Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 14

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Once again thank you for the nice reviews to JLC,
Mercedes Aria, Nans, Mono20, Sirus183, Topanga, imag1ne, Aleff and all the shy
readers who don't like to write reviews. I was tempted to divide this chapter in
two parts, but you all been so patient waiting that I didn't have the heart to
make you wait more time for the conclusion. I hope you enjoyed the story as much
as I did writing it and thank you again for your kind words. To all, Seasons
greetings and a safe and Happy New Year. Mercy

"Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live
for, great enough to die for." Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961)

Three weeks later.

Once again sleep had evaded her and forced her to rise before daybreak.
Sitting on her living room couch, wrapped in a blanket, Parker sipped at her hot
coffee while she watched another sunrise. It was becoming an exhausting routine.
The nightmares would haunt her most of the night until she would wake-up
screaming and by the time she managed to calm down, sleep was no longer
attainable.

On several occasions Parker considered talking to Sydney about her
nightmares and insomnia but refused to give her aging friend another worry.
Sydney had quickly recovered from his physical injuries but emotionally he was
still a wreck. During the first week of Jarod's disappearance, Sydney would call
her every day hoping that the pretender had made one of his mid-night calls to
his childhood friend, but slowly Sydney's calls and hope started to diminish.
Now three weeks had passed and still no sign of the wayward pretender.

Against Parker's advice, Sydney had stayed alone in his cabin at White
Clouds even after Sam had removed all the bugs Lyle had secretly planted in his
home. Parker also had tried to persuade Sydney to take a vacation and go visit
Michelle and Nicolas for a while, but her stubborn old friend held on to the
hope that his protégé would call for advice or return seeking refuge.

Exhausted, Parker closed her eyes and allowed the sun's warmth to caress
her face as the rays of light began to break through her living room window.
When she opened her eyes again they wondered aimlessly around the empty room
until they finally focused on the newspaper lying on her coffee table. Once
again a picture of the demolished Centre occupied the front page of the local
paper. Staring at the photo with a sick feeling, Parker began to recall all the
events of the last three weeks.

Now all that remained of the Centre was scorched ruins. After the
explosion and fire, the whole area had been condemned and the authorities had
taken possession of the few records that were salvaged from the depth of that
hell. Parker was still amazed at the fact that the authorities had not come
looking for them after the dust had settled, but it appeared that someone had
diverted the investigations away from her team. Instead the authorities were
focusing all their attention on the Centre's alliance and dealing with the other
organizations in Africa, Europe and Asia that had suffered similar attacks. The
idea that Jarod had probably once again tried to protect them, after all they
had put him through, was something very unsettling to her. Parker remembered her
shock and feeling of relief when she learned about the collapse of the
Triumvirate. It appeared that Alex's vendetta had been strategically planned.
The psychotic genius had initiated his attacks against the Triumvirate in Africa
a week earlier. Mysteriously, all the top-ranking officials had been killed in
bizarre accidents and the corporation's very sensitive records had found their
way into the local authorities' hands. After crippling the powerful empire at
the top he had left the Centre vulnerable and alone to face his attack.

Even though, her entire team had survived this ordeal and they were
finally free of the Centre's shackles, something still lingered at the back of
her mind. Parker had not found all the answers she desperately needed and she
felt that Jarod was a piece of that puzzle.

A few days after the events, Parker had found a box filled with files and
DSA's on her front porch. To her shock, most of the records pertained to the
Pretender project and to the other children her mother had tried to rescue,
including herself. Parker looked at the files trancelike as her fingers touched
each of the names on the old and yellowish files. It was like opening a time
capsule and looking back into the past. A dark and painful past that had been
hidden and twisted with lies and now she would rather see it buried forever. On
more than one occasion, she had tried to read the files to find all her answers,
but every time something stopped her. During the years of his pursuit, Jarod had
always shared with her all the secrets he discovered along the way. Now, it was
her obligation to share these old records and new discoveries with him. Yes, but
first she had to find Jarod, like she had promised Sydney.

The last person to see Jarod alive was Sam. After leaving Sydney's cabin
that day, the sweeper had found himself at the mercy of a very hostile
pretender. Jarod had held Sam at gun point and demanded to be taken to a bus
station in Dover. Once there, Jarod simply stepped out of the vehicle and
expertly vanished among the crowd before Sam had a chance to stop him.

Parker shivered as she remembered her conversation with Sydney. In all the
years that she known the old psychiatrist she never seen him so distraught, but
after hearing what Alex had told Jarod about his family and origin, she
understood the old man's anguish and concern for Jarod. Through the whole
revelation, she had done her best to hide her feelings behind her mask, but deep
inside she was just as scared as Sydney. Hundreds of questions and scenarios had
passed through her mind since that day, but the question that frightened her
most was, "What if Jarod finally decided to Vanish?"

In order to cope with the stress and fear, Parker dove into the role of
older sister caring for her half brother, Ethan. Following Sydney's advice,
Parker hired an excellent Psychiatrist to help her brother deal with the
torturing images and nightmares that still haunted him as a result of Raines'
experiments and Alex's brainwashing. Ethan was slowly showing improvement, but
many years of therapy would be needed to give her brother a chance at a normal
life.

Through this whole nightmare, another person who had been extremely
supportive was her mother's dear friend, Ben Miller. This wonderful man provided
a refuge for her brother and friends until the storm had passed and when Ben
learned that Ethan was Catherine's son, he immediately took the role of foster
parent for Ethan. As the days passed, Parker could see how their friendship
quickly became a therapeutic agent for the troubled young man, bringing her some
peace of mind.

Slowly her colleagues were adjusting to their newly found freedom, but
some of these changes bothered Miss Parker more than she wanted to admit. Sam,
Broots and Debbie were ecstatic making plans about their move to California to
start their new life there. Even though, Parker was happy for them, the idea of
missing her friends was more painful than she ever imagine, but for now her
faithful friends had promised to stay by her side at least until they could
locate the missing pretender and Angelo, who had mysteriously vanished a few
days after the collapse of the Centre.

A knock at the front door snapped Parker back to reality. Lost in her
thoughts she had completely lost track of time. Rapidly, she pushed the blanket
aside and rose from the couch. On the way to the door, she tied her robe belt
around her thin waist and ran her hand through her hair to make herself somewhat
presentable. When she answered the door she was greeted by a young man dressed
in a Fed Ex uniform. He smiled broadly and handed Miss Parker a beautiful orchid
plant in an elegant Italian ceramic planter.

"What's this?" Parker asked her face turning serious.

"Special delivery for you Ma'am!" The young man said
amiably.

"Who the hell sent me THIS?" Parker voiced her thoughts
unintentionally.

"Can you please sign here?" The young man asked timidly, handling
Miss Parker the delivery form. He no longer had a smile on his face but a
confused look. He had never received such a reaction from a flower
delivery.

Parker placed the potted flower on the desk by the door and quickly
scribbled her signature on the form then roughly handed it back to the young
man. "Here."

After closing the door, Parker stood by the desk and stared at her gift.
The orchids were beautiful. Each delicate flower had a bright pink color with
little specks of a deeper shade of red marking each petal. The container was
equally magnificent in every detail. It had a hand painted picture of a bird of
paradise in vivid shades of blue, green and red making it almost
lifelike.

Almost afraid to harm the delicate plant, Parker cautiously took the tag
that dangled from one of the stems and read it out loud, "Butterfly orchid."

She never had much interest in flowers of any kind but from this moment on
she knew that orchids would become one of her favorites.

While turning the planter around to admire the beautiful painting, Parker
noticed a small envelope taped at the back of the container. When she recognized
Jarod's neat penmanship she gasped. With shaky hands Parker quickly opened the
small envelop, retrieved the letter and began reading.

Dear Miss Parker,

I'm glad that you're safe and thank you for saving Ethan's life. I knew
that I could trust you.

First, I'm sorry for stealing your car, but I had no other choice at
that moment and Sydney's life was on the line.

Miss Parker, please take good care of Ethan, Angelo and Sydney and let
them take care of you. They are your family.

Now that the Centre is gone and you're free, I hope that you will find
all the answers you seek, but try to put the pain away and allow the love you
have rejected for so long back into your life. Never forget that your freedom
and happiness was the main objective in your mother's plan.

Miss Parker, I will always treasure the friendship we once shared and I
will never forget you. I hope that someday you'll find someone who will see the
real you and love you with all their heart and soul. Please remember this and
promise me that you will be happy.

I hope you like the orchids, they reminded me of you.

Love,

Jarod.

Parker dropped heavily on the small chair by the desk before her legs gave
out. In disbelief and with tears running down her face, Parker looked back at
her gift and then at the letter in her hands. Sydney's fears had come true,
Jarod was saying good-bye.

"Jarod, why are you doing this?" Parker whispered sadly. "The
game is over. You don't have to run anymore."

Suddenly, the phone on her desk rang loudly startling her. For a few
seconds Parker stared at the annoying device with uncertainty. Then she realized
that the caller could be Jarod. He always called after sending her a gift.
Filled with anticipation Parker picked up the phone and summoned
desperately.

"JAROD?"

"Sorry Sis. I'm not the Lab Rat."

"LYLE, WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT?" Parker spat back
angrily.

"Is that anyway to talk to your only living relative?" Lyle
mocked.

"WELL, IF YOU WANT TO REMAIN ALIVE, YOU BETTER STAY AWAY FROM
ME."

The line was silent for a moment, but Parker could hear Lyle's stifled
laugh. "Oh come on Parker. You know that you could never kill me...You're too
much like Mom."

"LEAVE MY MOTHER OUT OF THIS." Parker growled.

"Okay Sis...Anyway, I didn't call to discuss your feelings for me or
for our Mother."

"WHAT DO YOU WANT LYLE?"

"If you ever find Jarod, tell him that the hunt is not over." Lyle
said in a threatening tone.

"News flash Lyle, the Centre and the Triumvirate are GONE." Parker
remarked triumphantly.

"But I'm not, so tell the LAB RAT to watch his back."

"Lyle, I think you should take that advice yourself." Parker said
with a smile.

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" Lyle asked fuming.

"It seems that your star pupil, Alex, informed the local authorities
and the Yakuza about all your extra-curricular activities and they are very
interested in having a little chat with you."

"THAT BASTARD!" Lyle cursed.

"So, if I were you Lyle, I would consider finding a rock and hiding
under it for a very long time." Parker replied coldly.

"Remember Parker, I'm very good at disappearing, but it doesn't mean
that I'm gone for good." With that final warning Lyle cut the line.

Parker slammed the receiver back on its cradle and leaned heavily on the
small desk. Closing her eyes she ran both hands through her hair tiredly.
Hearing from her evil twin was the last thing she expected and as always his
hideous nature drained her emotionally. When she re-opened her eyes, the orchids
in front of her caught her attention once again. They were like a beacon sending
her a message, a cry for help and this time she was not going to ignore it. She
was going to find Jarod and stop him from vanishing, but first she had to call
Broots and Sydney and warn them about Lyle's resurfacing.

Unintentionally, Lyle's call had served as a wake-up call and an
inspiration for Parker. She finally realized the important role her childhood
friend played in their lives and this gave her more determination to find Jarod.

First, she would call Broots so he could warn the others and put Sam on
alert. Lyle was an unpredictable creature and, like a wild animal, if cornered
would be capable of anything. At the same time, she could ask Broots to keep
track of the authorities' search for Lyle.

Without further delay, Parker dialed Broots' cell number. After a couple
of rings, the techie answered.

"Hello?"

"Broots, listen carefully." Parker began.

"Miss Parker? Is something wrong?"

"Broots, Lyle just called me..."

"L...LYLE?" Broots interrupted with alarm. "WH...WHERE IS
HE?"

"BROOTS, SHUT-UP AND LISTEN!...Call Sam and tell him to stay with you
and Debbie until we know what Lyle is up to."

"Miss Parker, what about Ben and Ethan?"

"Don't worry, Lyle doesn't know about Ben, but please give them a call
and warn them to be on the safe side."

"Okay Miss Parker...Miss Parker...What did Lyle want?" Broots asked
nervously.

"He's looking for Jarod." Parker said simply.

"OH MAN, THAT'S NOT GOOD...WHAT IF HE FINDS HIM?" Broots asked, his
voice filled with concern.

"Then we better find Jarod first." Parker replied firmly.

"Miss Parker, have you called Sydney?"

"No, I'm going to call him after I'm done with you. Broots, try to get
into the local authorities data base and keep track of their investigations
regarding Lyle."

"Okay Miss Parker."

"Broots, STAY ALERT and I'll call you back in a few hours for a
report." Leaving no room for anymore questions from her nervous friend,
Parker disconnected the call.

Not wanting to waste any time on the phone, Parker jumped to her feet and
ran to her room to change. In a matter of minutes she was out the door and on
the road headed for Sydney's cabin.

Nervously, Parker looked at her watch. It was 8:30a.m. With any luck she
would reach Sydney's cabin by 10:00a.m. Pulling her cell phone from her coat
pocket, she hesitated for a moment and then pressed the pre-programmed number to
Sydney's cell phone. Knowing her old friend, he was probably up at the crack of
dawn.

The phone rang a couple of times and then the accented voice
answered.

"This is Sydney."

"Sydney, it's me."

"PARKER! What a surprise!"

"Syd, I need to talk to you. I'm driving up to the cabin as we speak."
Parker said seriously.

"YOU'RE COMING HERE NOW?" Sydney asked alarmed.

"Syd, are you alright?" Parker asked confused.

"Yes...Yes, of course...I was just surprised." Sydney assured his
friend. "I didn't expect a visit from you this early on a Saturday
morning."

"Lyle called me." Parker said suddenly.

"LYLE! What did he want?" Sydney's voice turned serious.

"He gave me a message for Jarod" Parker paused almost afraid to
continue. "He said that the hunt was not over."

"Parker, do you think he knows where Jarod is?" Sydney asked, his
voice laced with concern.

"I hope not." Parker said almost inaudibly then continued. "At
the moment Lyle has a bigger problem. The authorities and the Yakuza are looking
for him."

"For Jarod's sake I hope they find him first." Sydney commented
dryly.

"Syd, I'll be there around ten." Saying that, Parker disconnected
the call

Parker closed the phone and stared at the small device in her hand for a
few seconds. Sydney sounded different. She didn't hear the tired defeated tone
her old friend had a few weeks ago. Maybe he had finally accepted the fact that
Jarod was gone.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sydney's Cabin10:00a.m.

The little sports car slowly came to a stop at the end of the dirt
driveway. Parker stepped out of her car and stood quietly next to the car
listening to all the sounds around her and taking in the beautiful scene. She
leaned her head back, closed her eyes and enjoyed the cool air tickling her
face. Slowly she took a deep breath and filled her lungs with the fresh mountain
air. It was so peaceful that for an instant Parker forgot about all the
life-changing events that had taken place in the last three weeks. Now she
understood why Sydney had chosen to stay up here all alone to rest and heal.
This place was like his natural medicine and his Refuge.

"Parker! So nice to see you again!" Sydney's accented voice broke
the peaceful silence.

Parker turned toward the voice and smiled at her old friend standing by
the door. "Hi Syd, how are you?"

"Much better thank you." Sydney answered. "Please come in
Parker, it's still a little chilly out here."

"Now I know why you hid up here Syd." Parker said walking up the
steps. "I forgot how beautiful this place was."

Sydney smiled and greeted his friend with a warm hug. Since their brush
with death and the destruction of the Centre, their relationship had become
stronger. Sydney was no longer just a colleague, he had become more of a father
figure and he embraced that new title with open arms. Since Parker was a little
girl, Sydney had treated her like a daughter giving her guidance, love and
protection, like he had promised Catherine. Now after so many years that
affection was finally accepted and returned and nothing could make him
happier.

When they broke the embrace, Sydney guided his young friend into the warm
cabin. Once inside, Parker removed her coat and threw it on the back of the
couch. Without saying a word, Parker walked to the window and stood there
silently.

Sensing her distress, Sydney walked up to tall woman and placed a hand on
her shoulder. "Parker, what's wrong?"

Still staring into the distance, Parker began. "Sydney...I think Jarod
is gone forever."

"Parker, why would you think that?"

Parker hesitated for a moment then said faintly, "He sent me a gift
with a letter...saying goodbye."

"A gift?" Sydney asked intrigued.

"It was a Butterfly orchid." Parker said almost inaudibly.

After a moment of silence Parker asked timidly, "Syd, do you think he
will vanish for good this time?"

When Sydney did not reply, Parker turned towards her old friend and
frowned. Sydney was just standing next to her with a silly grin on his
face.

"And what's so funny FREUD?" Parker asked somewhat
irritated.

"Parker, do you know the meaning of that flower?" Sydney asked
cautiously.

"Sure Syd, let me just get my Botany degree from the car." Parker
spat back sarcastically.

Sydney ignored his friend's sarcastic remark and continued. "The
meaning of the Butterfly orchid is that you're always on someone's
mind."

Parker's eyes open wide with surprise and for a split second, Sydney saw a
ghost of a smile on Parker's lips, but she immediately hid the emotion behind
her protective mask.

"Here you go again, putting some deep psychological meaning to
everything your Lab..." Parker stopped herself when she noticed the hurt
look in Sydney's eyes. "I mean Jarod does."

"No Parker, I knew the meaning of that flower because I love orchids,
but you don't need me to tell you what Jarod meant with that gift." Sydney
said with sadness.

"Sydney, please don't start with that again." Parker began angrily,
but her feelings betrayed her, leaving her with no strength to hide her pain.
"If Jarod has made that choice, we should move on with our lives." Parker
finished sadly

"You're mad at him because he was going to leave without saying
goodbye? Sydney asked observing his friend closely.

"He doesn't owe me anything." Parker replied with hurt in her
voice.

"Yes he does." Sydney gazed at her and smile. "And he still
cares for you, maybe too much."

"SYDNEY, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING..." Before Parker was able to finish
her question the front door flew open and Angelo ran into the room. Angelo
looked at the tall woman with surprise, smiled and ran up the stairs.

Parker stared at the empath with wide-eye shock and then chased after him,
"ANGELO WAIT!"

In a matter of seconds Parker reached the guest room Angelo had entered at
the end of the hall. She pushed the door open and froze staring at all the
familiar items in the room. No one had to tell her who was occupying the room.
In a daze, Parker walked across the room and stopped, her eyes fixed on all the
items that lay scattered on top of a small desk. A feeling of deja vu invading
her thoughts. When a noise caught her attention, she looked to the corner where
Angelo was busy searching for something inside an old duffle bag. The empath was
so focused on his task that he didn't even acknowledge the woman in the room.
When the little man found what he was looking for, he turned around, smiled at
Parker again and rushed out of the room with a pair of sunglasses in his hand.

"Parker let me explain." Sydney's voice came from the
doorway.

"How long has HE been here?" Parker asked dryly.

"Two weeks." Sydney said warily.

"TWO WEEKS?" Parker shouted angrily. "SYDNEY, WHY DIDN'T YOU
TELL US?"

"I'm sorry Parker but Jarod asked me not to tell anybody." Sydney
replied quietly. "And I gave him my word."

"And you lied to me." Parker said in a hurtful tone.

"Parker, I had no choice. Sydney said ruefully. "Jarod
was..."

"JAROD, JAROD! IS ALWAYS ABOUT JAROD!" Parker exclaimed
bitterly.

"Parker, you and Jarod are very important to me." Sydney said
earnestly. "And I don't want to lose either one of you."

"Well Sydney, with JAROD here your worries are over and you don't need
ME anymore." Parker said coldly and walked out of the room past
Sydney.

Sydney followed the tall woman back to the family room, but when Parker
began to put on her coat and moved towards the front door Sydney panicked and
blocked her path.

"PARKER, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE!" Sydney begged. "YOU HAVE TO TALK
TO JAROD!"

"NOW YOU WANT ME TO TALK TO HIM!" Parker said fuming. "HE WAS
HERE ALL THIS TIME AND YOU LIED TO ME SYDNEY! YOU KNEW WE WERE LOOKING FOR
HIM!"

Without warning, Sydney grabbed the tall woman by the arms and looked into
her pain-filled eyes. Her impregnable mask was back in place, but in her eyes
Sydney still could see the lost little girl desperately seeking for the truth
and love.

"Parker, please listen to me." Sydney said with sadness in his
voice.

Parker gazed at him sharply. "Okay Syd, I'm listening."

"Please sit down." Sydney released her and pointed towards the
couch.

"Again, I'm sorry for not telling you that Jarod was here." Sydney
paused to collect his thoughts. "Parker, when Angelo brought Jarod here, he
was in very bad shape. He had not sought medical attention for his injuries. I
think he just took out the bullet and bandaged the wound. Jarod was completely
unresponsive. He would not eat or sleep and he refused my help. He shut me out
completely." Sydney stopped, the emotions choking him, then he continued
almost inaudibly, "There were days when I thought he was not going to make
it."

"Why didn't you call us?" Parker asked softly.

"Parker, I wanted to call you, believe me, but I was afraid that Jarod
would find out and leave in his condition. Parker, he doesn't trust me anymore."
Sydney said his voice laced with emotion. "Now, I'm afraid it might be
too late. Jarod has made up his mind to leave. That's why you must talk to him,
PLEASE!"

Parker just sat on the couch in silence, her mind going over everything
Sydney said and trying to imagine what was going on inside Jarod's mind. "Why
was he acting like that? Rejecting the person who raised him, protected him and
loved him like a son."

"He also knows that he needs some physical therapy for his arm if he
wants to regain full use of it again, BUT HE JUST WON'T LISTEN TO ME."
Sydney said frustrated his eyes begging at the silent woman sitting on the
couch.

Without saying a word, Parker stood from the couch and walked to the
rustic fireplace. She needed time to think and come to a decision after hearing
Sydney's confession and concerns. Parker's mind was racing, going over all the
events that has occurred in the last few weeks and the new revelations that had
come to light, but time was not on their side and she had to make a decision and
soon. Suddenly, Parker noticed how the sun light illuminated a small picture
that was placed on the lamp table by the window. Parker walked over to the table
and picked up the photo. It was an old black & white photo of Jarod and her
when they were children. She was surprised to see that photo since she never
knew of its existence. Parker smiled and placed the photo back in its place,
making a mental note to ask Sydney about the photo later. Nervously, she ran her
hand through her tangled hair before turning to face her old friend.

"Sydney, when did you discover the truth about Jarod's parentage?"
Parker asked suddenly.

Slowly, Sydney lowered himself into the lounge chair and sighed heavily.
With his eyes lowered he began, "I found out the truth a long time ago when
Jarod was just a child, but when I confronted Mr. Parker, he threatened to take
Jarod away if I ever told him. Parker, I could not allow that to happen. Raines
would have destroyed Jarod. Besides, I had promised your mother that I would
protect you, Angelo and Jarod."

"What was Jarod's reaction when he learned that you had lied to him?

"At first he was very angry, but I know he is hurting and feels
betrayed." Sydney said with sadness in his voice. "Parker, I have never
seen him this broken. I'm really worried about his state of mind."

"Don't worry Syd, Jarod is a survivor. He will pull himself out of this
hole." Parker replied calmly trying to hide her concern.

"Parker, he gave me back the DSA's." Sydney said desperately.
"And when I asked him about his family, he said he had no more reason to keep
searching. Parker, he has given up and if he continues to withdraw, he will lose
touch with reality and then...we will lose him forever."

"SYDNEY, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO? I'M NOT THE SHRINK." Parker
snapped back exasperatedly.

Sydney stood and walked over to where Parker was standing. He gently
grasped both her hands and looked into her eyes intensely. He hesitated for a
moment and then started, his voice trembling with emotion and concern.
"Parker, many things have happened since you and Jarod met at the Centre so
many years ago, but I believe that your friendship still exists because of the
special connection you both have...Parker don't let that friendship die,
especially now that Jarod needs you."

"Sydney, I can't..." Parker tried to speak, but Sydney
interrupted.

"Parker, you both have lost so much in your life, don't lose each other
as well.The Centre is gone now and you both deserve to be happy. Please help
him. Remember, that is what your mother wanted for both of you."

Parker's icy glare clashed with Sydney's warm and caring gaze, but she was
speechless. Unwittingly, Sydney had just repeated Jarod's message, to bury the
pain and find happiness. At the same time, Parker was shocked at Sydney's
audacity, but she was not angry at him, because she could feel his love and
concern. Something her real father never gave her.

Parker looked away trying to hide her true feelings like she had done most
of her life, but deep in her heart she knew that only two people in this world
could see through that mask and see her pain. This kind old man in front of her
and her childhood friend. Suddenly, flashbacks from dark moments in her life
invaded her thoughts and the person who was always there helping her deal with
the pain was Jarod. Sydney was right. Now it was her turn to help him and put an
end to their pain and loneliness.

When Parker looked at her old friend again, she noticed the look of
anguish in his face and how visibly pale he had become.

"Syd, are you alright?" Parker asked truly alarmed.

"I'm fine Parker, just haven't slept much lately." Sydney said
closing his eyes and rubbing the bridge of his nose tiredly.

"OH THAT'S SMART FREUD!" Parker said in a scolding tone with her
hands on her hips. "DO YOU WANT TO HAVE A RELAPSE AND END UP IN THE
HOSPITAL?"

"Parker, don't worry." Sydney tried to reassure her. "I'll be
fine, but please talk to Jarod. Please don't let him disappear."

"Okay Syd, I'll talk to Jarod." Parker said softly.

"Thank you Parker." Sydney sigh relieved.

"Or maybe I will just knock some sense into his thick scull."
Parker mumbled.

"PARKER" Sydney reprimanded.

"Okay, okay Syd." Parker said raising her hand. "I'll try not to
leave any permanent marks."

"PARKER, PLEASE." Sydney said frustrated.

"Alright Syd, here take my gun, so I won't be tempted."

"Parker, the Centre is GONE. Why are you still carrying your gun?
Sydney gave her a stern look, his voiced thick with disappointment.

"Old habits die hard Syd and with Lyle lurking in the shadows, I'd
rather be safe than sorry." Parker said dryly.

Sydney just shook his head. He always hated the idea of Parker carrying a
gun, but with that psycho on the loose, he understood her reason.

"Syd, where is Jarod?" Parker asked coldly.

"I don't know Parker. When I got up this morning, he was gone already."
Sydney said, his voice filled with concern. "Sometimes he disappears for
hours."

When Parker turned towards the front door, Sydney grabbed her arm
frightened. "Parker, what are you going to do?"

"Don't worry Syd; I'm going to give Jarod another reason to keep
fighting and searching."

Sydney gave the tall woman a confused look.

Parker reached into her coat pocket and retrieved a small photo. She
looked at the photo for a moment and then handed it to Sydney.

"OH MY GOD!...PARKER, WHERE DID YOU GET THIS PHOTO? Sydney asked,
his voice shaking. "THE RESEMBLANCE IS UNMISTAKABLE, BUT PARKER ISN'T HE
THE...?"

Ignoring the old man's frantic questions Parker explained,
"Sydney, remember when we found all those files down on SL-27? Well, a few
days after the Centre was destroyed, I found a box at my doorstep with all those
files. It contained the Pretender project files, hundreds of other files, DSA's
and...His records." Parker explained trancelike.

"Parker, why didn't you tell me about this?" Sydney asked, now
calmer.

"Sydney, every time I tried to call you and tell you about the files
something stopped me. I had to find Jarod first." Parker said faintly.
"Then I got that letter from Jarod and that's why I'm here."

"Jarod needs to see this." Sydney said with concern in his
voice.

"Yes, and I hope he doesn't become completely unglued when he learns
about this." Parker took the photo from Sydney's hand and opened the front
door. "Wish me luck."

When Parker stepped outside, the sudden brightness made her squint
momentarily. It was a gorgeous day. The sun was shining and signs of spring were
present everywhere. Already feeling too warm, Parker removed her heavy coat and
placed it on the porches wooden railing. Carefully she placed the small photo
inside her pant's pocket and began her descent from the porch. Once on the
driveway, Parker looked around to familiarize herself with her surroundings and
then she headed towards the trail that led into the woods. She had no idea where
she was going, but something drew her in that direction.

The walk through the woods was amazing. Sounds of life were present all
around her and yet this made it peaceful and soothing. Ferns and wild flowers
covered the forest floor like a multicolored carpet and beams of sunlight
pierced through the heavy foliage above bathing the forest with its glowing
warmth. Astonished by all the beauty around her, Parker didn't even notice when
the lake came into view in the distance. At the sound of water splashing, Parker
raised her eyes and saw the lake just beyond the woods.

Hurrying her pace, Parker exited the woods and found herself standing in a
clearing facing a huge crystalline lake. Immediately she scanned the surrounding
area looking for the pretender, but he was nowhere in sight. Slowly Parker
walked across the pebbled covered shore, her feet sinking into the tiny colorful
pebbles.For once she was glad she was wearing boots instead of her expensive
stilettos. When she reached the waters edge, she stood there once again
mesmerized by the picture perfect scenery. The lake was elongated and in some
areas the thick forest collided with its waters. The soft murmur of its tranquil
waves had like a hypnotic effect and its crystal clear waters reflected the
clouds and the surrounding woods like a giant mirror. It was truly
breathtaking.

Captured by all the beauty around her, Parker began her stroll along the
water's edge. As she came around a bend on its bank, Parker immediately noticed
a small pier in the distance and a tall figure standing at the end. Suddenly, a
ruffling sound coming from the woods drew her attention and put her on guard,
but when she saw the origin of the noise she could not hide her smile. Angelo
was running around the nearby woods collecting wild flowers then he suddenly
stopped his task and sprang towards the pier where Jarod was standing. Still
undetected by the two runaways, Parker slowly began her walk towards the pier.
When she reached the pier platform, she stopped on her tracks and looked back
towards the forest and then at the two men standing at the end of the pier. A
scary thought entering her mind and sending a shiver down her spine. "How
could Jarod and Angelo be so unaware of her approach? What if it was Lyle here
instead of her? Sydney was right, Jarod was letting his guard down, like he
didn't care anymore, and that could be a fatal mistake, especially after hearing
Lyle's threat."

Parker shook her head to remove those terrifying thoughts from her mind
and prayed that her evil twin had taken her advice and hightailed out of town.
Now her mission was to confront Jarod and pull him out of the abyss he had
plunged into.

From her position Parker could see that the pretender was totally absorbed
explaining something to Angelo, who was standing next to him listening
attentively. From time to time, Angelo would bend down and pick-up something
from the ground and handed it to Jarod. Even though they had their back to her,
Parker immediately noticed that Jarod had his injured arm in a sling and she
remembered Sydney's concerned words.

Gingerly, Parker moved a little closer and then stopped to watch and
listen to their exchange.

"Angelo, this is a Eastern Red Columbine" Jarod's said softly as if
talking to a small child. "And they grow in all regions of North
America."

Afterwards, Jarod would give the flower back to Angelo, who would throw it
in the lake laughing. Then Angelo picked up another flower from the collection
at his feet and said, "Name?"

"Black-Eyed Susan" Jarod said instantly. "This flower is native
from the plains to the Atlantic..."

"Funny" Angelo interrupted laughing.

"Yes Angelo, it has a funny name."

"Go find more." Angelo shouted happily and left Jarod's side. As he
passed the tall woman, Angelo stopped, smiled at her and then ran back into the
woods to gather more flowers.

Parker's emotionless mask was back in place but her stomach was all
wound-up into knots. While she slowly approached the pretender, she took notice
of his appearance. Jarod was wearing his usual black jeans and a dark blue
sweatshirt. His hair was still long, like the last time she had seen him, and he
looked like he had not shaved in days, but what disturbed Parker the most was
his gaunt look.

Jarod was deep in thought staring at the lake and to her surprise he was
still completely unaware of her presence.

"I hope you're not planning to jump, because I'm not going in that cold
water to save your sorry ass." Parker said smoothly.

Jarod's body tensed at the sound of her voice and even though he had not
turned to face his huntress, Parker could see that his eyes were scanning the
shore for more uninvited visitors plus she could sense his fear.

"I'm here alone." Parker added, immediately noticing his
apprehension.

After a few seconds, he sighed tiredly and closed his eyes, wishing that
she would walk away and leave him alone, but knowing her persistent nature it
was not going to happen.

"Jarod, what are you doing?" Parker asked annoyed, trying to get a
response.

"Three weeks ago I was by the water's edge asking myself the same
question." Jarod said mournfully.

"And what was the answer? Parker asked timidly.

Finally, when his dark chocolate eyes met her icy blue stare, Parker
gasped. Jarod looked very fragile.His bearded face had a set hollow look and she
had never seen so much anguish and emptiness in his eyes. Parker could almost
sense his pain. Her chest tightening as the realization set in and she
understood Sydney's panic. Jarod was in a path of self-destruction and they were
the only two people who could stop him.

"Is time for me to move on." Jarod replied sadly averting his eyes
to the pier. When Jarod began to walk away, Parker blocked his path.

"WE ARE NOT DONE TALKING." Parker snapped at him irritably.

Sighing heavily, Jarod asked, "What do you want Miss
Parker?"

"Sydney is worried about you." Parker began softly. "And seeing
you like this is killing him."

"I don't see the reason why." Jarod said dryly.

"JAROD, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" Parker asked, her eyes staring
at him incredulously. "ARE YOU BLIND, STUPID OR BOTH?"

"No Miss Parker, I'm not blind nor stupid. Finally, I learned the
TRUTH." Jarod laughed sadly. "All these years you were right Miss Parker,
I'm nothing more than a science experiment. Sydney's Science Project; A Lab
Rat.

"DAMN IT JAROD! STOP THAT! MY BLOOD WAS ALSO TESTED AND I WAS MONITORED
AS WELL. LOOK WHAT THEY DID TO ME. THEY KILLED MY MOTHER, MY FATHER, WELL THE
MAN I THOUGHT WAS MY FATHER, ONLY TOLD ME LIES AND THEY TURNED ME INTO A
COLD-HEARTED BITCH!" Parker shouted enraged as she pace back and forth in
front of the stunned pretender. "NOW WE ARE FINALLY FREE AND WE CAN CHANGE
ALL THAT. WE DESERVE BETTER JAROD. NOW WE CAN FIND OUR OWN TRUTH AND
HAPPINESS."

Jarod flinched at her unexpected outburst, but he chose to remain quiet
and very still, hoping that she was not carrying her gun. His instinct for
self-preservation reawakened, but something was different about his huntress.
Even though she was screaming at him, her face showed genuine concern and not
anger. Also, he noticed that she was dressed more casual in jeans and a sweater
and not in her sophisticated business-like attire and three inch heals which
always made her look so threatening.

After a long pause, Parker began again, but in a calmer voice, "Jarod,
that's what you told me in your letter...To leave the pain behind and find
happiness."

Jarod gazed at her with deep sadness. "My entire life is been a
lie."

"No Jarod, you have a family out there and you have to find them."
Parker insisted.

"I don't have any family." Jarod whispered, too exhausted to raise
his voice. He could feel the tears welling in his eyes. "I have no
one."

"WHAT AM I AND SYDNEY, CHOPPED LIVER?" Parker replied in a hurt
tone.

"Oh No Miss Parker, I'm sorry." Jarod said looking away. He had no
control over his emotions at the moment and he hated to feel so
vulnerable.

"Jarod, you always said that you would never give up." Parker said
as she approached the tall man and gently took hold of his good arm. "And we
are not going to let you do that now."

Jarod was startled with her words and sudden closeness. "But Miss
Parker..." Jarod began, but she cut him off.

"No Jarod, they are your parents, no matter what, and you owe them that
much." Parker said softly staring into his pain-filled gaze. "Jarod they
never gave up on you. They love you."

Suddenly, a flash of memory invaded Jarod's mind and he remembered his
conversation with Louis at the old Oakview Lodge. "Louis, do you know if I
was their son or if I was adopted?" And Louis answer was, "I don't know,
I just know that they loved you very much."

When Jarod snapped back to reality, he felt light-headed and knew that he
had to sit down before his legs would give out on him. Jarod freed his arm from
Parker's hold and began to walk slowly towards an old log bench in the middle of
the pier.

Immediately noticing his blanched appearance, Parker again took hold of
his arm and helped him to the bench. Once he was seated, she asked, her voice
filled with concern, "Jarod, are you alright?"

"I'm fine Miss Parker" Jarod said rubbing his eyes tiredly.
"Just need to rest for a few minutes."

"Sydney told me that you hardly sleep."

"Old habits die hard Miss Parker." Jarod said with a weak smile.
"Besides, thanks to the Centre, sleep was something I learned to live
without."

"Jarod, the Centre and the Triumvirate are gone." Parker said
simply. "You don't need to run anymore." She wanted to make Jarod
understand that he was finally free, but how much of that was really true? She
still had to tell him about Lyle.

"They say that the truth will set you free and now that I have found
it, I can't stop running away from it." Jarod sighed morosely.

"Then STOP running, Jarod." Parker said softly. "I know that you
won't vanish, because there is an emotional umbilical between you and
Sydney...And whether you believe it or not, he loves you like a
son."

"I don't know anymore." Jarod said defeated.

"YES YOU DO JAROD." Parker knelt in front of him, placed her hands
on his knees and looked straight into his dark chocolate eyes. "Sydney was
the only family you had since you were a child. He cares for you and he always
been there for both of us. Jarod let him help you at least until you find your
real family."

"He lied to me." Jarod said casting his eyes down and trying to
hide the tears that threatened to fall again. "All these years, he knew the
truth and..." Jarod stopped, choking on the words. After wiping an errant
tear from his cheek with the back of his hand, Jarod shifted his gaze back to
his friend and continued in a tortured voice, "How can I trust him
again?"

"Jarod, I was lied to as well..." Parker paused for a moment and
then continued sombrely, "Even my mother lied to me, but she had her reasons.
The same reasons Sydney had...To protect us."

Jarod exhaled deeply and nodded. Parker was right and she understood his
pain better than anybody. Maybe, because they both had lost their mothers at a
very young age and both had survived living in the depth of that hell called the
Centre amidst the lies, loneliness and pain, but at the same time a very special
friendship was born and proof of it was right in front of him.

Without saying a word, Jarod grasped one of Parker's hands and pulled on
it gently, asking her to get up from where she was kneeling in front of him.
Parker complied, stood and sat next to Jarod on the old log. Side by side they
sat in silence staring at the lake and lost in their thoughts.

They had no idea how long they had been sitting there when Angelo came
running towards them with more wild flowers in his hand. Smiling, Angelo stood
in front of Miss Parker and handed her a small bouquet of flowers.

"BLACK-EYED SUSAN!" Angelo shouted startling Parker.
"FUNNY"

"Thank you Angelo." Parker said tenderly, her lips curling into a
soft smile as she accepted the flowers from the empath. "They are very
nice."

Jarod looked at Parker astonished. This was a side of his huntress he had
not seen in a long time. A softer, gentler side that reminded him of the
charismatic little girl he had befriend at the Centre a lifetime ago. Back then,
she was like a bright light that had made his isolated existence more tolerable,
until the Centre snuffed out her shining spirit, but he'd always felt that her
compassion, strength and true identity lay dormant beneath the mask she had been
forced to wear all these years to hide her pain and loneliness.

Feeling the weight of his stare, Parker glanced at the pretender and found
him looking at her intensely, a bewildered look on his face.

"WHAT?" Parker snarled with more spite in her voice than she
intended.

"Nothing" Jarod replied quickly, and then continued cautiously,
"Is nice to see you smile again."

Suddenly, Parker felt regret for snapping at him, embarrassed she shifted
her gaze back to the little man in front of her which only made matters more
difficult. Once again, Parker found herself struggling to control her laughter.
Angelo was wearing Jarod's dark sunglasses and his disheveled hair was blowing
wildly in the wind.Pretending to cough, Parker discreetly hid a stifled laugh by
covering her mouth with her hand. When she felt she was back in control Parker
smiled at Angelo and said, "Angelo, can you go gather more flowers and we'll
put them in a vase later."

"Sydney like?" Angelo asked happily.

"Yes Angelo, Sydney will like that."

As soon as Angelo left their side, Parker noticed that Jarod had a silly
grin on his face. She gazed at him sharply, still unable to let her guard down.

"What's so funny Pez-head?"

"Angelo...His innocence and kindness is like a shining light."
Jarod said sincerely.

"Yes, and our Guardian Angel" Parker added with a smile.

Once again they sat in silence. After what seemed like hours, Parker
looked down at the flowers in her hand and started. "Thank you for the
orchids." She said softly, keeping her eyes lowered. "They were
beautiful."

"I'm glad you liked them." Jarod replied, a ghost of a smile on his
lips, but the deep sadness was still present in his voice. "Miss Parker, why
are you here?"

"Sydney asked me to talk to you." Parker said simply then paused
looking for the right words. "In the past, you've always came to my aid when
I needed help or when I was hurting...I figured it was my turn to return the
favor." Parker finished almost whispering.

"Miss Parker, you don't need to feel obligated."

"JAROD, STOP THIS MOROSE ATTITUDE." Parker spat back angrily. She
just wanted to hit him over the head with something to make him see that things
had changed. Tiredly, Parker closed her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose.
After a moment of silence she continued, "Now, that things have changed, I
just think is time to stop this cat and mouse game and..." Parker paused
again. "And put an end to this Damn Parker curse."

Jarod didn't reply or looked at her; he just sat there staring at the pier
floor like he could see right through the old wooden boards.

"Jarod...You once asked me, how did we end-up like this? Alone and
searching when we both wanted the same thing; Someone to care about, someone to
care about us." Parker said softly. "Jarod, the game is over and we're
not alone anymore, but we must continue the search to find our loved
ones."

Jarod raised his head and looked at Parker puzzled.

"Jarod, I need your help." Parker said suddenly.

"You need my help?" Jarod asked stunned.His eyes now focused on the
woman next to him.

Parker had no idea how Jarod was going to react to this new revelation,
but she knew she could not keep this secret from him. They both had been fed
lies their entire life. Now it was time to start anew with the truth, no matter
how painful.

Nervously, Parker reached into her pants pocket, retrieved the small photo
and handed it to Jarod saying, "He needs our help."

When Jarod looked at the picture, his eyes widened with shock. Staring
back at him was the face of a small boy approximately four years of age. His
complexion was very fair almost like a porcelain doll and his hair was light
brown, but what shocked Jarod the most was his dark brown eyes. They transmitted
so much sadness.

Jarod looked back at Parker, his face suddenly very serious. "Parker,
when did you learn about him?"

For a moment Parker just stared at the pretender unable to find the right
words.Finally, she took a deep breath, stood from the old log bench and walked a
few steps.With her back turned to Jarod she began slowly, "After the collapse
of the Centre, I went back to look for him, but he was gone. Then I found his
file in the box of files that was sent to me."

"WHAT FILES?" Jarod interrupted.

"Someone sent me a box filled with old files and DSA's; Files
pertaining to the Pretender Project and of all the children that were taken by
the Centre." Parker stopped momentarily, her throat tightening. "The
children my mother tried to save, including us...Then I found his file, titled,
Genesis II."

"Where is he now?" Jarod asked with concern in his voice.

"He was quietly transferred to Africa five months ago."

"What are you going to do?" Jarod asked, his eyes fixed on the face
of the little boy.

"Jarod, I need your help to find him." Parker said faintly. "He
needs us."

"THOSE BASTARDS!" Jarod exploded, his eyes tearing from the anger
and shock. Enraged, he sprung from the old bench and walked pass Parker stopping
at the other edge of the pier. "WHO GAVE THEM THE RIGHT TO DO
THIS?"

"Jarod, Ethics were never in the Centre's agenda." Parker said
simply. "You and I know that better than anyone."

Jarod just nodded, his back still turned to her.

"JAROD, HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL? MY GOD, I DELIVERED HIM
MYSELF AND I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HE WAS MY..." Parker stopped suddenly, the
emotions and anger shocking her.

After a few minutes when Jarod did not respond, Parker walked up to him
grabbed his good arm and spun him around. She looked into his eyes and said
sharply, "DO YOU WANT HIM TO GROW-UP SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH TO HIS PAST LIKE
YOU?"

Unfazed by Parker's harsh words, once again Jarod lowered his eyes to the
picture in his hands, then he answered in a defeated tone, "No Parker, I
don't want that for him."

"Then you'll help me?" Parker asked hopefully.

Jarod raised his eyes from the picture and finally met Parker's concern
gaze. He felt a stabbing pain in his heart and his own sadness turning to anger
when he saw the pain in her eyes. The same pain he had seen in her eyes when her
mother was killed and when she lost Thomas. Hopelessly, he had tried to take
away that pain from her life, but the Centre pulled them apart and raised a wall
of lies between them, shattering their special bond.Now, finally the Centre was
gone and he was going to do everything in his power to bring back her
smile.

"Yes Parker, I'll help you." Jarod answered and gently squeezed her
arm.

"Thanks" Parker said with a faint smile.

"Parker, did you read any of the other files?"

"No, I only read his file." She paused nervously. "I tried on
several occasions, but I needed to find you first, but when I found his
picture..." Parker discreetly wiped away an errant tear from her cheek.
"I had to read his file and that's when I discovered the red files of the
donors." Parker finished, her voice filled with anguish.

"It should not shock us that they would try again." Jarod said
furiously. "Your mother was their first trial for Mirage."

"And they gave us Ethan." Parker finished with a sad smile.

Suddenly, Parker's bitter laughter broke the long silence that had fallen
between them.

Jarod looked at her inquisitively.

Parker shifted her gaze back to Jarod and after giving him a long look she
began with a tortured voice, "Now I understand what my fa...Mr. Parker meant
when he said that the New Parker Legacy began with me." Parker looked away,
blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. She hated to feel this
vulnerable in front of Jarod.

"Who was involved in the Genesis II project?" Jarod asked suddenly
very serious.

"Mr. Parker and Lyle." Parker said cautiously, her eyes back on the
pretender.

"THAT BASTARD!" Jarod growled.

"Speaking of the devil, I received a call from Lyle just before I came
here." Parker said simply.

"WHAT DID HE WANT?" Jarod asked, the muscles in his jaw tightening
with rage.

"He wanted me to tell you that the hunt was not over." Parker said
softly, almost fearing the pretender's reaction.

"I know that...It will never be over for me."

"Well, you shouldn't worry about Lyle too much. He's also on the run."
Parker said with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Jarod asked surprised, his eyes meeting Parker
again.

"The authorities and the Yakusa are looking for Lyle, so he won't be
bothering you for a while." Parker said with jubilance.

"What about the Bounty? The authorities are probably looking for me as
well." Jarod said unable to hide the bitterness and concern in his
voice.

"Jarod we have the DSA's and the pretender project files as probe of
your innocence." Parker said earnestly and grasped his arm gently.
"Besides, I'm sure that many of the people that you helped will come forward
in you behalf."

"And then I will be charged for impersonating a doctor, a psychologist,
a fireman, a lawyer, a law enforcement officer, an FBI agent, should I
continue?"

"ALRIGHT! I get the point." Parker said frustrated.

"The running will never stop for me Parker." Jarod said
discouraged.

"Well, we can always go with our old story and say that you're crazy."
Parker said snickering.

"Oh that's a great ideal Parker. Then, they lock me up again."
Jarod replied annoyed.

"Don't worry Jar, we'll think of something." Parker said tucking
her hand into his elbow and began to guide him back to the beach. "Now we
better go talk to Syd before he gives himself an aneurism and you better listen
to him and do something about that arm." Parker finished in a reprimanding
tone.

Jarod just stared at her with a blank expression. Stunned at the changes
in her demeanour and hearing the use his nickname again, like when they were
kids. Slowly, they walked in silence side by side for a few minutes, and then
Jarod looked at her and said, "Angelo."

"What about Angelo?" Parker asked confused.

"He sent you those files and DSA's." Jarod said smiling.

"THAT LITTLE MONKEY" Parker said fuming. "HE HAD ALL THOSE
RECORDS IN HIS POSSESSION!"

"Yes, but we're lucky Angelo was the one who had them or they might
have been lost forever along with Genesis." Jarod added trying to calm
Parker.

"I guess you're right." Parker agreed and sighed tiredly.

After a prolonged moment of silence, Jarod asked faintly, "Parker,
what's his name?"

"There was no name on the file. He was only known as Baby Parker or
Genesis."

"That's so typical of the Centre." Jarod uttered angrily, a look of
repugnance on his face. "To remove any trace of identity."

"I know, but what's important now is that we find him." Parker
said, her voice laced with concern.

"Parker, how soon can we leave for Africa to start the
search?"

"As soon as possible, but first you have to see a doctor about your arm
and fulfill the promise you made to Sydney."

Jarod stopped suddenly and faced Parker, a questionable look on his face.
"What promise?"

"To go fishing with him." Parker answered simply and continued
walking.

"HOW DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT?" Jarod asked surprised and hurried
his pace to catch up to her.

"Jarod, I know many things." Parker replied, a mischievous smile
curling her lips. "Remember, I was in charge of security at the
Centre."

Jarod just smiled and they continued to walk in silence by the water's
edge. He still could not believe that Parker had come looking for him, but he
was glad that in the end she had changed the story. Finally, they were both on
the same path to find the truth and start mending the friendship he though was
lost forever. Jarod gazed at his friend intensely and smiled inwardly. No matter
how well he thought he knew this amazing woman, she always found a way to
surprise him in the end.

Feeling the weight of his stare again, Parker met the pretender's warm
eyes and they stared silently at each other for a moment before she exclaimed,
"WHAT?"

Startled by her reaction and a little embarrassed, Jarod shifted his gaze
back to the lake waters and hesitated a moment before he replied, "You look
good Parker."

Equally surprised by Jarod's words, Parker just smiled. After a few
minutes of uneasy silence, Parker replied, "I guess being free of the
Centre's shackles can improve a person's life."

Jarod simply nodded.

Parker looked at the pretender with scrutiny before she added, "Wish I
could say the same about you Jar, but you look like hell."

Jarod smile sadly but remained silent.

Noticing the desolate look on Jarod's face, Parker immediately changed the
subject of their conversation, "I just thought of a way we can leave the
country without being bothered by the authorities." Parker said upbeat and
stopped in front of Jarod. She reached forward and slightly touched his dark
hair and bearded face.

Jarod just froze in place, momentarily unable to move or speak. He could
feel his heart racing in his chest and his legs shaking and this was not from
his weakened state or lack of sleep. Finally, he swallowed hard and managed to
find his voice, "How?"

"We will change your appearance completely by dying your hair blonde."
Parker replied very confident.

"WHAT?" Jarod cried out surprised. "NO YOU DON'T!" He added
and quickly moved away from Parker.

"WHY NOT?" Parker insisted, catching up to him. "JAR, IS A GREAT
IDEA AND WITH THE BEARD NO ONE WILL RECOGNIZE YOU!"

"Parker when the time comes, I'll think of something." Jarod said
his eyes now sparkling mischievously. "Besides, I'm very good with
disguises."

"CHICKEN!" Parker teased.

"Parker, I don't care what you think" Jarod smiled back. "I'm
not going to become your guinea pig"

Unexpectedly, Angelo came running out of the woods, happily waving the
flowers he had collected for his friends. Without saying a word, he handed the
flowers to Parker and began walking along side his friends.

"Thank you Angelo. They are beautiful." Parker said softly.

Angelo giggled shyly lowered his head and hid behind the tall pretender.
As they continued walking on the shore, Angelo started collecting small colorful
pebbles from the beach and putting them in his pockets. Although the empath
seemed busy with his new task, he kept his attention focused on the couple's
conversation and playful mocking.

From the shelter of the woods, a pair of eyes glistening with tears
followed the three Centre children walking by the water's edge. A caring smile
appeared on the old man's face. His joy was beyond measure and he silently
thanked God for bringing them together again. The nightmare was finally over,
but they still had a long road ahead of them to start the healing and find all
their answers and happiness, but most important of all, at last the Centre was
gone and they were Free.

THE END