answered.  Smiling down at the petite red head, they were both quickly ushered inside.

XXXXXXX

Jarod was just about to let himself in when his cell phone began to ring.  Taking it out of his jacket he answered, “Hello?”

“It’s Sam.”

Turning, he quickly walked away from the door.  “What is it?” Jarod asked.

“Well, my men scoured the room, but the only thing they found was a tape recorder.  We played the tape, but the only thing on it was a barking dog.  Obviously, our guy used this as a decoy to lure Brandon into the room.”

Jarod clenched his jaw.  “Were you able to pull any prints off the recorder?” he asked.

There was a brief pause on the other end before Sam answered.  “No, we didn’t.  In fact the entire place was clean of prints except for yours, Brandon’s, and Parker’s.  Whoever is involved with this knows their way around crime scenes.”  Sam paused again as Jarod heard him shuffling through papers.  “We also checked the school’s surveillance system…”

“Let me guess, nothing, right?” Jarod asked evenly, already knowing the answer.

“Correct.  Out of the four securities cameras placed outside of the school, only one was working.  Unfortunately, the working one was tampered with, as a continuous loop was run repeatedly on the tape.”

“Damn!” Jarod muttered to himself angrily.  “Sam, I know Mr. Parker is behind this somehow.  Now, I just have to find out who’s working for him.”

“Jarod, be careful when you say things like that,” Sam warned.  “I don’t like Mr. Parker either, but don’t start rousing a sleeping lion when you have nothing to defend yourself with.” 

Shoulders slumped in defeat; Jarod leaned against the porch railing, staring through the living room window, watching Brandon animatedly talking to Sydney and Parker about the crazy world of Harry Potter.  “Sam, how can I stand by and do nothing?  It’s one thing to mess with me, but when he starts threatening my kids lives, he better pray that when I do kill him that it’s quick and painless instead of slow and torturous.”

“Jarod,” Sam whispered cautiously, “Be careful what you say around me.  If something bad should happen to Mr. Parker, you’ll be numero uno on the suspect list.  I know you’re venting right now, but if I’m asked of any threats made to Mr. Parker I’ll have to tell them about this discussion.”

A sly smile appeared on Jarod’s lips.  “Ah, but Sam, I’m a lawyer, remember?  If I wanted too, I could argue it as hearsay.”

“You damn lawyers are always a pain in the ass,” Sam chuckled into the phone.

“That’s why they pay us the big bucks,” Jarod joked back.

Sobering up, Sam spoke on the phone again.  “Jarod, all kidding aside, I’ll try my best to find this guy that duped Brandon.”

Nodding to himself, Jarod answered back, “I know you will.”

Trying to change the subject, Sam asked, “So, how’s Parker doing?”

Letting his gaze fall on the person in question he replied back, “She seems to be doing fine.  In fact, better than I thought she would.  I don’t know what it is, but she seems different after the accident.  As if anything I say about her father doesn’t surprise her anymore, at least not like it used too.”  Jarod stopped talking for a moment as the earlier conservation with Parker jumped into his mind.  “Sam, could you do me a huge favor?”

“Sure,” the gruff voice came over the line.

“Can you check into the whereabouts of William Raines?  From my earlier talk with Parker today, I have reason to believe that he might’ve had a hand in Catherine’s death,” said Jarod.

“Jarod, I don’t know about this,” Sam said warily.  “If the mayor ever found out I was snooping around his biggest contributors for his recent election, I could be out of a job just like that.”

“Sam, I know, but do this for Parker,” Jarod pleaded.  “I know you think of her as the younger sister you never had.”  Sighing, he added, “I just want her to have closure over her mother’s death.”

Jarod waited patiently for Sam’s answer.  “Oh, all right, I’ll do it.”

“Thanks Sam, I owe you big.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, we’ll just see how good you cover your promises when you have to defend me in court for abuse of power or some other crap they can charge me with,” Sam joked.

On the other end of the line, Jarod heard someone knocking.  “Chief?”

“Come in, Bailey,” replied Sam.

“We just received this fax from the Philadelphia police department.”  Jarod heard the sound of shuffling papers as he waited patiently for Sam.

“Son of a bitch!” Jarod heard Sam gasp.

“What’s wrong?” asked Jarod with concern.

Before Sam could speak, he asked his officer to leave the room.  “Jarod, you’re not going to believe this.”

“What?”

“You remember a couple of months ago when you told me about that guy you were suppose to meet at the pier?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, it looks like he was found near the Pennsylvania/Delaware state line.  Listen, I can’t talk right now.  I’ll come meet you.”  As Sam grabbed his keys he asked, “Where you at?”

“I’m at Parker’s house,” Jarod replied back.

“Listen, I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”  With that, Sam hung up the phone.  Flipping his phone closed, Jarod wondered who the guy could be.

XXXXXX

As Josh and Eli walked into the house, they were instantly bombarded with the sound of blaring music.  Josh frantically looked around, hoping to quickly spot Debbie and Sarah and get the hell out of here; however, he was in no such luck.

“Who do you think this Chris guy is?” Eli whispered to him.

“I don’t know.  Debbie said he would recognize us, but until he does, let’s search for the girls,” Josh replied back.  Without a second thought, they stumbled through the first floor in hopes of finding Debbie and Sarah.

After roughly ten minutes of searching they found no signs of the girls or this Chris guy.  Seeing the back deck as the quietest and less populated area of the house, they quickly made their way outside.

“Where the hell is this guy?” Eli asked with annoyance.  “He should’ve already met up with us by now.”

“I’m right here,” they heard someone call out behind them.

Quickly turning around, they came face to face with Chris.  “Where are my sister and friend at?” Josh asked evenly.  “If you guys did something to…”

Chris put his hands up.  “Whoa there, cowboy, you need to calm down before you make a bigger ass of yourself.”

“Excuse me?  What the hell gives you the right to talk to me like that?” Josh asked angrily.

Still smiling, Chris whispered out to them, “Listen, a few of my brothers are inside the kitchen right now watching us.  They know you guys don’t belong here.  Just follow my lead and remain cool, got it?”

Josh plastered a fake smile on his face.  “Yeah, I got it?”

“Good, now follow me,” Chris ordered.

Casting each other nervous glances, Josh and Eli followed Chris into the house.  Once they were inside, one of the guys purposefully bumped into Josh.  “Oh sorry, didn’t see the little high schooler here.  So, what are you two doing here?  I don’t remember anyone inviting you guys here.”

Before things escalated, Chris came to stand between them.  “David, they’re safe.  Josh here is my cousin.”  Pointing at Eli he said, “This is his friend that he brought along.”

Peeling his eyes from Josh, David turned to Chris.  “Who said you could invite anyone here?”

Before Chris could answer, Josh spoke up.  “Listen, don’t blame my cousin.  I just wanted to surprise him, plus I wanted to experience my first real college party and I heard that this frat house threw the best parties around.”

David remained silent, pondering Josh’s words.  After some time David said, “Fine,” looking back at Chris he said evenly, “Just keep them out of my way, got that?”

Chris let out a nervous chuckle.  “Yeah, of course.”  When David and the rest of the guys left, Chris looked over at Josh.  “Your sister and Debbie are upstairs waiting in the bathroom.  The two of you will have to split up.  One of you can use the staircase in the kitchen here, while the other will have to use the one in the living room.”

“Why all the 007 crap?” Eli asked curiously.

“Brad is here, and if he notices you guys aren’t legit, he’ll make sure to remind you that you guys don’t belong here.”  Chris looked around nervously.

“Okay,” Josh said, “I’ll take the kitchen, Eli, you take the living room.  Wait there for about five minutes before making your way up, got it?”

“Yeah,” Eli nodded nervously to him.

“The bathroom is the last door on the right.  It should have a ‘do not enter’ sign on it.  I’ll wait with your friend until the five minutes are up,” Chris told Josh.  “If something should happen, and you guys get caught I’ll deny having helped you.”

Before Eli and Chris left, Josh grabbed Chris’ arm.  “Wait, won’t Brad know something is up if he sees you walking around downstairs?   I mean, aren’t you suppose to be keeping watch over Debbie and Sarah?”

Chris pushed his hand off.  “Don’t worry about Brad.  Now go,” he urged.

Taking one last fleeting glance at the two, Josh ran up the stairs.

XXXXXXXX

Hearing a knock at the door, Jarod bolted from his chair.  Walking quickly to the door, he answered it to find Sam on the other side with a file wrapped securely in his hand.  Ushering Sam in, they walked into the living room.

Brandon was upstairs playing his video games while Parker and Sydney were in the kitchen making coffee.  Sitting down, Sam laid the file on the table and opened it.  Turning it around so Jarod could see, Sam said, “My friend at the Philadelphia PD said this guy was found by a couple of hikers near a lake.  Obviously, his murderers pushed his body into the lake, using cement blocks to hopefully keep him in place. But, as you can see, that didn’t happen.”

Jarod picked up a few of the pictures looking at them in disgust.  “It looks like decomposition had a part in loosening his bonds to the lakebed.”

Sam cleared his throat.  “As you can see, there are three bullet holes.  One to the forehead and two to the chest.  His clothing even matches the description you gave to the state police.  But, the clincher that I know this is your guy is the splinters of wood they found in his hands.  My friend ran a test, saying the wood matches the type that was used for making the pier you were supposed to meet him at.”

Putting the pictures down, Jarod sat back in his chair with a million thoughts running through his head.  Glancing back at Sam he asked, “What’s the name of the victim?”

Just then, Parker and Sydney came walking in with their cups of coffee.   As Sam looked through his reports, Parker walked up to the table, looking down at the pictures.  Jarod looked up at her questionably as she gasped at the photos.  Bringing a trembling hand to her lips, she dropped her cup of coffee as she slowly backed away from the table, falling down onto the couch behind her. 

Instantly concerned, Jarod got up and sat beside her.  Grabbing her hand he asked, “Parker, what is it?”

“Is she alright?’ Sam asked worriedly.

“I…I don’t know.”  Looking down at Parker, Jarod could see the unshed tears glimmering in her eyes.  “Parker, please what is it?  What’s wrong?”

Glancing up at Jarod, she choked out, “It…it’s him.”

“Who?” Jarod asked.  When Parker didn’t answer, Jarod looked over at Sam.  “Who is he, Sam?”

“Thomas Gates,” Sam answered softly.

XXXXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer:  In first chapter.

Chapter 25

Everything spun around to her as she looked down at the grisly pictures of her former lover.  Reaching out with a trembling hand, she picked up one of the pictures, hoping this was some cruel joke being played upon her. 

Her glistening blue eyes absorbed every microscopic detail of the photo.  There was no denying it; it was without a doubt her Tommy.  A thin, white cotton sheet covered his body from the waist down as he laid upon the cold, stainless steel table.  The top half of his body was naked and bloated, almost unrecognizable to her eyes.  The skin of his upper body had a bluish-white tint to it and two holes that marred his chest.  There was no mistaken where the two holes came from—bullets. 

She could hear Jarod, Sam, and Sydney trying to talk to her, but their voices was some kind of unknown foreign language that she couldn’t comprehend as her eyes remained glued to the photograph in her hands.  Miss Parker let her eyes travel up his body and to his face.  Tommy’s once handsome face was now disfigured by one lone bullet hole in his forehead.  His brown eyes were wide open, still frozen in fear of knowing death was waiting upon his doorstep.  She hadn’t realized she’d been crying until a few lone tears dropped onto the picture.  Quickly swiping them away, she stood up, feeling an overwhelming sense to get out of the house, to get away from the ever present death that always seemed to surround her, threatening to suffocate the life out of her.  Dropping the picture, she ran past the three concerned men in the living room, hoping to escape the ever present grief that wrapped around her fragile heart.

XXXXXXX

Josh slowly made his way up the stairs, trying to remain ever so quiet.  Whenever a floorboard creaked underneath him, he would instantly freeze expecting at any moment to be met by Brad and his college cronies. 

Josh never actually met Brad, just seen him that one time back in September when he picked up his sister from school one day.  When Sarah got back from her date, they had a huge fight about him.  He just couldn’t believe how stupid his sister was when it came to him.  Seeing that Sarah wasn’t going to stop seeing Brad, Josh decided he would have to pull out the parent card.  He threatened to tell their parents about him if she didn’t.  When Sarah looked into his eyes, he thought she was telling the truth, but of course, Sarah didn’t.  Now, here he was risking his own ass to save hers.

His journey was halfway over when he reached the top of the steps.  He nervously pulled his hat down over his eyes even further as he made his way down the hallway.  Josh glanced back and forth between the closed doors, hoping no one would come out and draw unwanted attention to him. 

In the distance, he could just make out the ‘do not enter’ sign posted on the door.  He smiled to himself knowing he was just a hop, skip, and jump away from Sarah and Debbie.  When he reached the door he let out a huge sigh of relief.  Knocking on the door he whispered out softly, “Deb, it’s me, Josh.  Open up.”

From behind the door, he could hear feet shuffling.  A few seconds later, Debbie quickly waved him inside.  When he stepped inside he was shocked at what he saw.  Sarah looked like death warmed over.  Her dark hair was a tangled mess as she hovered over the toilet.  When she leaned back and looked up at Josh, her brown eyes had a glazed look to them.  Josh instantly went to her and knelt down beside her.  With one hand behind her head, he took the washcloth sitting on the sink and placed it on her forehead.

“Jesus Sarah, what the hell have you gotten yourself into now?” he whispered out worriedly.  This wasn’t good.  There was no way he could keep this from their parents.  His sister’s health was something he wouldn’t gamble with.  Even if she hated him for the rest of their lives after telling them, he knew it was the right thing to do.

Glancing back up at Debbie he asked, “What did happen tonight?”

As Debbie told him the details, Josh could feel his blood slowly boiling beneath his skin.  Looking down at the sweat sheen face of his sister he said in a threatening tone, “When I find Brad, I’m going to kill him.”

“Josh…”

“No Debbie!” he interjected harshly.  “I won’t stand by and let him get away with what he did to her.”  Just as Sarah knocked his hand away to throw up again, they heard a knock on the door.

Signaling Debbie to take over for him, Josh walked over to the door.  “Who is it?” he asked.

“Eli and Chris,” Eli replied back.

Once Josh opened the door, the two guys quickly stepped inside.  “Damn,” Eli muttered to himself as he looked down upon the haggard Sarah.  “She looks like hell.”

“I know, tell me about it,” Josh replied back.  Looking back at Chris he said, “We need to call for some help.  My sister is in worse shape than I thought she would be.  I don’t want to take any unnecessary chances with her.”

“No,” Sarah croaked out.  “Don’t call…for any help…I’m fine.”

“Sarah, your brother’s right,” Debbie chimed in as she tucked a few strands of Sarah’s hair behind her ears.  “Brad gave you a drug tonight, hoping to make you feel…less hostile when he tried to take advantage of you tonight while in his bedroom.”

Sarah glared at Debbie as she pushed her hands away.  Struggling to standup she said, “You’re both lying.  Brad wouldn’t…do such a thing.”  Standing up on wobbly legs, Sarah swayed as she held her head in her hands.  “He loves me,” she whispered out to no one is particular.

“Whoa there,” said Eli as he rushed to her side to keep her from falling. 

“Get off of me,” Sarah snapped as she wriggled her arm from Eli’s gasp.  “If I wanted your help I would’ve asked.”

“Sarah, you need to calm down and stop being a little brat,” Josh commented with a tinge of anger in his voice.  “In case you haven’t noticed, we’re all here risking our own butts trying to help you.”

“Who said I needed your help.  I was doing perfectly fine without it,” Sarah hissed out.

“Oh yeah, sure you were,” Josh replied back sarcastically.  “If Debbie hadn’t found you when she did, you would’ve been…been…”  Josh didn’t finish his sentence as all of a sudden an intense, throbbing pain entered his brain.  Grimacing, he grabbed his head as he fell to his knees.  He could hear Debbie and Eli’s voices, but they faded out to the constant whisperings in his mind. 

Their words were jumbled together, not making any sense to him as he closed his eyes trying to ward off the pain.  He never had a migraine so intense like this one was at the very moment.  Kneeling back up, he opened his eyes as he began to massage his temples, hoping to somehow ease the throbbing ache behind his eyes.

Just when it felt that the pain had subsided, another jolt came crashing through.  This one was worse as Josh fell to the ground in a crumpled heap.  Tears streamed down his face as white, searing pain went through his head.  He felt that at any moment his head was going to explode.

The voices that were once whispering before now came at him in full force.  He tried to focus, but nothing was making any sense to him.  Just when he thought he was going to pass out, he finally heard a soft, feminine voice.  At first, he thought it was his mother talking to him, but as he listened more closely he knew it wasn’t her.  He couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was something oddly familiar about the woman’s voice.

Feeling a sense of comfort wash over him, he was finally able to listen to the woman’s voice.  What he heard chilled him to the bone.

“He’s coming…he’s coming…run, save yourself,” the woman’s voice kept repeating with a sense of urgency.  Then, just as fast as it came she was gone along with the throbbing pain.

Slowly easing himself off the floor, Josh leaned his head back against the wall, trying to gain back some composure.  Rubbing his temples, he looked around the room.  All eyes were on him except for Sarah, who was still lying on the floor, massaging her temples also.  He wondered, did Sarah hear them too?  When she looked up at him, she seemed to have the same questioning thoughts running through her mind also.

“Man, are you two okay?  I…I’ve never seen anything like that before,” said a surprised Eli.  “I mean, I’ve heard about twins sharing thoughts and feelings, but man, I’ve never had a front row seat to the real thing.”

Easing himself back up, Josh told everyone he was fine.  It was nothing to worry about.  Grabbing his phone from his pocket he told Chris, “I know you’re against me calling the police, but I have too.  We’re way over our heads as it is.”  Not caring if Chris agreed with him or not, Josh dialed 911.  As Josh talked to the operator on the other end, someone began banging on the bathroom door, demanding to be let in.  Everyone looked at each other with fearful eyes as they realized who was on the other side of the door—Brad.

XXXXXX

Not having the strength to go very far, Miss Parker plopped down on the porch steps as memories from her past came crashing down upon her.  She couldn’t understand why Tommy was dead here also.  It just wasn’t fair.  If she married Jarod, then how could Tommy still die at the hands of the Centre, which meant only one thing, somewhere along the lines, Tommy’s path crossed with hers, but when?

Miss Parker was broken from her thoughts when she heard the door behind her open.  She didn’t have to turn around to know who it was—Jarod.  He remained silent as he walked along the wooden porch.  When he came upon her, he wrapped his coat around her shoulders as he sat down beside her.

“Here, drink this,” he said as she offered her a cup of coffee.

Sighing, she took the ceramic mug from his hands.  Bringing the cup up to her face, she took a deep breath from the coffee, letting the warm aroma fill her senses.  Sipping the coffee, Jarod and her remained in a companionable silence as a light fog began to envelope the yard.

After some time, Miss Parker put down her cup of coffee.  Feeling a slight chill in the air, she pulled Jarod’s coat more tightly around her shoulders.  Letting out a sigh, she turned her gaze over to Jarod.  “So, what did Sam and Sydney think about the little drama that unfolded in the living room?”

Locking eyes with her he answered honestly, “They’re worried about you.”  He paused an added, “And, so am I.”  Tearing his gaze away hers, he looked out across the lawn.  “How do you know that man in those pictures?  I’ve never once heard you mention his name before.”

Running a weary hand through her hair she replied back, “Jarod, it’s a long story.”

“I’ve got all night to listen.”  Looking down at his hands, she watched as he absently played with the wedding band on his finger.  “Did…did you date him?” he asked almost fearfully.

“Jarod, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” she sighed.

He glanced over at her.  “Try me.”

The last thing she wanted to do was to tell Jarod about her ‘other life’, but if she wanted Jarod to understand where she was coming from she knew she would have to tell him.  Letting out a deep breath, she finally told Jarod about her life at the Centre and her little chat she had with Sydney at the football game.

After she was finally done, she held her breath as she looked over at Jarod with dreadful eyes.  She couldn’t understand why she was nervous about Jarod’s reaction to her story, but she was.  She watched with observant eyes as Jarod remained silent, pondering every word she said.  Finally, after some time a wry smile appeared on his lips.

“What’s so funny?” she asked with slight annoyance.

“This…Centre life you talk about, it sounds like it would make a good television show.”

Miss Parker was now beyond annoyed.  Bolting up from her seat she looked down at him with frustrated tear filled eyes.  “Fine, don’t take it serious then.”  With that, she turned on her heels as she stomped up the stairs.

“Parker, wait,” Jarod yelled as he got up to chase after her.  Catching her hand, he stopped her before she walked back into the house.  “Listen, I’m sorry about what I said.  I was trying to lighten the mood and it came out all wrong.”

Miss Parker tried to fight back the onslaught of tears that threatened to fall, but she lost the battle when she felt Jarod’s fingers under her chin, lifting her gaze up to his.  “Jarod,” she whispered out, “Am…I going crazy?”

Jarod tilted his head slightly to the side as he gave her a sympathetic look.  She didn’t fight him back as he pulled her into his arms, trying his best to shield her from the pain.  Resting his head on top of hers, he answered softly, “No, you’re not going crazy.   I want you to never think that, no matter how crazy life gets, don’t ever think you’re going nuts.”  He paused for a moment, kissing the top of her head.  “Even if we still get a…divorce,” he choked out, “Never forget that I’ll always be here for you.”  Pulling slightly back, he held her tear stained face in his hands, using his thumbs to wipe away the tears.  “No matter what.” 

“Thank you…Jarod,” she breathed out as she placed a hand on top of Jarod’s.  What happened next took her slightly by surprise as Jarod leaned down and brushed his lips against hers.  It was a sweet, gentle kiss that was chaste in nature.  When he pulled back, Miss Parker let out a slight sound of protest as she absentmindedly followed his mouth.

Opening up her eyes, Jarod looked just as surprised as she was.  He was about to say something, but Miss Parker stopped him by pressing one of her fingers against his lips, silencing him.  “No talking,” she chided softly.  Nodding his head in a trance like state, she removed her finger. 

They were just about to kiss again when all a sudden the voices in her head began to chatter loudly.  Pulling away from Jarod, she grabbed her face, trying to shake the annoying voices from her mind.  Doing this only seemed to make it worse as the decibel level in her ears became more louder.

As Jarod steered her to one of the rocking chairs to sit, all the voices seemed too quieted down, except for one.  A voice she recognized anywhere, her mother’s. 

“Children need help.  Hurry before it’s too late,” Catherine’s voice rang insistently through her mind.  When the voices subsided, she glanced up at a concerned Jarod.  Squeezing his hands she said with alarm, “Josh, Sarah, or both are in grave danger.  We have to find them.”  No sooner had she uttered the words did they hear Sam rip open the door, running towards them.

“Sam, what’s wrong?” Jarod asked with dread.

“We have to go.  The Winchester police just radioed to dispatch saying they were called to a domestic disturbance at one of the frat houses up near the college.  I don’t know all the details, but somehow our children are involved,” Sam answered with unease.  Without another word, Jarod and Miss Parker drove off to Winchester College, hoping that Sarah and Josh were alright.

Disclaimer:  In first chapter.

Chapter 26

Sam stormed into the Winchester police station with Miss Parker and Jarod on his heels.  Walking up to the desk, he said brusquely, “I was called about a domestic disturbance dispute.”  Signaling behind him with his hand he continued, “Three of our children…”

“Make that four,” came a voice from behind the trio as a man walked up to them.

“Broots, aren’t you supposed to be at that computer conference in D.C.?” questioned a confused Jarod.

“Well, I was, but my ex wife decided to call me this afternoon to tell me she was going to Atlantic City for the weekend, not even caring about Debbie’s welfare.  God, I don’t know why I continue to take Debbie to her mother’s when all the woman cares about is gambling and making a quick buck,” Broots stated sadly.  “It’s just sad because in the mothering department, Debbie got a raw deal.” 

“Yeah, she did, but look on the positive side, she’s got you as a father,” said Jarod.  “Long as she has you in her life she’ll be okay.”

Broots shrugged his shoulders.  “I…I guess you’re right.”

“Do you two need to get a room or something?” Miss Parker asked sarcastically.  “I’m guessing this must be male bonding at its finest.”

Behind her, she could hear the female officer behind the desk chuckling to herself.  Walking up to the desk, and standing beside Sam she asked,” What happened to our children?  Are they in trouble?  Did they get hurt?”

“Ma’am calm down.  Lieutenant Henderson will be with you all in just a moment.  Have a seat,” the officer suggested as she waved her hand towards the waiting area.

Glaring at the woman, she reluctantly went to sit with the guys.  As she took a seat by Jarod, he wrapped his arm around her, bringing her close to him.  Rubbing her arm he whispered, “Everything’s going to be okay.”

“But what if it isn’t?”

Jarod stared at her thoughtfully before answering, “We just have to stay positive.”

XXXXXXX

Josh, Debbie, Sarah, and Eli were being held in one of the vacant interrogation rooms.  Sarah was practically lying on the floor as Eli nervously paced back and forth, chewing on his fingernails as he did so.  Letting out a weary sigh, Josh looked over at Debbie who was sitting beside him on the couch, looking nervous as ever.  When she pushed a few strands of hair behind her ear he was able to see the slight bruising around the area where Brad stuck the needle into her neck.  Feeling anger beginning to burn in him again his thoughts went back to earlier tonight…

“Let me in right now,” Brad demanded through the pounding.

“Ah shit, what the hell do we do now?” asked Eli worriedly.

Seeing a small closet within the room, Josh went and opened it.  “Damn,” he muttered to himself.

“What is it?” asked Eli.

“There’s only enough room for two people.”  Glancing back around he said, “Debbie, you and Sarah hide in here while we take care of Brad.”

“But…”

Going over to Debbie he laid his hands on her shoulders as he knelt down to her eye level.  “Listen, don’t worry, everything is going to be fine, but we need to keep you two hidden from him.”  Nodding, Debbie went over to help Sarah up along with Josh.  As they stepped into the small space, Sarah was beginning to pass out.  Josh knew there was no way Debbie could hold Sarah up for that long.  Turning to Eli, he told him to go into the closet with his sister.  As Josh closed the door behind them, he told Debbie to hide in the shower.  Once she closed the shower curtain, he signaled for Chris to open the door.

Brad barged in, knocking Chris to the floor as four of his other buddies stood behind him.  “Where are they?” he asked furiously as he hovered over Chris.

“I…I don’t know where they are.  They must’ve got away when I went downstairs.  My cousin and are I trying to find them.  His friend thought he saw one of them downstairs,” Chris answered nervously.

“Liar!” Brad roared.  With a flip of his hand, two of his buddies picked Chris off the floor as if he weighed nothing.  Each grabbing a hold of Chris’ arms, Brad took a step closer.  Josh didn’t know what to do as he watched helplessly from the sidelines.  Then, without warning, Brad punched Chris in the gut.  Josh could hear the younger man gasp as the air was knocked out of him.  Josh tried to help him, but Brad’s other two goons held him back.

“Now, let me ask again, where are the girls?” Brad asked in a threatening tone.

Head hung low, Chris stared at the floor, then looked over at Josh.  He pleaded with his eyes for Chris not to tell them.  Rising his head slightly, Chris responded back with a more defiant stare, “Go to hell, Asshole.”

A sinister smile played across Brad’s lips.  “I hate to disappoint you, but I won’t be going to hell tonight, as for you, give my regards to Lucifer.”  Bringing his arm back, Brad slammed his fist once again into Chris’ gut.  Josh closed his eyes as Chris’ cries of anguish filled the air.  Josh could hear more punches be thrown, as Chris was beaten to a pulp. 

Taking a deep breath, Josh opened his eyes, still shocked at what laid before him.  Chris’ left eye was swollen shut as his nose and bottom lip was bleeding pretty badly.  As Brad’s buddies threw him to the ground, they started their next round of pounding as they kicked him over and over again.  Not being able to take anymore he shouted out, “Stop it; you’re going to kill him.”

Brad looked up at him, smile getting broader by the second.  “Well, that’s the idea…Josh.”

Josh stared at him in disbelief.  “How did you know who I was?”

Walking over to Josh, Brad stopped in front of him.  “Well, one must always know who their enemies are.”

“But…but how can I be an enemy if you’re dating my sister,” Josh stammered out.

“Well, as I recall, last night you got your sister into trouble by telling your parents about me.”  Pausing, he added, “You shouldn’t have done that.”  As two of the guys dragged Chris out, Brad walked over to the bathroom door, locking it behind them.  “I think its time to have a private party of our own.”

Josh felt the two guys beside him tighten their grips around his arms as Brad walked up to him, cracking his knuckles along the way.  “What…what are you going to do?” Josh asked fearfully.

Brad ignored him as he walked over by the bathtub.  With a swipe of his hand, he threw the shower curtain open revealing a startled Debbie.  Josh ceased breathing as Brad told Debbie to step out.  As Debbie did what she was told, Brad stood behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist pulling her close to him.  Josh struggled against the two apes beside him as he tried to get to Brad.

By now, Debbie was beginning to cry silent tears as Brad pressed his mouth against her ear, running his forefinger along her jaw line, then down her neck as he pushed her hair away, revealing a small bruise on her neck.  Josh knew she didn’t have that before the game, so how did she get it?  

As if reading his thoughts, Brad said, “Oh dear, would you look at that.”  Beside him, Josh could hear the two goons chuckling to themselves.  Locking eyes with Josh, Brad continued, “Josh, did you know what a little fighter Debbie is?  Boy, did she put up quite a struggle when I tried to inject her with my mysterious drug.”

“Let her go,” Josh growled out as he continued to thrash about. 

“Oh, and what are you going to do, Romeo?  Are you going to come over and kick my ass,” Brad taunted.

Watching Brad kissing his way down Debbie’s neck was the last straw for Josh.  Abruptly, he pushed himself back, surprising the two goons beside him as they slammed against the wall.  Once Josh was free, he made his way over to Brad who had a firm headlock around Debbie’s neck.  “Come near me and I’ll snap Juliet’s little neck in two,” Brad warned.

Glowering at him, Josh decided to take a risky chance.  Still keeping his eyes on Brad, he began to talk to Debbie in French, hoping Brad wouldn’t understand what he was saying.  Seeing no recognition enter Brad’s eyes, he continued on.  Once he was done, Debbie nodded to him.  As Debbie counted to three, Josh prepared himself to charge after Brad.  When she said three in French, Debbie elbowed him in the ribs.  Loosing his grip on the girl, Debbie scurried away as Josh went after him.

With a loud thud, they landed on the ground as Josh punched him in the face.  “I’m going to kill you, you son of a bitch!” Josh spat out as he continued to punch him.  Behind him he could hear a crashing sound.  Glancing to his side, he noticed the closet door was slightly ajar.  Eli must be fighting behind me, he thought to himself.  As he turned back towards Brad he was unprepared as Brad’s fist smashed against his jaw, tossing him to the side.

Brad was on him instantly as he tried to punch Josh again, but Josh stopped him half way through as he grabbed his arm.  They wrestled about the floor, trying to get control of the situation.  Josh couldn’t believe how strong Brad was as his struggles were weakening by the second. 

As Brad punched him again, Josh saw something shiny being lifted above Brad’s head.  Knowing what was about to come, Josh closed his eyes.  He winced as he heard the sound of metal being smacked against human flesh.  Then it was over.  Opening his eyes, he found an unconscious Brad lying on top of him.  Shoving him aside, he sat up to find Debbie off to the side with the metal towel rack held loosely in her hand.

“Deb?”

With trembling fingers, Debbie dropped the metal rack as she backed against the wall and slid down, burying her face in her hands.  Her body shook with uncontrollable sobs as realization of what she done sank down upon her.  Crawling over to her, Josh sat down beside her, wrapping his arms around her shaking shoulders.  “Sshh, it’s okay, Debbie,” he kept repeating, having no idea of what else to say as he tried to comfort her the best way he could.  Shortly after, police cruisers and an ambulance pulled in front of the house, breaking up the party…

“Debbie?”

“Huh,” answered Debbie with a vacant expression.

Not knowing what to say, Josh reached out and grabbed her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.  “Everything’s going to be okay.”

On the verge of tears again, Debbie nodded as she laid her head on top of his shoulder.  “I hope you’re right, Josh.  I really do.”

XXXXXXX

Feeling anxious, Miss Parker began to pace back and forth.  Boy, what she wouldn’t give for a cigarette right now, she thought to herself.  Hearing a door opening up behind the front desk, all occupants in the waiting area stood up.

The first man to appear was a man in his mid 50’s, with thinning gray hair.  Next came a man that both Jarod and her despised—Brad, looking smug as ever.  Then the big shocker of them all was a man that Jarod warned her about in the past.  The grim reaper.

“Mr. Cox,” Miss Parker gasped as she stood beside Jarod.

“Andrew, what are you doing here?” asked a perplexed Jarod.

“I’m here, helping my son out,” Mr. Cox responded back coolly as he glanced at Miss Parker, smiling at her.

“I…I didn’t know you had a son,” Jarod replied back in confusion.  “Who is he?”

Tearing his gaze away from Miss Parker, Mr. Cox looked back at Jarod.   Smiling at his former colleague, Mr. Cox patted the young man’s shoulder standing beside him.  “Jarod and Parker, I would like you to meet my son, Brad.”

XXXXXXX

To Be Continued…

Disclaimer: In first chapter.

Chapter 27

“He’s your son?” both Jarod and Miss Parker questioned with disbelief. 

Mr. Cox gave a heartfelt pat on Brad’s shoulder as the younger man’s smug grin never wavered.  “Well Jarod, it’s still a shock to me too, but it is the truth.  Brad is, without a doubt my son.”

Jarod couldn’t believe what he just heard as he stared at the two men with wide eyes, still shaking his head.  “Andrew, I’ve known you for fifteen years and I never once heard you ever mention anything about having children.”

Mr. Cox smiled at Jarod.  “I know how shocked you must be, believe me, I’m still amazed by the news myself.”  Pausing for a moment, Mr. Cox glanced over at the detective.  “Lieutenant, could you take my son into your office.”

“Sure.”

Once Brad and the detective were gone, Mr. Cox looked back at Miss Parker and Jarod.  “I dated Brad’s mother a few times back when I was in law school.  Well, needless to say, you can see what happened from the last time I saw his mother.  I never knew I had a child out there in the world until seven months ago, when the young man showed up on my doorstep, saying that he was a by product of our affair.”  Cox paused for a moment, looking in the direction of the detective’s office before continuing, “I know Brad is a handful.  From what I gather, his mother wasn’t very attentive when it came to his upbringing, always leaving him alone with strangers, so of course, Brad and his mother never got along.  There’s no denying it, Brad hated his mother with every fiber of his being.”

Hated.  Alarm bells began going off in Miss Parker’s mind.  Mr. Cox talked as if Brad’s mother was…”Is his mother dead?” she asked with trepidation.

Mr. Cox breathed a heavy sigh as a somber look danced across his face.  “Brad’s mother had an accident eight months ago.  She was taking a bath with the radio playing nearby when it slipped off the shelf and fell into the water, electrocuting her to death.”

Miss Parker could feel the hairs on the back of her neck rising as she felt someone watching her.  Gazing behind her, she found Brad watching her through the window of the detective’s door.  His forehead and hands were pressed against the glass as he stared her down with a sinister smile.  Taking his left hand off the window, he reached to the side to grab something.  A moment later, he pressed a sheet of white paper against the window.

Not able to read the writing, Miss Parker sauntered over to the door, her eyes never leaving Brad’s.  Once she was close enough, she took a sharp intake of breath as she read the words on the paper…

Better be careful.  I would hate for you to end up like my mother and suffer the same fate.

My God, the kid was truly sick, she thought.  How in the hell did Sarah get mixed up with him?  Here he was, practically telling her that he murdered his own mother.  Miss Parker looked up at him and could see the cold, devoid look in his eyes that danced with madness.  His smiled never faltered as he replaced the first page with the second page.

You won’t keep me away from Sarah.  Try it and see what happens.  Just like you, I don’t make empty threats.

She watched in a daze as Brad put the pieces of paper into a shredder nearby.  And just like that, any traceable evidence that could be linked back to him was gone in a blink of an eye.  Quickly turning away, she walked back over to Jarod and Mr. Cox, but not before taking a fleeting glance at the young, crazed man standing behind the door.

XXXXXXX

As Mr. Cox left to be with Brad and Detective Wilkins, Detective Henderson came out to greet them a few seconds later. 

“Sorry about the wait folks, it’s just been one of those nights,” the detective apologized.  As they followed the detective down the hall, he opened his file folder and said, “So, you four are the parents of, let’s see, ah yes, Debbie Broots, Eli Walker, Sarah Hunter, and Josh Hunter.  Am I right?” he asked over his shoulder.

“Yes, that’s correct,” answered Jarod.  “Can you tell us what happened?”

“I will, when I get to your kids’ holding room.  It should be the second to last door on the right…ah, here we go.”  Opening the door, the detective quickly ushered them in.

“Dad,” said Debbie in a small, almost childlike voice as she ran to her father and hugged him fiercely, afraid of letting go.

“Debbie, what’s the matter?  Are you okay?” Broots asked softly as he pulled his daughter away at arms length.  One look at her and he knew she wasn’t.  Turning to the detective he asked, “What happened tonight?”  Looking back at Debbie, Broots saw something on Debbie’s neck.  Pushing her hair away, he saw a small bruise surrounding a small hole.  Looking closer it looked like a needle mark.  Eyes shooting back up, he asked the detective in an anger filled voice, “I want to know who did this to my daughter?”

“Sir, if you would please…” Henderson said, trying to calm down Broots.

“No, God damn it!  Don’t tell me I need to calm down over this.  She’s my daughter and if someone tried to hurt her tonight I want to know who it was,” Broots spat out.

Miss Parker’s head shot up from where she was standing next to Josh.  She’d never seen Broots as angry as she did right at this moment.

“Dad, please don’t be angry.  It’s my fault that I didn’t protect myself against him,” Debbie sobbed out as she grabbed her father’s arm, trying to pull him away from the detective.  “I tried to fight back, but he was too strong for me to overpower.”

Broots looked back at his daughter and could see the tears streaming down her face.  Concern over his daughter’s welfare overtaking his anger, his face softened as he embraced her, hoping to calm her down.  “Sshh Debbie, everything’s okay now.  You’re safe, that’s all that matters.”  But Broots couldn’t shake Debbie’s words from his mind.  By the way she talked, it almost sounded as if she was…No, Broots thought, he didn’t even want to go down that horrible road.  He couldn’t imagine what he would do if they told him his little girl was raped by some monster. 

Steering her over to the couch nearby, he eased her down.  He was about to sit down beside her when Josh came over and offered to stay with her while he and his parents talked with the detective separately.  Patting Josh on the shoulder he whispered to him, “Take care of her.  If anything should…”

Josh smiled at him.  “Don’t worry Mr. Broots, if anything should happen you would be the first to know,” the young man reassured him.  Nodding his head, Broots walked back over to the other four adults in the room, huddled in a corner.

When he reached them, Miss Parker turned to him and asked, “Is she okay?”

“I…I really don’t know.”  Looking back, he could see Debbie resting her head on Josh’s shoulder as she continued to weep.  “But, whoever caused this much pain for my daughter will pay.  I’ll see to it,” he vowed.   Miss Parker tried to stifle the small smile that tugged at her lips.  Seeing this, Broots frowned at her and asked, “What?”

“Sorry Broots, but you’ll have to pardon my shock.  I’ve never seen you so gung ho before,” she answered with astonishment.  Miss Parker knew she embarrassed him as he looked down at the floor, cheeks slightly reddening.  Shaking her head she teased, “Come on Rambo, let’s go find out about what happened tonight.”

Chuckling to himself, Broots followed behind her as they were led into a small room where cops watched through a two way mirror while someone was being interrogated.  Settling down in their chairs, Broots leaned over and asked, “How’s Sarah doing?”

Miss Parker glanced over at Broots, seeing the concern written in his eyes.  Her lovable moron, she smiled to herself.  Another person in her life who she took for granted.  No matter how many times she berated him he always remained loyal to her.  Even though she would never admit it to him, she always thought of him as a brother.  Sighing she answered, “Well, all I can say is that she’ll have one hell of a hangover tomorrow morning.”  Becoming more serious she added, “Hopefully though, she will be okay.”

Hearing someone clearing their throat both turned their attention to the detective.  “The reason why your children are here is because we got a 911 call from one of them.  When we arrived on the scene, we found a rather lively party going on inside this frat house.  Of course, once all these college kids saw us, they made a break for it.”

“Could you move this along,” Miss Parker said impatiently.

“Okay, okay,” the detective smiled slightly, “You people sure aren’t patient are you?”  The detective swallowed down the lump in his throat when the four pair of eyes staring back at him weren’t laughing.  Shaking his uneasiness away he continued, “Well, we found your kids in the upstairs bathroom, along with three unconscious bodies.”

“My God, what happened in there,” Sam demanded.

“Apparently from what I gathered, Josh and Eli received a call from Debbie asking to pick her and Sarah up from the house.  It seems Sarah had a few too many drinks.  Debbie told us that Brad, Sarah’s boyfriend, supposedly drugged her drinks with a date rape drug…”

Miss Parker bolted from her chair.  Grasping the table, she leaned towards Henderson.  “He did what!”  Letting go of the table, she began pacing back and forth.  “That little, good for nothing bastard,” she hissed out.

“Did he rape my daughter?” Jarod asked with an eerie calm as he squeezed his fists together, trying to remain calm.

“No, he didn’t, but Debbie thought he was about too if she hadn’t found Sarah as soon as she did.”

Broots chimed in.  “Is that how Debbie got the needle mark on her neck, from him?”

Miss Parker stopped pacing as she waited for the detective’s answer.

“That’s what she told us.  It seems Brad didn’t like the little intrusion, so he wanted to teach your daughter a lesson about trespassing.”

Broots remained silent as he leaned back in his chair.  He was beyond angry.  He wanted to bolt from the room, find Brad, and wrap his hands around his sleazy little neck, slowly squeezing the life out of him.  But, Broots remained seated, knowing he had to hear the whole story.  “What did he inject her with?” he asked evenly.

“He didn’t inject her with anything.  He pricked her skin with the needle, but didn’t have a chance to push down the plunger down when someone knocked on the door disturbing him,” the detective replied back.

“What was the drug he used on Debbie?” Miss Parker asked.

“From what are analysts said, it seems the drug he used was completely harmless.  It was a placebo used in test studies by the college.  We’re guessing Brad must’ve had someone working for him on the inside in that certain department for him to get his hands on that certain placebo.”

“You guess?” she sneered. 

Detective Henderson shifted uncomfortably in his chair as he turned away from Miss Parker’s cold, ice like stare.  “Well, see, we…weren’t able to find the vial or his other drugs as Debbie said they would be.”

Jarod leaned forward.  “Then how do you know this was a placebo?  You had to get some kind of sample to test, am I right?”

“Well, yes, you’re right.  One of our officers found a liquid filled syringe lying on the ground, under Brad’s desk.  We’re assuming that Brad was careless when he was taking his box of drugs out of the room, hiding them somewhere.  As for where he hid them, he wouldn’t say,” Henderson responded back.

Miss Parker stalked over to him.  Resting her hands on the table she leaned forward and said, “You assume?  That’s just a fancier word for guess.”

Detective Henderson never felt so intimidated as he did at this precise moment.  “Ma’am if…if you don’t mind,” he stammered out.

Glaring at him for a couple of more seconds, Miss Parker pushed herself away from the table.  Walking over to the mirror she commented caustically, “I swear, I feel like I’m dealing with Mayberry RFD idiots here.”

Straitening in his seat, the detective cleared his throat and replied back.  “Now Ma’am, there’s no need for insults.”  When he locked gazes with the brunette he knew instantly he said the wrong thing.

Miss Parker quickly walked back over.  Grabbing the detective by the tie, she roughly pulled him out of the chair.

“Parker!” the other three men in the room yelled out in unison.

“Listen here you little paper pusher.  I’m getting real tired of your sorry excuses.  This whole case is being lead by incompetent idiots who can’t get their heads out of their asses.  Now,” pausing for a moment, she pushed him back in his chair.  Straightening her stance, she crossed her arms and continued, “Do you have anything substantial to use against Brad or are you just going to guess,” she bit out.

Adjusting his tie, Henderson remained quiet for a moment before speaking, gaining back as much composure as he possibly could.  “Listen, I know how frustrated you are right now, so I’ll pretend that the previous incident didn’t happen, but you have to remain calm and understand what kind of predicament we’re in right now.”

“What are you talking about?” Jarod asked as he walked over to Parker hoping to keep her from throttling the man’s neck.

“Well, we’ve had problems in the past with Brad before.  And now that we know who his father is, it’s going to be even more difficult to charge him with anything,” Henderson answered back.  “I’ve worked on a few cases that went against Parker, Raines, & Cox, but every time they’ve gotten their clients off scott free.  No matter how much damning evidence went against their clients, we could never get them for anything, so you can see why we have to be careful at what we say and do.  Just one mistake on any of our parts and Mr. Cox will use it as a ‘get out of jail free’ card for his son.”

As Henderson’s words were sinking in, Miss Parker turned around and stared out the two way mirror.  Letting her eyes roam around the interrogation room she found Sarah still sleeping on the couch, oblivious to the world that surrounded her.  Staring in wonder, Miss Parker smiled at something she just noticed about Sarah.  The young girl slept like her father as her right hand rested over her heart.

Then, just as fast, her smile faltered as she remembered what happened earlier with Brad and his threatening notes.  There was no way she was going to let him anywhere near Sarah.  Still keeping her eyes on the girl, Miss Parker asked, “What has Brad done in the past?”

“Mrs. Hunter,” the detective warned, “You don’t want to know.”

Turning around, Miss Parker noticed the pale look on his face.  “What has he been suspected of?  We can’t protect Sarah if we don’t know what he’s been questioned for,” she shot back.

Rubbing his face, the detective let out a tired sigh.  “For the past two years, the state police in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have been on the lookout for a serial rapist/murderer.  Back when I was in Dover, we had a case that fit the profile.  It happened about nine months ago. 

The girl was young, only seventeen years old.  Her family reported her missing when she never came home from work one night.  Some campers found the body in a ravine, dumped over the side as if she was yesterday’s garbage.  When we questioned some of the girl’s friends, they all told us about a guy she was recently seeing.  His name was Brad.  They told us they were having problems due to the fact that Brad was very possessive of the girl.  Always questioning where she was and who she was with.”

The detective paused for a moment.  Taking a sip of water he continued, “They said he beat her a few times, but she never pressed charges against him.  We asked her friends why she never pressed charges and they told us because she said he’d always loved her.

Well, the night of her disappearance, Brad came into the place she worked calling her a whore and slut, saying she would pay for her betrayal, then quickly walked out.  The girl’s body was brutally battered.  The coroner estimated she was tortured and raped repeatedly for four hours before she was strangled to death.  In all my years of being on the force, I’ve never seen a case as disturbing as that one.”

“And let me guess, Brad’s father’s law firm got him off the hook, right?” asked Miss Parker with disgust.

The detective shook his head from side to side.  “Actually no, the kid had an alibi that night, but I never did buy it.  Unfortunately, my superiors did and eventually dropped him from the suspect list.  But, my gut feeling tells me this kid is the serial rapist we’ve all been looking for, but the hard part is proving that he’s the one.”

Standing up, the detective walked over to Miss Parker and Jarod, and stared out the mirror.  “I know your daughter is dating him right now, but you have to keep her away from him, no matter how much she fights you on this.  Because, the last thing I want to do is to come to your house telling you we found your daughter’s lifeless body in a ravine somewhere.”  Walking to the door he said, “If you’ll excuse me for just one moment, I’ll call the labs and see if they came up with anything on the drug Brad gave your daughter.”  With that he was gone.

“My God, Jarod, what kind of monster has Sarah been dating?” Miss Parker asked with concern. 

Jarod didn’t know what to say, still to stun by what he heard.  Catching movement inside the interrogation room, Jarod’s eyes zoomed in on the person walking into the room with their children.  Who he saw chilled him to the bone.  “Shit!” he cursed out loud.

“What is it?” Miss Parker asked.

“It’s Brad!”

Whirling around, Miss Parker saw Brad walk into the room, heading towards Sarah.

XXXXXXXX

To Be Continued…