Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 3

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Author's Note: Thanks for the wonderful reviews to pretender fan, phi4858,
Elisa, Nans, Joel-Gomes and leochick. Hope that you will like this chapter.
Enjoy. Also thanks to my Beta reader, Jacionne for all her help.

Author's Note II: To Nans. I'm sorry that I was not able to update in time
for your birthday, but I hope you had a Wonderful day.

"Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds."
Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Vibrations and the continuous humming of an engine slowly brought Sydney
out of his troubled slumber. He felt as if he was floating but he had no
sensation in his arms or legs. Desperately, he wanted to open his eyes to make
some sense of what was happening, but the shooting pain in the back of his head
prevented him from doing just that. Finally, he took a deep breath and ignoring
the pain, forced himself to open his eyes. The blackness that greeted him only
hurled him into further disorientation and panic. When he moved his head trying
to clear his vision, his face came in contact with the dark material covering
his head. Realization assaulted him like bucket of ice water. He was wearing
some kind of hood. Instinctively, Sydney tried to raise his numbed hands to
remove the dark cloth but he quickly realized that his hands were bound behind
his back.

"Well, well, it looks like our good doctor is awake." A mocking voice
startled Sydney.

"Where are you taking me?" Sydney voice was trembling and hoarse. "Who are
you people?"

His captors completely ignored his question and continued to talk among
themselves. His fogged mind tried to recognize the voices, but they were all
unfamiliar and masked by the surrounding sounds.

He was so thirsty that the simple effort to speak was painful. His throat
felt as if it was on fire, his mouth felt like sandpaper and he could feel the
cracks on his lips from the lack of fluids. He thought of asking for some water,
but he knew his abductors would not remove the blindfold until they reached
their destination. He wondered how long he had been unconscious and what they
were planning to do with him.

In an instant, a flood of emotions and questions ravaged his mind. 'Why
are they doing this to me?' He felt confused and lost. 'Who were these people?
And who had ordered his abduction?' The whole ordeal was unbearable; he could
feel the panic creeping from within. All his years of psychological studies and
knowledge on survival techniques had failed to prepare him to deal with this
unpredictable and terrifying situation. Suddenly, a new emotion struck him with
pain a deep regret. He was overwhelmed with a feeling of Guilt. The image of a
little boy sitting behind a desk crying while hiding his face behind his hands
assaulted him. "Jarod", he murmured softly. That little boy had been submitted
to this same horrifying experience when he was only a child. "My God, why didn't
I help him when I had the chance?" Sydney asked himself with remorse. Maybe this
was his punishment for allowing that evil to flourish for so many years. Others
like Catherine, Fenigor and even Jacob had tried to save the children, but he
never did. He always refused to see the truth and instead he hid behind his
scientific studies, his logic and his pristine view of the world. He was a
coward and if this was some kind of payback, he deserved it. Consumed with guilt
and sadness, Sydney curled up in a fetal position and wept for the lost
children, the lost years and loss of innocence. He had betrayed them all and he
didn't deserve their forgiveness. He had become a Monster and it was time for
him to pay for his sins.

"Sorry Doc, time to take a little nap. Boss' orders." The voice said
teasingly.

Sydney didn't hear the footsteps of the approaching man nor did he try to
resist when he felt the prick of a needle penetrate the skin of his forearm. He
didn't care anymore and unconsciousness was a welcome state to rest his troubled
and weary mind.

The Centre

Broots' fingers tapped frantically over his keyboard searching the
mainframe for any sign of the missing doctor. His search of the surveillance
tapes had come up empty. Whoever was behind this operation knew how to cover
their tracks. The idea of telling Miss Parker he had nothing made him feel sick
to his stomach. He ran his shaky hand over the few strands of hair for the
hundredth time. At this rate he was going to be as bald as Mr. Raines in no
time. The unexpected ringing of Sydney's phone in his pocket nearly sent him
flying off his chair.

"He...llo" Broots whispered into the device.

"Mr. Broots?" The deep voice of the pretender came on the other end.
"Where is Sydney?"

"I...I don't know." Broots answered while glancing over his shoulder
nervously. "He's...missing."

"What do you mean he's missing?" The pretender sounded annoyed.

Trying to make himself as small as possible in his cubicle space he
continued, "This morning, Sydney passed out in the Sim Lab and was rushed to the
Infirmary. When Miss Parker and I went to see him, he was gone. He never made it
to the Infirmary.

There was only silence on the line and for a moment Broots thought that
the pretender had just hung up. "Jarod, are you still there?"

"I'll call you later Mr. Broots." He said dryly.

"Jarod wait!" Broots' voice shrieked with panic. "What about
Sydney?"

"I don't know where he is Mr. Broots." His voice was
detached.

"Should I... tell Miss Parker about your call?" Broots asked with
apprehension.

"NO." Jarod growled. "I'll be in touch."

"Wait!...What if you...call me when she...she's around?" Broots was now
shaking like a leaf. "I...I won't be able to answer your call."

"Have you ever heard of vibrate mode Mr. Broots?" With that said, the
line went dead.

Broots dropped the phone on his desk and covered his face with his
shaking hands. He could swear he was getting an ulcer already. If Miss Parker
found out he was in contact with Jarod secretly, she was going to have him
skinned alive. On the other hand, maybe Jarod would uncover something about
Sydney's disappearance. After all, Jarod was the genius and an expert when it
came to digging up secrets and ghosts at the Centre.

Broots picked up the cell phone and switched it to vibrate as
instructed by the pretender. As he played with the device in his hand, a thought
kept nagging at the back of his mind. Something was different about the
pretender. His reaction to Sydney's disappearance was very strange, almost cold.
Even though he didn't know Jarod very well, he knew that his relationship with
his mentor was unique. Sydney had always protected Jarod the best he could
during his years of captivity at the Centre and in more than one occasion Jarod
had returned the favor by helping Sydney. Something was definitely wrong. "Maybe
Jarod knows something we don't." Broots said to himself with suspicion, but that
feeling was quickly pushed aside by one of frustration. "Great, and now I can't
even discuss this with Miss Parker."

Again, Broots scanned the Tech room nervously to make sure no one was
watching him. Already he felt like a basket case and now he had to lie to Miss
Parker about his contact with Jarod. "Things can't get any worse or could they?"
He thought out loud and then shook his head trying to erase that feeling of
doom. He returned the small phone to his pant's pocket and quickly gathered the
limited files he had found on the mysterious doctor and nurse. Miss Parker was
waiting for this information and making her angry on top of everything could be
extremely hazardous to his health.

Mr. Lyle's office

Lyle could hear the familiar commotion just outside the glass panel
doors. He had been expecting her arrival for the last hour; his dear sister was
so predictable. He picked up a file and sat back in his executive chair. He
slowly swiveled the chair around, turning his back on her entrance in order to
whip up her fury and hide the wicked smile that was pasted on his face. He just
loved to play with her emotions.

"LYLE, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?" Parker growled as she stormed
into his office.

"Sorry Mr. Lyle, I tried to stop her but... she just..." The small
woman behind Miss Parker trembled in fear as she tried to explain. "I'm so sorry
Mr. Lyle, she would not listen to..."

Leisurely, Lyle turned his chair around and faced the two women before
him.

"It's alright Lucy." Lyle raised a hand to stop the secretary's
hysterical pleas. "Please leave us."

"Yes Mr. Lyle." Lucy answered softly with her head lowered and swiftly
exited the office.

When Lyle's eyes finally met Parker's, he was greeted with a look
filled with hatred. 'God, she truly is beautiful when she gets angry.' Lyle
thought to himself as his predatory instinct started to surface. 'It's too bad
that we might be related, but then again that fact really doesn't bother me.' He
continued to stare mesmerized by her beauty and power.

"Lyle, what is going on at the Infirmary?" Parker's question shook Lyle
back to reality. "Sydney was taken to the infirmary a few hours ago and now he
is missing."

"I don't know what you're talking about Sis."

Parker moved forward aggressively and slammed both hands on Lyle's
desk. "I swear Lyle, if I find out that you are behind this little plot, you're
going to be missing more parts and they are not going to be your remaining
digits."

"Why should I know Dr. Frankenstein's whereabouts?" Lyle remarked
calmly as he moved around the desk and stood by his sister. "And why every time
someone goes missing, you pull out the conspiracy card and vote me the main
suspect?"

"Because I'm usually RIGHT." Parker's eyes bored into
Lyle's.

"Well Sis, this time you are WRONG. I have no idea where the good
Doctor is." Lyle shot back at Parker; turned his back on her venomous glare and
walked back to his chair. At that precise moment his phone rang saving him from
a counterattack. Lyle picked up the receiver and stared at Parker
impatiently.

"If you don't mind Miss Parker, I would like to answer this call." Lyle
uttered with a sneer.

"This discussion is not over Lyle." Parker hissed.

Smiling at Parker's threatening words, he waited until she was at the
door and then added, "Oh Miss Parker, please keep me inform on the search for
Sydney will you?"

Parker ignored his remark and stalked off in a huff. She reminded
herself that she had to remain in control for Sydney's sake. Lyle knew something
and sooner or later he would lead her to the answers. Furthermore, if she stayed
there another minute she was going to put a bullet in that psychotic brain of
his.

"This is Lyle." He answered and then listened to the voice
attentively.

"You created HIM, so find a way to stop HIM." Lyle spat
back.

"If it was up to me, he would have been dead a long time ago. You and
Mr. Parker are responsible for his escape and attacks." Lyle growled. "This time
I will deal with him swiftly and permanently."

"I have a meeting with him in two hours." Lyle looked at his watch. It
was 2:00p.m.

"Yes, he promised to give me the files and DSA's." Lyle stood from his
desk and walked to the window.

"I have no other choice. If that information falls into the WRONG
HANDS..."Lyle shouted into the small device and then listened as the person on
the other end spoke. Lyle eyes became dark with repulsion.

"Just remember this; if I go down I'm taking YOU down with ME." Lyle
replied with hatred.

"Meet me at my apartment at 6:00p.m. We will discuss the next step to
put an end to this problem." Lyle growled and disconnected the call slamming the
receiver down.

Lyle's eyes reflected the madness and fury burning within. He opened
his desk drawer and retrieved his gun. He checked the clip and then placed the
weapon back in his holster. "It's time to go meet with the Lab Rat and put an
end to his little game." Lyle thought aloud as the desire for revenge boiled in
his veins.

Completely unaware of the curious eyes watching him from the air vent,
Lyle bolted from his chair and exited his office like an enraged animal.
Meanwhile, the shadowy figure hidden in the vents typed furiously on his laptop.
With unmatched skills, the sheltered prodigy proceeded to transmit the
conversation between Lyle and his caller. His friend needed this information
immediately. Lives were in danger.

Miss Parker's office

Miss Parker arrived at her office with fire in her eyes. To her
surprise and annoyance, she found Broots sitting at her desk and working on her
computer.

"Well, well, it is true. When the cat's away the mice will play." She
replied angrily and gave Broots a stern look that nearly made him jump out of
his skin.

"OH...No...No...Miss Parker...uh...I was looking for some...something
that...that might help us find...Syd...Sydney." Broots stuttered uncontrollably.

"Okay Broots, never mind. What do you have on Dr. Frankenstein and the
old ogress?"

"OH yeah, right away."

Broots jumped from the chair and walked towards Miss Parker while
searching through the files in his hand. "Here it is. It says that Dr. Warren
and Nurse Anderson were transferred here from Africa one week ago." Broots
looked at Parker carefully and then continued. "Their transfer was requested
by...Mr. Lyle."

"That bastard. I knew he was behind this." Parker growled and began to
pace the room angrily. "Was there anything else?"

"I also checked all the surveillance tapes and found Nothing. It's like
Sydney just vanished. It's really strange." Broots said nervously.

"Broots by now you should know that disappearances have never been
strange at the Centre." Parker replied with a grim smile.

"OH yeah, I almost forgot. Just before you came in, I found a memo that
was send to Mr. Raines, but I didn't have the chance to read it."

"Well, don't just stand there. Show me this memo." Parker said
frustrated.

Broots hurried back to the computer and started typing commands to
access the document. Miss Parker stood behind him and leant over his shoulder to
look at the screen. Her close proximity made it even harder for him to focus on
the task and the scent of her perfume was driving him crazy. 'Wow, she smells
like spring flowers.' Broots thought to himself mesmerized by the fragrance.
'She's is so stunning and yet so strong.'

"COME ON BROOTS, WHERE IS THE MEMO?" Her remark jolted him from his
daydream.

"OH...yes, M...Miss Parker." Broots fumble for words and after a few
minutes of silence he almost jumped out of his chair. "I FOUND IT!" Broots
exclaimed and began reading. "The survival of the Centre is in your hands.
Exchange will take place tomorrow evening at previously agreed
location."

Parker and Broots stared at each other in silence for a few seconds,
trying to decipher the meaning behind the cryptic message.

"Who sent the message?" Parker broke the silence suddenly.

"It doesn't say, but the memo is dated May 15th, yesterday. That means
they are meeting...Tonight." Broots whispered.

"Who is meeting Raines tonight? And where?" Parker asked herself.

"Miss Parker do you think this exchange have something to do
with...Sydney?" Broots asked trembling.

"Lets hope not, but I think is time to have a little talk with that
oxygenated bag of bones." Parker stated with repugnance. Before Broots had a
chance to refuse, he was jerked from his chair and dragged out of the office by
Miss Parker.

Jarod's latest lair

Being so close to that hideous place again made him feel edgy and
vindictive but now it was time to make things right one last time before
disappearing. Jarod was just settling in after his rushed trip from Florida,
when his laptop signaled the incoming message. He quickly dropped his duffle bag
on the floor, sat at his desk and began to access the two messages awaiting
him.

As Jarod read the first message, a smile began to appear on his lips,
"Good Job Angelo." His laughter echoed through the empty room, but his spirit
was quickly darkened by the next anonymous message. He needed to contact Broots
immediately and warn him. Time was running out.

Jarod retrieved his cell phone from his jacket and pushed the
pre-recorded number. After ringing continuously for a few minutes, a shaky voice
finally answered.

"He...llo?" Broots' spooked voice came across the line.
"Ja...Jarod?"

"Mr. Broots, listen carefully." Jarod was serious and direct. "You and
Miss Parker need to leave The Centre NOW."

"Jarod, what about Sydney?" Broots objected. "Have you found
anything?"

"Mr. Broots, You and Miss Parker are in grave danger." Jarod continued
ignoring the techie's questions. "Leave NOW and don't TRUST anyone."

"But...but Miss Parker is on her way to talk to... Mr. Raines." Broots
stopped for a moment and stuck his head out of the bathroom stall he was hiding
in to make sure no one was listening before continuing. "We found a memo that
was send to Mr. Raines. It talks about a meeting and an exchange taking place
tonight."

There was no reply from the pretender. Broots just hated when Jarod
played his little disappearing game. "Jarod are you still there?" Broots shouted
as frustration and panic took control.

"Yes Mr. Broots I'm here." There was silence again but Broots could
hear the tapping of a keyboard in the background. "Mr. Raines and Mr. Lyle are
gone. DO NOT FOLLOW THEM, if you do you'll endanger Sydney's life as well as
your own." Saying that, Jarod terminated the call.

"Jarod wait!" Broots called out, but all he heard was the dial
tone.

TBC