Title: Nothing's as it Seems… Chapter 4 - Discovery
Jade pulled the car to where the crash had taken place the night before and slowed to a stop. She sat and looked ahead out the window for a few moments.
"Penny for your thoughts." Said Steve breaking her thoughts.
"Oh come on now, they're worth at least two. Just remembering last night, is all." She smiled and got out of the car. She walked slowly to where the car had gone over and stood and looked over the edge. Steve caught up to her and looked over as well.
"Wow!" Was all he managed.
"Yeah." She echoed softly. There were still tech's working below them to try to determine what remains were left of the Porsche 911 and the body, if any and what other kinds of evidence they might need. And working to clean up the ravine.
"What a waste!" Stated Steve.
"Why on earth would you say that? Did you really want another death row serial killer sitting there eating up tax payers dollars for no good reason." Said Jade turning to face him with a flash of anger.
"Actually I meant the car." He smiled not looking at her.
"Oh." She laughed lightly and turned back. Then she left him and started to look around for anything that might suggest that another ending took place from what looked like took place. But there was nothing unusual besides the tire skid marks, their footprints, and tire marks from the cop cars and local police trucks. There was just nothing there to suggest anything out of the ordinary. And still Jade's mind could not let it rest. She had seen to many endings that she thought were endings that instead turned out to be the beginnings of new nightmares for her. She stood in silence for awhile longer before walking back to join Steve. It was already past lunch hour and she was starting to get hungry. She still wanted to check Carmen's apartment before they went to see Shane.
Steve watched her as she looked around. What is she not telling me? What is she keeping? Obviously this case goes deeper than she lets on, but how much deeper? To what extent? He smiled as he watched her. He wanted more than anything to get close to her, but how? When she won't let me in, how can I get closer? And how can I stop myself from falling in love with her? He watched her walk back and thought about how he could get her to open up to him.
"Hungry?" Asked Steve as she walked back to join him.
"You must have read my mind. Yes actually. Any good places to eat around here?"
"What are you up for?" He asked as they walked back to the car.
"Anything that is non-NY like." She said determinedly. "Take me to a place that has great food and is totally California."
"You got it." He said smiling as they got in the car. This was a good sign. Maybe she didn't want to go back to New York. Maybe there was indeed hope after all for them.
Jade got the directions from Steve and soon they were on their way, back onto the highway.
Steve had taken them to a small ocean side bistro that faced Venice Beach. Jade was in love. She loved the sun, the surf and even though it was fall she loved the weather. If only there was a way she could stay. But she knew this was an ill-fated journey. She had to go back. Didn't she? Yes she had to, her inner voice reminded her resolutely. New York was still her home. At least she thought so. This was starting to feel like home now. And the more she stayed the more she began to accept the idea that this was home. And she still had a job to finish. Her thoughts were again interrupted by Steve's calm voice, "so what is your place like back in New York?" And for the next hour over their lunch a friendly banter ensued between them, as they go to know each other better.
********
"Wow!" Exclaimed Mark to the empty room. He put his glasses back on and continued reading.
"What's up Mark, I heard you down the hall?" Asked Amanda as she hurriedly walked into the room.
"Just reading the file that my FBI contact sent me regarding Carmen Parks. It reads like a Hollywood horror movie. For instance one of her victim's was shipped to the FBI courtesy of Federal Express, with the explicit instructions that only Jade Marshall open it during her presentation to the Board of Directors. The explanation was that it was key evidence for the case she was working and would bring down the house."
"That's just sick. And Sara I mean Carmen is the person who did that?" Amanda reminded herself of the new name after Mark had filled both her and Jesse in on the details.
"Yup. And each murder is just as unique. With the discoveries just as grotesque. But each one was different. Hmm…" He sat back and sighed as he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes in thought.
"What is it Mark? What is bothering you?" She asked softly.
"The thought that Steve was next. I mean if it wasn't for Jade Marshall then he wouldn't be alive today." He said sitting back up. It was a close call. Too close. He said a silent prayer of thanks that his son was still alive.
"Yeah lucky for you they came along when they did. Talk about good timing." She smirked.
"Yeah good timing is right. Almost too good in fact." He exclaimed as a thought struck him again.
"What do you mean? You don't think that Jade is somehow involved in all this? Do you?" Asked Amanda in horror.
"I don't know, but as you read this file, each time a discovery was made, Jade was just a day or sometimes a few hours behind. Almost as if whoever is giving them their information gives it to them just seconds after it happens. To make sure they are the only ones to find the discovery. But then how was it they were able to get to Steve in time if every victim before him was that unlucky? Who is their source? Someone on the inside perhaps? Or was it just luck?" He pondered.
"Mark do you realize what you are saying?" Said Amanda in a quiet voice, "that there could be someone inside the top levels of the FBI helping serial killers."
"I know." He said glumly. "I only wish I could access Jade's and Shane's files. But they are classified by the top exec's themselves. Which is strange also."
"Why?" She questioned.
"Well normally regular FBI agents who work cases that are non national security related are accessible to the public, as a show of good faith. I can access my contact's file with no trouble, just the regular info of course. He in turn is able to access other agents classified files with no trouble from inside the FBI. Now, inside the FBI only the top exec's files are NSA protected. But in the case of these two particular agents, Jade and Shane all doors are closed. It's as if they don't really exist." He sighed.
"Well there is one other possibility Mark." She said leaning closer.
"What's that?"
"They work for the NSA." With that statement both sat back in their chairs and pondered the statement. If that was the case, then this was no ordinary serial killer case. But how could they confirm their suspicions? Who could they trust to give them the correct information?
"Did you tell Steve any of this?" Amanda asked quietly.
"No. He'd just think I was being paranoid again. Which I am. I mean I really like Jade. But this case I feel goes deeper than she is leading us to think. Maybe deeper than even she knows. This case just has so many unanswered questions. And the people who know them aren't talking."
"What do you mean? Do you think they could be using her? For what reason?"
"That Amanda, is the 64 million dollar question. Why indeed? That is what we need to find out. She didn't strike me as being shady in any way. But if her and Shane are indeed pawns for some higher power then we owe it to them to find out. And Steve as well."
"Why Steve?"
"Because in case you have failed to notice, that boy is falling head over heels for FBI Special Agent Jade Marshall. And I feel that she is falling for him also. I just don't know which way this is going to turn out and how it's going to end."
"Do you think she'll just pick up and leave for New York without notice?" Asked Amanda somewhat sadly.
"I have the feeling she might do that. I just hope it's for the right reasons." He sighed. They sat in silence for a bit longer. Each trying to digest the information they gathered. It was a serious issue they were facing. Did they dig deeper? And if they did, and found the answers they were looking for, who would it benefit and who would it hurt? Who would end up the real loser in the end of all this? Mark had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach but couldn't quite bring himself to surface the thoughts. He hoped he never had to. But he felt that in the end, the truth would prevail.
********
"That was terrific Steve. I love this place." Sighed Jade as they walked along the beach after lunch. It was a breezy day, but Jade didn't mind. She loved it. So different from the hustle and bustle of New York. Sure LA was almost just as big and almost just as busy, but she felt that she no longer belonged on the cold streets of New York. Like she was meant to walk the warm beaches of LA with him. But she sighed deep within. She would have to return. This case had to be settled. And if someone in the Director's office was indeed involved, all the more reason to return and try to weed out the traitor. But if she did, what then? Then another case would ensue and life would continue. And what would happen to them? To Steve? And what about out here? Was there a life for her out here? And if so, was she ready for that?
"I'm glad. You should see it at night. The whole boardwalk lights up, there is live music and the smell of BBQ'd food for miles. There are even some clubs that open their sidewalks for free dancing. It's a lot of fun. You must visit it sometime just to see." He said his eyes lighting up at her as she stopped to commit to memory the sights before her. She looked at them so that she would not forget, like a blind man about to lose his sight for the rest of his life.
"Just say when." She stopped and stared back at him. They stood locked in each other's stare for a few seconds. "Well I would like to check out Carmen's apartment before we see Shane. Is that okay?" She asked breaking the stare.
"Um, sure that would be fine." He said rather uneasily.
"I can go in alone if you'd rather. I don't mind in the least." She offered noticing his uneasiness.
"No I'll be fine. I also have to think of what to do with her things from the cabin. They are still in my suite. I am not sure if you could use them for evidence, but your welcome to them." He said as they started to walk back to the car.
"Thanks, not sure what good they'll do us, never has before, but hey you never know. Could get lucky this time." She said. "I have to ask this, and I really hate to but…" her voice trailed off.
"You want to know what I saw in Carmen, right?" He asked knowing the question already. What did a guy like him see in a girl like her?
"Yeah, but only if you want to." She reached the car and stopped.
"I guess she just knocked me off my feet. I didn't really get the chance to stop and really look at her. I usually have pretty good instincts and when I set my mind to something I never miss the mark, however I sure did in this case didn't I?" He sighed as he stopped. "What was I thinking?" He said softly, not really meaning for her to hear. But she did.
"Probably the same thing all the other men who have fatally fallen for her were thinking. How soon can I marry this gorgeous babe!" She said laughing but not really. It was more like a sarcastic remark. And it stung Steve.
"Yeah I guess so, pretty sad huh?" He asked glumly.
"Not really. I mean she is beautiful, for a sick deranged murderer." She broke out laughing.
"Oh gee thanks." He said back sarcastically.
"I'm sorry. But she does have the power to wrap any man around her finger."
"Not all." He declared.
"Really? Whom did she fail to impress?" Asked Jade in a shocked tone. She had never known a man to turn down Carmen's charm yet. Could there be one?
"My dad. He saw through her right from the start." He said remembering. "I only wish I had listened sooner."
"Really? Mark didn't like her? What exactly was it?" She wondered.
"Why not ask him tonight!" He said opening the car door.
"I think I will, thanks." She said opening her's and got in and started up the engine.
With that they drove to Carmen's apartment.
Once inside Jade noticed it looked almost similar to every other apartment she had kept before. Each site was different but the usual odds and ends kept showing up. Typical! She continued to look around. Same old Carmen, never leaving anything for us. I wonder how our source gets all the clues and info they do? That was odd? It bugged her that someone was helping and they only had faint ideas and real possibilities as to who on the inside had turned. Would they ever know? They both went into separate rooms to investigate. Jade noticed a small table with some notes on it. Nothing of import. The only thing that caught her eye was a small piece of paper with the numbers "217" scratched on them and circled in red. A date? Hmm, she said putting it into her pocket.
"That's odd." Jade heard Steve mutter from the other room.
"What's that?" She asked as she joined him in the bedroom.
"Well when I was here a few days ago, Sa..Carmen had a small picture of a man in a silver picture frame on the dresser here. Now it's gone. She must have moved it." He exclaimed.
"What did the picture look like?" She asked suddenly feeling sick. She knew, she didn't have to ask. And as she listened to the description her hatred for Carmen Parks grew even deeper.
"Well he had dark hair, silver rimmed glasses, was wearing a suit and holding a single red rose. She said it was her brother, but I suspected that it was a past love or something. It bothered me a bit. I'm not sure why." He said sounding confused. Jade backed up and bumped into the wall as she made a hasty retreat from the bedroom. It was happening all over again.
"Are you okay?" Steve asked coming up to her.
"Yes fine." She said with a thin smile, but a fake one. Steve knew it was bothering her, but didn't press the issue.
"I think we are done here, nothing that I need right now. I'll call the crime lab and they can come and collect the usual things we need, such as a DNA sample, fingerprints, etc." She said heading for the door. I have to get out of here quick.
"I would really like to get to the hospital and make sure that Shane hasn't shot anyone for not letting him leave." She half-laughing as she looked at the time on her watch. It was already past 4 p.m. Where had the day gone?
"Sure that sounds good." He said taking one last look around and followed her out. Strange that only a few days before he had had one of the best nights of his life. It's amazing how things can change so quickly.
********
"Why on earth are you going to run a DNA test. The file has already confirmed that it's Carmen Parks. I don't see how doing a DNA test will unlock anything we don't already know?" Offered Jesse.
"Well I just received the sample from the lab. And sometimes you just never know what will turn up." Said a weary Mark. He looked at his watch. Already after 4 p.m. Jade would be joining them for supper tonight. That should be interesting.
"Well sometimes you just can't see the forest for the trees." He said laughing and walked out of Mark's office to do his rounds.
Mark thought about Jesse's remark as he turned off his monitor and headed for the lab.
********
"What do you mean a few more days? I'm fit as a fiddle, and I would like to leave right now." Jade heard Shane's complaining voice from down the hall.
"Some things never change." She sighed and smiled at Steve as they reached the room.
"Hey Jade. Can you please tell Dr. Travis that I am well enough to be released." He demanded.
"Yeah okay Shane. Dr. Travis can you please make sure my partner stays in the hospital for at least another two days." She said to Jesse, who just smiled enjoying the argument.
"Traitor!" Shane said madly.
"Yeah, this coming from a man who almost died last night." She pulled up a chair and sat down beside his bed. "So how are you feeling today?"
"Well truthfully I am sore as hell on my left side. But other than that, okay I guess. I would like some better food though. Can't you at least do that? Please?" he moaned.
"That I can arrange." They both laughed.
"Well he seems to be in better spirits today Jesse." Said Steve as the two of them stood in the corner and talked quietly.
"Yup, he's a fighter alright. Good thing to, it'll help him heal faster. But the better food is a good idea. In fact I was going to swing by BBQ Bob's tonight and bring him some later. Wanna come?" Jesse asked.
"Actually Jade is joining us for dinner tonight." Steve said flushing slightly.
"Really?" Jesse asked suspiciously.
"Oh and what is that tone? It's just dinner, nothing more." He said looking at her.
"Yeah right!" Jesse laughed. Then he walked over to Jade.
"Hey Jade can I ask you a question. Not sure if it's FBI protocol or night, but I need a blood sample from you in case your partner runs into trouble. Since you're both from out of town I thought we'd ask you before an outsider. We take it as a standard precaution." He said.
"Sure no problem. Tell me where and when."
"Here and now? Is that okay." Jesse offered walking over to a desk of supplies.
"Sure." She took off her jacket and pulled up her sleeve and Jesse took the sample.
"Thanks. Well I'll see ya later Shane, with some real food." He smiled and left the room, heading for the lab.
"Now that is what I call service!" he beamed at the thought of the BBQ'd food.
"Yeah just what you need. More grease to numb whatever brain cells you have left." She laughed.
"So what were you guys up to today?" he asked changing the tone.
"Well we stopped by the cabin, the crash site and Carmen's apartment." Jade said slowly.
"Wow busy day. Anything of interest?" he questioned.
"The usual." She said in a tone that Shane knew it was anything but usual.
"Hey guys I think you need to be alone for a bit. I'll just wait outside." Steve offered. Both smiled at the suggestion.
"So what did you find out? She had the picture again didn't she?"
"Yup. Although it was gone when we got there. Steve told me about it. He said she told him that it was her brother, but he said he thought it was a past lover by the way she looked at it." She said sadly dropping her head.
"Oh Jade, I am sorry. Are you okay?" he asked taking her hand and holding it.
"I guess so. I mean it has been two years and she still carries that picture with her just to taunt me." She looked up with tears in her eyes.
"Hey its okay. It's not your fault you know. You do know that?"
"Yeah like it wasn't my fault you got shot yesterday. Or not my fault that Mr. Jenkins was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or not my fault that…."
"Jade." He commanded. She stopped. "You're not to blame for what happened in any of those instances. Carmen Parks is, and only her. Never forget that. She is the one who destroyed your life, or at least your life at the time." Shane stopped.
"What do you mean at the time?" Jade asked wiping away stray tears.
"The only thing she took from you was one opportunity. She hasn't taken away the one thing that can make everything better for you." He said softly.
"And what is that Shane? Tell me." She said angrily.
"Your future. The hope for something better. The dream of someone better. You still have that. Don't let her succeed in robbing you of the one thing that can make all that possible. You! You are the only one who has the strength to look past all the ugliness and find that little bit of happiness that you know is there. You can do it. I know you can." He smiled warmly.
"I don't think I can." She said sadly.
"Well I happen to know for a fact that you have already. And it's standing outside the door right now. By the name of Steve Sloan." He said happily.
Jade didn't have to answer; Shane got all the information he needed from her flushed face. She did like Steve.
"Am I right?"
"To a degree." She smiled. "Okay fine, I'll admit it, I like him. In fact it's been a very long time since I have liked someone as much as I have liked Steve."
"But?" he continued.
"But I'm afraid to let it continue any further." she replied lamely.
"Afraid why?"
"Two words, Carmen Parks." She said angrily.
"Jade you can't let her run your life for you. Every new beginning has its risks, but if you don't take them, you'll never know what you could've had. Remember what I always say to you," he paused waiting for her to finish.
"Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight. Yes I know that. But this fight, it's a fight I don't think I can win. And if I do, what then? I'll have to go back to New York. My home is there. My job is there." She finished.
"Are you sure it's there? You always complain about New York, you know you hate it. You hate Washington even more. You always said the West Coast is the place you want to be. But I'm not saying that you have to make any choices right now. Just enjoy the moment, and go from there. But I'll give you this little piece of advice. Be honest with Steve. The more you hide from him now the harder it will be to explain everything when the truth comes out. And you know perfectly well that the truth always comes out. Usually at the worst possible time."
"That's what I'm afraid of. What if I tell him the truth and he leaves? Or hates me? Or…"
"Shesh Jade, just give it a rest. Take it one step at a time. You'll know when the right time to tell him is. And if I know anything about the Sloan's is that they like people who are open and honest from the start. They are good people." He said laying back down. He was starting to get tired again.
"Yeah they are. Very good people." She said softly. "And speaking of the Sloan's I'm having supper with them tonight." She said smiling.
"Yeah thought so. I mean I might be hurt but I'm not stupid. I see the way he looks at you." He laughed. "That's great. Have a good time. I think Steve Sloan is just what the doctor ordered." He laughed again.
"Very funny." She said dryly.
"Will you be okay if I go?" she asked hesitatingly.
"Yeah I'm already looking forward to the BBQ Bob's food that Jesse promised me. Plus I need to sleep so that I can be back on the job to protect your butt!" he laughed.
"Yeah great!" She rolled her eyes. She got up and put on her jacket. "Hey Steve." She called. He walked in. "Want to say goodnight to my partner?"
"Yeah I guess I better, cuz after you eat my food you'll be dead for sure." He laughed as he walked over to the bed and shook Shane's hand.
"BBQ Bobs?" he asked.
"Yup Jesse and I are co-owners. We both take turns cooking from time to time." He smiled.
"Wow a cop that can cook. Are you sure you don't want to work for the FBI?" He laughed.
"Yup pretty sure." With that Jade walked out of the room.
"See you tomorrow Shane." She called as she left.
"Good to see you're feeling better." Steve said as he smiled an then turned around to follow Jade.
Shane laid his head back down on the bed and smiled to himself. There was no doubt of the chemistry between his partner and Detective Sloan. But he also had this fear in the back of his mind that something could hinder it. But what? Did he also think that Carmen wasn't dead? Or was Jade's paranoia finally wearing onto him? Only time would tell. With that he closed his eyes and went to sleep. He needed to heal fast. There was a mole inside the top levels of the FBI, and they had an idea who it was. But his being in the hospital was not going to help them one bit.
********
"Well that is a relief about Shane huh? I'm happy that is going to be fine." Said Steve as they headed for her car to drive back to his place.
"Yeah me to. Lifts away some of my stress. Not much, but I guess every little bit helps." She sighed.
"You know Jade," Steve said slowly, "sometimes it helps to relieve a lot of stress if you talk about what's bothering you. And I happen to know the perfect person who actually wants to listen." He smiled at her.
"That's what Shane keeps telling me. But be careful I actually might take you up on that." She laughed lightly.
"I hope do." He said warmly.
They drove towards the beach house in silence. Maybe Shane is right, maybe Steve is just what the doctor ordered. And it would do me some good to finally get the truth out in the open. I don't want to make another mistake by keeping things from him. He seems pretty genuine, and maybe he won't judge me by what I tell him. I guess there is only one way to fine out.
They reached the house and Steve led the way inside.
"So are we going to wait for your dad?" She asked talking off her jacket.
"Nope, not sure what times he's going to show up. So we'll just start." Said Steve starting to pull out pots and pans and place them on the kitchen island.
"Y-your going to cook? Seriously? I thought you were kidding back in the hospital." Jade laughed.
"Nope. Actually I love to cook." He said smiling.
"Wow, I can see why she liked you." Jade said quietly looking down.
"Who?"
"Carmen." She said looking back up.
"Oh yeah. Well, that was, um one of my biggest mistakes." He said walking close to her. She could feel the heat of his breath on the top of her head and the smell of his cologne was almost intoxicating.
"Could have been worse." She said quietly.
"Yeah I never would have met you." He said softly looking down at her. And before she could react Steve grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her close and kissed her.
Jade felt herself resist at first then give in willingly. Then she pulled away.
"What? What did I do wrong Jade?" Asked Steve in a hurt voice.
"You? You could never do anything wrong. It's me; it's always been me. I," she stuttered, "I have a hard time getting close again."
"Why is that?"
"I guess I just have a hard time believing that any man who is genuine would want someone like me." She said sadly.
"What? Why on earth would you think that?" Asked Steve in shock.
"Well I mean look at me. I'm not exactly the type of woman men fall head over heels for, especially romantic men. First there's my lifestyle. I have a black belt in most forms of martial arts, I am domestically challenged, and I have a job that most men either can't figure out or understand. I mean let's face it, if I had not saved your life, we would never have met. What a way to start things off."
"Exactly. But because you did, that's all the more reason I like you. I don't care what experiences you have had in the past. It doesn't matter to me. My job is somewhat the same as yours, so I'm glad that I don't have to worry about explaining why I am called to a homicide site at 2 in the morning. As for the cooking part I love to cook, I have never worried about that in the past. And as for romantic," he said taking her in his arms again, "you would put most others to shame. Let's just take it slow. I want this to continue don't you?" And he kissed her again. Jade pulled away as she felt the tears coming. I have to leave now.
"Don't you understand," she said between sobs while grabbed her jacket, "I want this, yes, there I admitted it, I want it so bad that I can't think strait. And that is the problem. "
"So who says you have to think all the time. Just go with your feelings." He said gently grabbing her arm so she wouldn't go.
"You don't even know who the hell I am." She said loudly and pulled her arm away from his. "I, I can't stay here any more. I have to go."
********
"Well I finished the blood work on Jade. No match to Shane's so I guess we'll have to look outside just in case." Came Jesse's large sigh as he walked into Mark's office.
"Thanks Jesse. I just finished the DNA test on Carmen. Nothing there out of the ordinary. Well I have to go, Jade is coming to dinner tonight." He said standing up to get his coat.
"Yeah I know Steve told me. He really likes her doesn't he?" Jesse said smiling.
"Oh yeah." He laughed. "I just its not too soon after the whole Sara/Carmen affair." He sighed.
"Well Steve doesn't seem to think so." Jesse laughed.
"Oh by the way…" he said as turned around and crashed into Jesse who was right behind him. Both their files went spilling onto the floor. Mark bent to pick them up. He started to noticed the two charts.
"Hey Jesse, why are there two files for Carmen?" Asked Mark as picked up both DNA charts.
"What you talking about I didn't do Carmen's." He laughed. "That's Jade's."
Mark looked at the two identical charts, identical except for one very distinct thing. His face went as pale as a sheet.
"Oh my god," he said running out of the room.
"What the hell Mark?" Asked Jesse as he picked up the charts. He studied both very carefully, "what was Mark so, oh my god", he exclaimed as his face went almost as pale at the discovery.
********
"Jade wait!" Called Steve as she reached the landing. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. I promise I won't judge or over react."
Jade stopped in her tracks. Should she believe him? Should she trust him? Take the chance the little voice inside her head said. Be brave. What do you have to lose now? Little did she know.
Jade slowly walked back up the stairs to Steve. She didn't remove her coat. This was going to be a short visit afterall she mused to herself.
"You don't have to leave, don't run away from this. Not now."
"I just don't think I have a fresh start left in me Steve. Running is what I'm best at."
"That's not true and you know it. Now come on back up stairs and let's just talk about this. Please. I want you to tell me everything."
A few minutes passed before Jade realized that it was time to tell him the whole story. She started back up the stairs and made a sad small smile as she reached the top.
"Okay here goes nothing." She took a deep breath and was about to start when Mark's car came to a screeching stop outside.
"Geez dad sounds like he's in a hurry." Steve lightly laughed.
"Look Steve," she started, "I want to tell you that…" she never finished as Mark came rushing through the door. The look on his face told her that whatever he had discovered wasn't going to be good, for any of them. Mark had heard her start the conversation and without thinking he finished her sentence.
"Tell him what? Agent Marshall," he paused as he reached the top of the stairs, "or is it Agent Parks?" He finished.
"What? What are you talking about dad? Jade? Someone better tell me what's going on." Said a confused Steve.
"No it's Marshall. And Carmen Parks is my half-sister." She said firmly. She looked from father to son and could tell that the storm was just building. How did Mark figure it out? What was the clue that gave it away? She didn't have time to ask. Steve's angry voice broke her thoughts.
"Half-sister?" asked Steve. "Is that what you couldn't tell me?" he asked almost getting mad.
"That is part of it." She said looking down. "Look Steve, what would you have me say when I first met you. Hi, my half-sister is a serial killer and you were her next victim. Lucky for me I showed up when I did. But I really like you and hope things can work for us!" She spat at him.
"Well you could have picked a better time to tell me the truth. Like right from the start. Why didn't you tell me the whole story right away? Oh yeah let me guess FBI protocol? " He spat back.
"You know I knew this would happen. Listen? Is that what you said earlier? You wanted me to pour out my heart so that you could listen? Yeah right! You're no better than all the rest. What you wanted me to pour out my heart so that I would feel vulnerable and what jump into bed with you?" she said shouting.
"Oh yeah that's exactly what I had in mind. Keep it in the family." He shouted back. Neither of them remembered that Mark was standing there. Mark, as he watched the conversation realized that his bad timing had not allowed Jade the time she needed to be honest with Steve. Which she obviously was in the middle of doing when he barged in. How can I remedy this? What have I done?
"Oh yeah I know why you wanted me to spill the beans. So that you and dear old dad here could sit around and have something to talk about. Isn't that right! Shane was wrong! You are NO different than the rest. How could I have been so blind." She turned to leave.
"Jade wait!" Came Mark's quiet voice. "I didn't realize that you were about to tell Steve the truth. I'm sorry. I just thought I had to," he never finished.
"What warn him?" she stopped and stared right at Mark, tears now starting to fall, "and let me guess you wanted to make sure that he didn't end up with her psycho sister. Did you actually think that of me? Didn't either of you give me any credit at all?" Neither man could answer, as neither knew what to say.
"Yeah that's what I thought. I guess I was wrong about a lot of things. Funny I never thought I'd ever hear myself say this, but I guess Carmen was right when she said that there wouldn't ever be a man that I could trust completely." She ran down the stairs and out the door, with Steve right behind her.
"Jade!" He called out as she reached her car. She turned. "Please don't go. You don't have to run away. Let's talk this through. I know we can make this work. I'm sorry." He pleaded. "Please!" He begged, his eyes starting to water.
"Sorry Steve, all I know how to do is run." With that she jumped into the car and sped off down the street and way from them. Jade pulled over a few blocks away from their house and cried for all she was worth. Why does it hurt so badly? Why? I know why she told herself. I am in love with Steve Sloan. With that she drove to her hotel to pack up and head back to New York, back home.
********
That's right Jade came a quiet voice in the shadows outside the Sloan residence, run, run away. That's what you do best. But I must thank you for leaving me Steve. Carmen smiled wickedly and waited for the right time to make her move. She dialed Community General Hospital. "Dr. Sloan please…."
********
"Great timing dad." Complained Steve as he walked back into the house.
"Yeah son, I'm so sorry. I can't express how sorry I am. I mean if I had known that she was going to tell you the truth I would have waited." Sighed Mark as he followed Steve into the kitchen. "I guess I was just worried about you." He patted Steve on the back.
"You know what the saddest part is?" Asked Steve.
"That you really loved her." Answered Mark.
"Ye-yeah how did you know?" Stuttered Steve.
"Son I have known you all your life. I have seen how many okay relationships you have been through and how many bad ones you have gone through. But I have never seen the kind of love I saw developing over these past few days. It was different than with Sara. But I guess that I was also worried it was so soon after Carmen's death. I now you like Jade and want a relationship with her, and I am only sorry that I had to be the one to ruin it." He sighed and sat down at the table.
"Do you think she'll pack up and head for New York tonight?" He asked nervously.
"Maybe. But there is one way to make sure she doesn't." He smiled.
"Right." Said Steve as he headed for his suite downstairs to make the call to her hotel.
"I'll start dinner." He called after his son.
********
"Dammit Jade!" She cursed herself out loud. She had almost reached her hotel and her hot temper had started to cool down, finally. "You know what you have to do, don't you?" She asked herself. "You have to turn this car around and go back to Steve and explain everything. He actually wants you, well did. And he didn't want you to run away. So what are you doing, you moron? Running again?" She said angrily. Well I'll go and change and head back. Hopefully it's not to late; she sighed as she put the car in park. She headed for the elevators still fuming at herself. Why was she always so quick to jump to the wrong conclusions. Of course Mark was concerned. Steve was his only son. He had obviously connected me and Carmen and of course was concerned. Shesh! She would be to in the same position. I hope it's not to late, she sighed again as she pushed the button for the 12th floor.
********
"That's odd." Said Steve to himself. Something was not quite right. "Hey dad!" He called. Mark came rushing downstairs.
"What is it?" He asked anxiously.
"Did you move my merit award picture?" Steve asked frowning.
"No why?"
"Well I thought I put it here." He said looking around, "but perhaps in all the confusion I just misplaced it. Like everything else I guess." He stopped and sighed.
"Don't worry son. If she got your message and wants what I think she does she'll be back. Just give her some time to calm down. But when she does come I get to say sorry first." He smiled warmly at his son. He wanted more than ever to make his pain go away. Hopefully it wouldn't be too long before that happened.
"I'll get it." Called Mark as he rushed upstairs to answer the phone. It was the hospital.
"Okay, thanks I'll be right over." He sighed and looked at Steve who had come up the stairs.
"Who was it?" he asked hoping it was Jade.
"The hospital." Steve frowned. "I have to get back there right away. A call came through that Shane had an allergic reaction to his supper or something. Don't wait up for me." Mark laughed. He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. He would check on something else back on his computer when he got to his office.
********
"Perfect." Came a soft voice in the dark as she watched Mark leave. "Now, now Mark, don't you know you should never leave your children home alone. Who knows what could happen." She laughed as she headed for the opening she made that would allow her to enter the Sloan residence undetected.
Steve went back down stairs to his suite and started to unwind. He pulled off his shirt and put on a fresh t-shirt. He looked in his fridge and sighed. "Well I guess it'll be takeout afterall." He laughed to himself. He was still mad that he let Jade leave. If only I could make her understand that I love her, not who or what she was. I have to make her understand that. "I can't lose her." He said out loud.
Before he could take another step the lights went out. "What the?" he said out loud. "Another brownout? Shesh! Good thing I know where a flashlight is." He said out loud. He made his way to his bedside table. He was about to open the drawer and reach for a flashlight when he heard a noise. He turned around only to be hit in the face with something hard. He staggered back onto the bed. "I love night goggles." She smiled as she dropped the wood.
Carmen jumped up on him and took the chloroformed rag she prepared and held it over his mouth and nose. Steve's head was spinning too much for him to fight back. He felt himself getting dizzy and realized that he was succumbing to whomever was in the room with him. Then his world went black. Carmen smiled and turned the lights back on. Should I just kill him now and get it over with already? Let Jade make another late discovery? How about kill him with her watching? Yes, now that will work just fine! She pulled him back onto the bed and set about to restrain him. She saw his police handcuffs on his dresser and went to work.
********
I still can't believe I just ran, Jade cursed again. She opened the door to her room. She took off her jacket and went to her suitcase. "What the?" she noticed the lid open. Did I forget to close it? Silly me. Oh well. She retrieved a pair of Levi's and a black turtleneck. Time for a quick shower then I'll go back and see Steve. As she was about to walk into the bathroom a small piece of white on the floor caught her eye. "Must have fallen out of my pocket," she said aloud as she picked up the small white piece of notepaper with the numbers "217" circled in red scratched on it. She thought of Steve again and sighed. She smiled sadly. I wonder if still wants me back. She turned on the shower and waited for the hot water to come.
********
Steve's head was really starting to hurt. He tried to open his eyes but was unable, it was still black. No lights? No that's not right. He was blindfolded. Then he tried to move but was unable. "What the?" He said as he realized that his wrists were handcuffed to the bed rail above his head, one to each side. "Hey!" He called out as he started to pull against the cuffs no to avail.
"There there, poor baby." Came Carmen's voice pretending to be Jade as she entered the room.
"Jade?" he asked nervously.
"Yeah right. She wouldn't know what to do with a man like you."
"Like you do Carmen?" he asked sarcastically as he realized it was Carmen. "So much for being dead!" he had to remain calm and stall as long as he could. But inside was scared for his life.
"Yes exactly like me. Oh yes back from the dead, well I have a habit of dying the hard way, which is not at all." She purred as she slid onto the bed and up to his side.
"What do you want from me Carmen?" he shouted to her.
"So I see she told you my real name. What do you think of it?" she laughed.
"I think what I thought when I found out who you really are, a sick and twisted bitch!" he spat in her direction. She did not like that so she backhanded his mouth, causing his lower lip to bleed.
"Wrong answer handsome. Never been treated rough by a woman before?" She said as she started to rub her hands all over his body. He struggled under her touch. He wanted to break free and get as far away from her as possible.
"Get off of me!" he shouted to her his face turning red with anger.
"Now that is no way to talk to the last person you'll ever see alive." She laughed. She pulled out a large hunting knife and held it close to his face. He shuddered under the cold metal. She cut away the blindfold to reveal a rather blackening eye. He moved his head away from the knife.
"You need help Carmen." He said in a mild tone. He continued to pull on the cuffs, but soon realized it was a losing battle, as he large hands were not going to pull through.
"Tsk tsk Steve, that is no way to talk to the woman you love."
"I don't love you. You tried to kill me." He said angrily.
"I wouldn't have killed you then, and I'm not going to now. At least not right away."
"Then what do you want from me?" he asked knowing he wouldn't like the answer.
"The one thing I can't have, at least haven't gotten yet." She stopped and took on a serious look that scared Steve. "Agent Jade Marshall's heart in my hand." She said looking away.
Steve laid his head back down on his pillow, how would he get out of this nightmare?
"You know Steve you wear this look well. All tied up and no where's to go." She laughed as she played with one of his captive hands. "Just relax I'm sure she got your message. She'll be back. And I have all the time in the world to wait. So until then why don't we have some real fun. We were interrupted at the cabin, so we have to make up for lost time." She put the knife down and turned back to Steve.
"Just close your eyes and enjoy." She laughed as she to lift up he T-shirt.
Steve just closed his eyes and hoped that it wouldn't be to long before his father or Jade showed up. But what then? How would they get out of this one? He struggled against the cuffs, but it was a losing battle he soon realized.
********
Jade finished dressing and went back into her room. "I better call Steve." She walked to the small dresser where the phone was. And her heart stopped. There on the dresser was the small silver picture frame that Carmen usually carried with her. Only this time it had a picture of Steve in it, with a red cross on his face.
Oh God, NO! Steve! She cried and ran out the door.
********
Mark finished his paper work and then rushed up to Shane's room to see him sitting up eating food with Jesse.
"So what is the big emergency here?" he asked out of breath not seeing anything wrong.
"What emergency Mark? I never called you." Jesse said between mouthfuls.
"I got a call saying that Shane had an allergic reaction to his supper." He said as a feeling of dread came over him.
"Well I was bringing him supper all along, and I think I know what he's allergic to. Besides if anything happened you know that that I am more than capable of handling it. I'm not a green horn you know." Jesse laughed. But he stopped when he realized that Mark wasn't.
"What is it Mark?" Shane asked.
"Oh no." he said turning to leave. "It was a trap and I fell for it."
"A trap, Mark what are you talking about?" called Jesse as he ran after Mark.
"It was a trap to get to Steve alone!" Mark called as he ran down the hall to the elevators. Both Jesse and Shane just looked at each other with confused but worry stares. What was going on?
"Could it be?" Was heard from Shane as the elevator doors closed behind Mark.
********
Jade was in her car cursing at the traffic as she sped back towards the Malibu Beach house. She pushed the car to the limit, thankful for the extra flashing lights FBI car's were equipped with.
Mark ran to his car.
********
Would they make it in time?
