Miss Parker's Residence
March 1, 2001

The ensuing two weeks had been relatively calm and uneventful. Jarod was no where to be found as usual and the worst thing she experienced was an all day board meeting. Miss Parker forced Sydney and Broots to come along as a result so she wouldn't have to suffer alone. Sydney was hesitant in accepting but she managed to talk him into it. Broots acquiesced happily at the fact that Parker had spoken to him and was nice to him for once which proved to be a great motivator and incentive.

She couldn't stand being enclosed in tight quarters with The Centre's cronies for a full day. She could think of a whole list of things she preferred over these types of meeting, including a quadruple root canal. She'd even be nice to Broots for once if she could get out the gathering.

Miss Parker had forgotten about the flowers as they lay dead, hanging over the side of the otherwise empty vase. The water had evaporated long ago and the maid wasn't allowed in that particular room which coincidentally was the room Miss Parker used as an office on rare occasions.

Miss Parker rested peacefully. She awoke with a start as she heard a noise. Upon instinct, she grabbed her gun off her night stand as adrenaline coursed through her. She flipped on the light switch.

Jarod stood before her, his hands above his head in surrender.

"What are you doing here?"Parker snapped.

"I came to watch you sleep. I've been worried about you."

"Isn't one stalker enough?" she said, thinking about the flowers and mangled stuff toy for the first time in days. She hadn't connected the slashed tire

"I have you right where I want you and there's nothing you can do. How ironic that your ass gets dragged back to The Centre after trying to '*save*' me."

"Right where you want me? You want me in your bedroom?"

"Shut up!" she said.

"I really am worried about you, Parker. I found this outside." he held up a slip of paper. "'I'm watching you.'" he read aloud.

"Give me that!" she snapped, moving a step forward. She grabbed it from him.

Jarod saw the fear in her eyes, as her trembling hand dropped the slip of paper. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern in his voice.

"No." she said sotto voce. She quickly regained her composure and her Teflon exterior took over. "Of course I'm not okay. It's not every day that some psychopath is stalking me!" He stepped closer and she kept the gun raised. "Daring, aren't we?"

He put his hand on her shoulder. "Don't touch me." she said, flinching. His hand remained in place.

"You're scared. Admit it, Parker for once in your life."

"I'm fine."

"You're trembling."

"I'm cold."

"It feels like its almost eighty in here."

"Well, maybe I'm getting your blood to boil." she said, smiling coyly. He slowly removed his jacket as she watched his every move. He surprised her by wrapping it around her shoulders.

Her gun gave her a reason to keep her distance. It was a reason for her to be feared. But, Jarod was not afraid. He realized that she wouldn't shoot him because she couldn't bring herself to ever do it. Sarcasm was another barrier she put up to distance herself. That didn't chase him away either.

"T-Thanks."she sputtered. "Where did you find the note?"

"Tacked on your front door."

"Lovely. It wasn't there when I got home at nine."

"That was only a little over two hours ago."

"I can tell time, thank you very much."she said, shuddering. Whoever it was, was right outside, watching. Waiting. Was he there now?

The clock chimed and Miss Parker jumped. Jarod caught, wrapping his arms around her tightly to comfort her. She relaxed. "What are you doing?"she asked.

"You're the one who jumped into my arms."

"I did *not* jump into *your* arms!"

"Then why didn't you ask for me to let you go?"

"Let me go."

"Say it like you mean it."

"No more games, Jarod. Not tonight, please." she said, her voice softening.

"Admit to yourself that you don't want me to let you go."

"I can't do that."

"Because you think that exhibits weakness, and you have never had a moment of weakness in your life."

"Right."

"Bull shit."

"You know me too well."

"Put the gun down."

"I can't."

"You'll allow yourself to be held by me, of all people, but you still won't put down your gun?" Her eyes met his. He took her hand in his and took the gun. Her fingers went limp. He removed its' clip and set both on the dresser.

Jarod held her tighter and she buried her head in his chest. "Look at me." she said, wiping her tear-streaked face.

"It's alright. We'll find out who's doing this."

Parker lay her head on his chest once again. "I hope so." she whispered.
"I'll stay the night. You shouldn't be alone."

"I can't let you."

"Can't or won't?"

"It's complicated. We shouldn't be here like this. I'm supposed to be bringing you in." Miss Parker replied.

"Supposed to, but you're not. Things don't always go to plan." Jarod replied.

"Leave before I change my mind."

"You shouldn't be alone, Parker. Not tonight after the note, and the flowers on Valentine's Day."

She looked at him.

"That's it right?Just the notes and flowers?"Jarod asked.

She shook her head. "Someone shredded the bear you dropped off. I found it in the garbage can outside. I thought maybe it was kids..."

"Get some sleep." he said, helping her into bed.

"Don't try anything." she said, as Jarod slipped under the covers besides her.

"I thought you had me where you wanted me. I won't try anything unless you want me to."

"Just shut up and hold me. For now." she said and he took her into his arms.

The gentle rise and fall of his breathing soothed her. Miss Parker fell into a deep slumber, her fingers laced with Jarod's. He planted a gentle kiss on her forehead before drifting off himself.

********