Chapter Two, The Barracuda
Jess had a good day despite the morning drama. Becker was his usual flirty self with her, despite the thing with Stella and her muffins.
He brought Jess chocolate just as he normally did. After helping the team avoid stretches of road work, not to mention dozens of workmen as potential witnesses to a raptor incursion, Becker had repeatedly told Jess she was brilliant. He sat with Jess at lunch time, happily stealing half her lunch. No, Stella seemed to have no affect on Becker or his relationship with Jess, whatever it was.
After lunch, Jess had just finished a pile of reports. She started in on another pile, taking the first folder: EMD reviews. Her eyes lit up, and she grinned. She loved having an official excuse to visit the armory and him.
Jess clattered along, humming happily, when she reached the armory, walked in, and stopped in horror.
Captain Becker, his back to Jess, had his arms wrapped around the barracuda.
Jess fought back tears. They started to flow on instinct. There was probably an innocent explanation for the sight before her.
She couldn't hear the reasonable thoughts in her head because the jealous and pitiful thoughts were just too loud. She turned around to tip-toe away, when she heard Becker's voice call her name.
Jess turned to see Becker walking toward her, the barracuda in the background scowling at her.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, I just had these reviews to give you," said Jess quietly.
"Thanks," said Becker, taking the reviews. He then reached out to lightly hold up her chin. Jess heard Stella suck in a breath as he did so. "Hey," he said gently. "Are you alright? Your eyes are kind of red."
"I'm fine," said Jess. "Just a little tired. I honestly didn't mean to interrupt, and don't worry I won't say anything."
"What are you talking about?" asked Becker.
Jess' eyes focused on Stella. Becker's eyes grew large, and a panic speed over his face. "No!" He cried, wincing at how loud and fierce it sounded. "Stella was just afraid, after the incident yesterday, so I was showing her how to use an EMD."
Jess noticed a small EMD that Stella held, but tried to conceal behind her.
Becker leaned in and whispered to Jess, "I swear nothing else was going on," and then he offered her a smile. She smiled back, and nodded. She believed him.
"I was telling Stella," Becker said, moving away from Jess slightly, "that Sid and Nancy are less dangerous than Temple."
Stella smiled helplessly. Jess giggled and said, "Connor can get into trouble."
"We don't want to keep you, Jess," said Stella with mock innocence. "I'm sure you're needed at the ADD."
"Epstein is watching it." Jess walked over standing between Becker and the barracuda. "You know, I could probably help."
Stella shook her head, but Becker jumped on Jess' suggestion. "She's an excellent shot, even when she's out of sorts."
"Allergies," said Jess as explanation. "I wish I remembered that shot, too. Anyway, maybe I can help. When Becker taught me he always said my stance was wrong. I do tend to stand more like a woman and less than a soldier."
Becker gave a mock growl, and said with a smirk, "Amen to that." Jess smirked back. Stella watched their flirty play, scowling and tapping her foot in annoyance.
Jess proceeded to help Becker give Stella a shooting lesson. Jess enjoyed their time together and so did Becker. Stella was unnaturally quiet and a little cold.
Finally, Stella's supervisor paged her and reluctantly she had to leave Jess and Becker alone.
"Thanks," said Becker.
"For what?" asked Jess.
"For not abandoning me, Jess." He said as he put away the EMDs. "She makes me a little uncomfortable," confessed Becker.
Jess smiled hugely. She was so relieved.
"You don't...fancy her?" she asked, trying not to sound desperate.
Jess saw Becker's body shake and realized he was giggling. "I have no interest at all in Stella," he said. He turned to look at Jess. "I don't mean to be rude, it's just, she's pushy, and not cute pushy, like some people I could mention," he said with a wink.
Jess put her hands on her hips, acting offended, "I am not pushy. I'm helpful," she said with a grin and a small laugh.
"Actually," said Becker, grinning back, "You are very helpful."
Jess smiled. She was quite content at the present state of things.
"And Stella's a little too blonde," added Becker, smirking at Jess.
"You don't like blondes?" asked Jess.
Becker smiled flirtatiously. "At the moment, no."
Jess smiled. "Good."
Becker had been mortified when Stella strolled into the armory. The thing with Sid and Nancy had been nothing, but she acted like they had been tyranosaurus twins.
Becker was a gentleman, so he behaved politely, even agreeing to show her how to use an EMD when she asked. He tried to get through the impromptu lesson, which was hard with Stella trying to flirt with him. Then he heard the sound of heels. The last thing he wanted Jess to think was that he had a thing for Stella.
Sure she was beautiful, but she was a manipulator and a tease. She wasn't genuine, honest, or sweet like Jess. Jess, in his opinion, blew Stella out of the water. He was relieved when Jess took his explanation. She really was an angel.
Becker went home that night, tired from the day's calls. In his mailbox he found a small package. Opening it he found a St. Christopher's medallion with a note that read,
Thinking of You, Be Safe
Stella
Becker frowned. She was persistent, and he knew he had a real problem.
The next day Becker walked in looking around alertly, trying to dodge the barracuda. Frankly, he was a nervous wreck. Give him a squad of enemy soldiers to face, or a dinosaur charging at him, but the barracuda? He was afraid he was out of his league.
"Hey, there," greeted Jess, happily.
Becker, formerly of the Special Forces, an elite SAS member, and the head of ARC security, leaped a foot in the air at the gentle, bright voice of little Jess Parker.
"Jessica! Don't sneak up on people like that!" He clutched his heart like he was having an attack.
"I wasn't sneaking. My, you are jumpy."
"Jess, I don't get jumpy."
Jess replied by lifting her eyebrow.
Becker chuckled. "Ok, maybe I was a little jumpy. I'm not used to being hunted, not like this."
"What has she done?" asked Jess quickly and in alarm.
"She sent me a St. Christopher's medallion."
"Are...you wearing it?"
"No!" He snapped, surprised at her inference. "I can't accept anything from her. She'll get the wrong idea. I'm not interested. I told you."
"I know," she said, smiling with relief. "I'm just...she can be persuasive, or so I hear."
"Well not with me, although she is persistent."
Jess chuckled softly. "She's not getting to you, though."
"Maybe in annoyance."
Jess smile widely. She was glad.
"Could you do me a favor Jess? Would you give this to Stella, for me," he asked, handing her a small package. "Just tell her thanks, but I can't accept it."
Jess frowned. "You should tell her."
Becker looked at her. He stared right into her eyes, and said seriously, "Jess, that woman scares me."
Jess burst out laughing, nodded her head, and went to find Stella.
End of Chapter Two
