Title: Towers
Author: maestra
Chapter 17: The Drop
Tara and Jarod exited the taxi. Jarod looked around at the people enjoying a few moments outside the South Street Seaport his eyes scanning the crowd for familiar faces. They walked the old wooden boardwalk admiring the "Ambrose" and the "Peking", two historical museum ships from the early 1900s, which had been moored there. Tara's camera quickly reappeared to add some photographs of Jarod with the sailing ships to her collection. The three story building of Pier 17 easily caught the eye with its bright red paint. And the sound of music reached Tara and Jarod's ears as they wandered through the small crowd towards a trio of musicians playing guitar and singing folk songs. They lingered for only the rest of the song before continuing towards the next busker, a dark haired man dressed as a mime. The mime's white face stretched into a happy smile as he juggled three big red shiny apples. Suddenly, he dropped one, and it rolled away and came to rest at Jarod's feet. The mime's happy face turned into a frown and he stopped juggling. Tara bent down to pick the apple up and brushed it off against her clothing. Restoring again the apple's brilliant shine and tossed it towards the mime. He caught it deftly and once again tossed 3 shiny apples into the air. A small smile now graced the mime's lips, not the big grin he had worn before. Tara's blue eyes met with those of the mime for just a moment. In the blink of an eye, she realized the 'drop' had been intentional and that the mime had counted on the retrieval of the fallen apple. With a flash of insight she realized his simple yet silent message. The people of New York City might be bruised and battered, but they were not beaten. They would pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and somehow continue. A slow warm smile spread across her face and into her eyes. The mime just nodded once in acknowledgement.
"Come on Jarod," Tara said hooking her arm through his and turning towards the entrance to Pier 17. "I'm so hungry; I almost took a bite out of the mime's apple. There has to be food in here somewhere!"
*** ********* *************** *************
Broots sat down at his computer to check his e-mail and quickly opened the first one from his daughter, Debbie.
Dad- I have been very frightened for you since you left to spend the last few days in New York City. I know I have not been handling your absence well, and I apologize for being such a big baby over all this. The separation from you at this time is particularly hard to bear. I wish someday that we could go to New York City or somewhere cool like that together. In the meantime, Dad, do you think you could pick me up a little souvenir? It would really mean a lot to me. Love, Deb
Broots sighed as he closed his e-mail program, and started getting ready for his breakfast meeting with Miss Parker. Perhaps he could ask her to help him find just the right thing for his little girl, who was growing up way to fast.
********* ************** ************ *************** Miss Parker set down her hair brush on the bathroom counter, and then grabbed her lipstick applying a touch of color to her lips.
Her thoughts returned to the previous night's work in search of their missing Pretender. Broots had printed several copies of Jarod's photo and they had taken it around to the various locations in New York City where information was sought on those missing and presumed dead. They had seen thousands of pictures taped all over the city. What were the chances that with so many missing someone would remember seeing Jarod? I mean they knew he hadn't been in the World Trade Center towers when the first one fell, but somewhere in this huge city, the Pretender was laughing at them. Miss Parker didn't know whether to be relieved that he was alive or annoyed that he still lived to make her life miserable.
She set the lipstick down and making sure she had her room key, left to meet Broots and Sydney for their breakfast strategy meeting.
******* *********** ************ ***************** *******
Sydney inserted the pass key and slowly opened the door to his room. Again his sleep had been troubled with guilt ridden dreams. He passed his hand over his face briefly in a tired gesture before tossing the key down on top of the desk. He was physically tired and emotionally exhausted. As soon as they returned to Blue Cove he was putting in for a vacation. Perhaps he could slip away for a week to his cabin. 'It will be beautiful up there within a couple weeks,' he thought as he drew back the curtain and peered out at a hazy New York City skyline, 'as the trees start to change into their autumn colors'.
A knock at the door ended Sydney's reverie. He opened it to find an irritated Miss Parker on the other side.
"Come on Freud, we got a call that your lab-rat was just spotted in Central Park! And Broots tells me he had some blonde chick with him!" Parker growled.
Without a word, Sydney picked up his jacket and his pass key and joined Miss Parker in the hall. He had the sinking feeling it was going to be a long time before he got that vacation he needed.
********* *********** ************* ************* **************
Sydney slowly followed Miss Parker and Broots as they pursued the report that Jarod had been spotted in Central Park at Bethesda Terrace with a blonde woman. Broots had arranged for a limousine driver to take them to Central Park. Miss Parker had certainly burned off quite a bit of her anger by setting a brisk pace that Broots and he had difficulty keeping up with as they had entered the park. A little winded, he had slowed his pace. A quick glance told him they had missed Jarod and his companion.
"This is Bethesda Terrace", Broots said, "The woman said she saw them here about an hour and a half ago."
"Well," Miss Parker said with an icy glare after taking a look around, "he isn't here now is he?"
"Which way did they go when they left here? Did she know?"
"Ah, no."
"Well then," she slipped a photo of Jarod from her pocket, "let's get to asking around then."
A half hour later found they finally found someone who had seen Jarod and his companion.
"Yes, I think I saw him. I think he was around here a couple hours ago," the white haired woman with a sketch pad on her lap and a pencil in her hand smiled up at Parker. She then glanced out upon the trees and water before turning back to her sketch.
"Was he with anyone? Did you happen to notice which way they went when they left?" Parker sighed slightly irritated with the woman for dismissing her quickly and going back to her artwork.
"Hm, I think there was a blonde woman with him. Sorry I never really got a good look at her face. They seemed a very loving and happy couple though, from what I could see."
"What do you mean?" Parker eyed the woman coolly.
"Well, just that he seemed very solicitous towards her. But they weren't here all that long. They took a few pictures and left. I think they were taking one of those carriage rides. Now, if you will excuse me, I really must get back to my sketch before I lose the light."
"Certainly, we're sorry to have intruded," Sydney said as he took Parker's elbow and gently guided away from the artist.
"Syd," Miss Parker responded to his man-handling annoyed, "She might have had more useful information."
"That is doubtful Miss Parker; she told you what she knew openly and honestly. If we stayed there any longer it would have raised suspicions in her mind as to our motives for locating him. Remember he is a "missing person". What would you have told her if she asked why you were looking for Jarod?"
"That he's an escapee from a mental institution?" Parker's blue eyes turned cold as she thought about what she would have said.
"Not far off there," Broots chuckled softly as he passed them and lead the way towards where the carriages had been parked awaiting passengers as they had entered Central Park.
"Or," she said with slight smirk, "that I am his wife and he's cheating on me with the blonde tart."
Sydney stopped suddenly and turned by her arm to look at him.
"Kidding, I'm kidding!" She put on a fake smile. But Sydney knew her smile was fake. He knew her comment didn't quite ring true, and the smile never reached her cool eyes. Still, he knew that confronting Parker about this apparent jealousy of Jarod's companion wasn't going to do any good. She would just deny it.
"We had best get caught up to Broots," was his solemn reply as still guiding her by the elbow he lead her back towards the park entrance.
************ ******************** ******************* **********
"I'm sorry that the lead that Jarod was in Central Park this morning didn't pan out Miss Parker," Broots responded as they headed back towards their hotel once more ensconced in the back of the limousine.
"It's not your fault Broots," Miss Parker sighed as wearily she rested her head on the back of the seat and closed her eyes, "It's just the story of my life. Always to be two steps behind Jarod is my fate in life."
"Miss Parker, I was wondering if you would do me a favor. I need to pick up a little something for my daughter, Debbie. She is feeling left out. Now that she is a teenager, well, she wants to go fun places and do fun things. Though she knows I am working on this trip, she would have loved to have come to New York and done a little shopping. Would you help me pick out a few things for her?"
Miss Parker cautiously eyed the single father, sensing nothing other than his concern for his only child she nodded. How she wished her Daddy had been that concerned over her. 'Debbie is a lucky young girl', Miss Parker thought wistfully as she nodded. "Ok, I'll help you, where do you want to go shopping? Bloomingdales? Saks Fifth Avenue? Macy's? Or are we talking some trendy little designer boutique?"
"Designer clothing on my Debbie? I don't think so, "Broots chuckled nervously, "Actually the front desk at the hotel suggested I might be able to find her something at the South Street Pier. Do you mind if we go there?"
"Fine, driver," Miss Parker noticed the driver of the sedan, "there has been a change of plans. Take us to the South Street Pier."
"Yes, Ma'am." The driver replied quickly as he accelerated a little more.
*********** *********** ************** ***********************
Jarod walked out of the little Mexican restaurant with his arm around Tara.
"Keep your eyes open for them," he warned, "they could be here already, for all we know."
"I'm not sure I would recognize anybody but Sydney," Tara replied. "And only because we watched all those 'home movies' of you and Sydney."
"That's ok, they'll probably be together. We just need to be careful," he said removing his arm from around her, "I don't want them connecting us. I don't want them coming after you Tara."
"Honestly, you're such a big worrywart!" Tara laughed softly.
"You just keep a tight hold on that letter until you place it in Sydney's hand," Jarod reminded her.
"Don't you worry," Tara gazed up at him, placing her hand against his cheek as if making a solemn vow, "I promise I will be careful. But you have to know Jarod; I would march into the fiery gates of hell for you."
"I know," Jarod sighed turning his head to gently kiss her palm, "but you shouldn't have to. Stay off the Centre radar. I mean it."
Tara rolled her eyes at him briefly, but finally nodded her acquiescence. She pulled away from him and clutching the letter for Sydney she looked for a good position to watch for Sydney, Broots and Miss Parker.
"Come on Jarod," Tara called to him from a few feet away, "Let's go up on the Promenade so we can get a better view."
**** ********************* ******************************
Miss Parker exited the limo first, followed by Sydney and Broots. They walked down the boardwalk past the boats moored there, following in Miss Parker's wake. As they neared the entrance doors, Broots hurried ahead to hold the door open for Miss Parker. She waltzed through, with a brief, "Thank you Broots."
They walked slowly into the hallway and looked around briefly at the many shops and kiosks contained within the South Street Seaport. Broots headed immediately for a kiosk with I love New York sweatshirts and t-shirts on display and started to dig through the piles looking for Debbie's size.
"A bit predictable, don't you think so Broots?" Miss Parker asked in a disapproving tone.
"Well yeah," Broots admitted, "But Debbie knows that, and that is why she will expect one. It doesn't mean we can't pick up something else for her too."
Broots finally located the correct size sweatshirt and handed it to the salesman to ring up the sale. Moments later they were again walking down the mall, Miss Parker's determined stride eating up the ground and Broots and Sydney silently following her.
Miss Parker stopped in front of a trendy boutique. "Now Broots, this is where you should be shopping for something for Debbie. That sapphire blue dress would look great on her!"
"I don't know Miss Parker, it looks really expensive," Broots complained.
"You wait here Syd, while I have it out here with Broots. Broots come on, let's get a closer look before you start complaining about the price."
Broots followed Miss Parker as she waltzed into the store and a saleswoman immediately descended on them.
Sydney just stood outside the store where they had left him and smiled as another saleswoman came over to assist the first as Miss Parker insisted on seeing the dress in the window. Broots sneaked a peak at the price tag on a white blouse next to him and his mouth fell open in shock.
"Miss Parker," Broots panicked, "I think you should see this shirt over here."
Miss Parker spun around with a frown on her face for his interrupting her and the saleswomen. Parker took a few steps toward him then snapped her usual, "What?"
"Did you see the price on this thing?" Broots gasped.
"Well Broots, it's our duty to help support the efforts to rebuild New York City," Parker said flippantly and turned back towards the saleswoman she had left removing the dress from the window.
*********** ******************* ********************************
"Jarod, Jarod," Tara tugged on his shirtsleeve, "There, is that Sydney?"
Jarod and Tara stood on the promenade near an indoor tree that gave the indoor area a touch of life.
"Yes, that's Sydney," Jarod affirmed for her, "Now are you sure you still want to do this for me?"
"Yes. I will go give Sydney the letter, I won't look back to give away your location and if for some reason they should locate you anyway, I am to go home and not try to interfere with your recapture. Though, I must confess Jarod - that part of your plan doesn't sit well with me. But I will do as you ask, my brother of the heart." Tara smiled sadly as she turned towards him and gave him one last hug, "Just in case we get separated and this really is goodbye." Tara blinked rather quickly as tears formed in her eyes at the very thought of never seeing Jarod again.
He kissed her forehead quickly then turned away with a sigh, "Ok, go make the drop."
*********** *************** ************ **************
Tara approached the man who had raised Jarod, eyeing Sydney carefully. Her mind screamed for her to turn around and look back towards Jarod for reassurance but she pushed the impulse away and squared her shoulders before stopping next to the elderly gentleman she had seen on Jarod's home movies.
"New York City isn't a very good place to find Refuge, is it Sydney?" Tara asked the psychologist with a small smile.
Sydney was startled when this young stranger spoke to him by name. "No, It is not," he replied slowly.
"I was asked by a dark haired man to give this to you," Tara announced as she handed him the envelope.
"Jarod. He is here?" Sydney clutched the envelope in his hand and turned immediately to look around him at the people in the crowd
Tara took advantage of his in attention to slip away into the crowd.
Sydney's eyes scanned the faces on the Promenade above and settled at last on one he knew. "Jarod!" Sydney called out loudly in surprise catching Broots' attention. Sydney then rushed towards the stairs to join his missing protégé on the overlook above.
Jarod's instinct was to run, but he had to allow Tara enough time to leave the building, even if it meant he was captured. He couldn't let there be a connection between them. She had to get away..
"Miss Parker," Broots said as he draped the 3 items Miss Parker had already picked out for his daughter on a nearby rack, "Sydney's found Jarod here!" Miss Parker joined Broots, they rushed out of the store at a dead run and Broots collided with Tara.
"Oh, excuse me," Broots replied automatically to the blonde with the most incredible blue eyes he had ever seen. Right now those eyes were huge with surprise but to Broots they looked just like a long vacation on some tropical beach in the golden sun. He just stood there a second staring at her. 'You could drown in eyes like that,' the idea flitted briefly through his mind.
"Broots!" Miss Parker called from several feet away. She had avoided the collision and was sprinting towards the stairs in her high heels.
"I'm so sorry!" Broots apologized quickly. And he caught a glimpse of the warm smile that spread across her rosy lips as he turned to chase after Jarod's huntress.
Jarod watched Sydney approach him and even took a few steps towards the man who had raised him. Jarod and Sydney stood looking into each others eyes for only a second before Jarod opened his arms and embraced Sydney in a quick hug.
"I'm sorry Sydney, I can't stay to chat."
"I understand," Sydney quickly replied squeezing Jarod briefly before turning him loose. "Thank you," Sydney whispered indicating the letter with a wave of his hand as Miss Parker approached the top of the stairs.
Jarod just nodded and took off at a run, dashing between the groups of shoppers with Miss Parker just a few yards behind him, who was trailed a few yards later by the ever faithful Broots wildly swinging the bag with Debbie's sweatshirt in it as he ran.
He made a quick turn around a corner and headed for the exit, fairly flying through the doors and pouring on the speed now that he was outside he headed for where the Taxi had dropped them off earlier.
Parker nearly trampled a toddler, when her mother suddenly stopped in front of Miss Parker. Mumbling a curt, "sorry", she flew on. She knew he went around this corner. and suddenly stopped, he was no where in sight. Then door to the exit several yards farther down the hall swung shut.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Pretender has left the building," She smiled cattily to herself as she again dashed off after her elusive prey.
Jarod smiled, there was Tara standing beside a taxi the back door open. Waiting for him with a dazzling smile upon her lips. "Get in," she encouraged as he reached her, "are they chasing you?"
"Yes."
Jarod did as she advised and Tara quickly followed him. "Driver, let's go," she clipped hurriedly as she shut the door. Tara looked back towards the building in time to see Miss Parker and her assistant, come to a stop and look around outside for Jarod.
"Get down." Tara instructed as she reached over and applied a little pressure to the back of Jarod's neck encouraging him to lay his head in her lap. "They're looking this way."
"But Tara," he began.
"Shh." She shushed him quickly as she continued to hold him there and look back towards Miss Parker and the man who followed her as the driver pulled away from the curb and back into traffic. Two blocks later she finally allowed Jarod to sit up.
"Boy, you're a bossy thing," he laughed when she finally removed her hand from the back of his neck.
"Shut up!" Tara laughed, though a light danced in her eyes.
"You sure got very take charge all of a sudden," Jarod accused.
"Well, maybe I am just enjoying my first taste of power over you," she giggled.
"Ah, but you have had that since you first befriended me." Jarod smiled back and wrapped his arms around her with a sigh, "You've wrapped around my heart Tara. Made me care when I didn't want to feel. And you gave me "family" when I needed it most."
Tara didn't reply. But she just rested her head upon his broad shoulder. Jarod rested his cheek lightly against the crown of hers as the driver steered them through the busy New York traffic towards her home.
********************* *********************************************
To be continued.
Chapter 17: The Drop
Tara and Jarod exited the taxi. Jarod looked around at the people enjoying a few moments outside the South Street Seaport his eyes scanning the crowd for familiar faces. They walked the old wooden boardwalk admiring the "Ambrose" and the "Peking", two historical museum ships from the early 1900s, which had been moored there. Tara's camera quickly reappeared to add some photographs of Jarod with the sailing ships to her collection. The three story building of Pier 17 easily caught the eye with its bright red paint. And the sound of music reached Tara and Jarod's ears as they wandered through the small crowd towards a trio of musicians playing guitar and singing folk songs. They lingered for only the rest of the song before continuing towards the next busker, a dark haired man dressed as a mime. The mime's white face stretched into a happy smile as he juggled three big red shiny apples. Suddenly, he dropped one, and it rolled away and came to rest at Jarod's feet. The mime's happy face turned into a frown and he stopped juggling. Tara bent down to pick the apple up and brushed it off against her clothing. Restoring again the apple's brilliant shine and tossed it towards the mime. He caught it deftly and once again tossed 3 shiny apples into the air. A small smile now graced the mime's lips, not the big grin he had worn before. Tara's blue eyes met with those of the mime for just a moment. In the blink of an eye, she realized the 'drop' had been intentional and that the mime had counted on the retrieval of the fallen apple. With a flash of insight she realized his simple yet silent message. The people of New York City might be bruised and battered, but they were not beaten. They would pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and somehow continue. A slow warm smile spread across her face and into her eyes. The mime just nodded once in acknowledgement.
"Come on Jarod," Tara said hooking her arm through his and turning towards the entrance to Pier 17. "I'm so hungry; I almost took a bite out of the mime's apple. There has to be food in here somewhere!"
*** ********* *************** *************
Broots sat down at his computer to check his e-mail and quickly opened the first one from his daughter, Debbie.
Dad- I have been very frightened for you since you left to spend the last few days in New York City. I know I have not been handling your absence well, and I apologize for being such a big baby over all this. The separation from you at this time is particularly hard to bear. I wish someday that we could go to New York City or somewhere cool like that together. In the meantime, Dad, do you think you could pick me up a little souvenir? It would really mean a lot to me. Love, Deb
Broots sighed as he closed his e-mail program, and started getting ready for his breakfast meeting with Miss Parker. Perhaps he could ask her to help him find just the right thing for his little girl, who was growing up way to fast.
********* ************** ************ *************** Miss Parker set down her hair brush on the bathroom counter, and then grabbed her lipstick applying a touch of color to her lips.
Her thoughts returned to the previous night's work in search of their missing Pretender. Broots had printed several copies of Jarod's photo and they had taken it around to the various locations in New York City where information was sought on those missing and presumed dead. They had seen thousands of pictures taped all over the city. What were the chances that with so many missing someone would remember seeing Jarod? I mean they knew he hadn't been in the World Trade Center towers when the first one fell, but somewhere in this huge city, the Pretender was laughing at them. Miss Parker didn't know whether to be relieved that he was alive or annoyed that he still lived to make her life miserable.
She set the lipstick down and making sure she had her room key, left to meet Broots and Sydney for their breakfast strategy meeting.
******* *********** ************ ***************** *******
Sydney inserted the pass key and slowly opened the door to his room. Again his sleep had been troubled with guilt ridden dreams. He passed his hand over his face briefly in a tired gesture before tossing the key down on top of the desk. He was physically tired and emotionally exhausted. As soon as they returned to Blue Cove he was putting in for a vacation. Perhaps he could slip away for a week to his cabin. 'It will be beautiful up there within a couple weeks,' he thought as he drew back the curtain and peered out at a hazy New York City skyline, 'as the trees start to change into their autumn colors'.
A knock at the door ended Sydney's reverie. He opened it to find an irritated Miss Parker on the other side.
"Come on Freud, we got a call that your lab-rat was just spotted in Central Park! And Broots tells me he had some blonde chick with him!" Parker growled.
Without a word, Sydney picked up his jacket and his pass key and joined Miss Parker in the hall. He had the sinking feeling it was going to be a long time before he got that vacation he needed.
********* *********** ************* ************* **************
Sydney slowly followed Miss Parker and Broots as they pursued the report that Jarod had been spotted in Central Park at Bethesda Terrace with a blonde woman. Broots had arranged for a limousine driver to take them to Central Park. Miss Parker had certainly burned off quite a bit of her anger by setting a brisk pace that Broots and he had difficulty keeping up with as they had entered the park. A little winded, he had slowed his pace. A quick glance told him they had missed Jarod and his companion.
"This is Bethesda Terrace", Broots said, "The woman said she saw them here about an hour and a half ago."
"Well," Miss Parker said with an icy glare after taking a look around, "he isn't here now is he?"
"Which way did they go when they left here? Did she know?"
"Ah, no."
"Well then," she slipped a photo of Jarod from her pocket, "let's get to asking around then."
A half hour later found they finally found someone who had seen Jarod and his companion.
"Yes, I think I saw him. I think he was around here a couple hours ago," the white haired woman with a sketch pad on her lap and a pencil in her hand smiled up at Parker. She then glanced out upon the trees and water before turning back to her sketch.
"Was he with anyone? Did you happen to notice which way they went when they left?" Parker sighed slightly irritated with the woman for dismissing her quickly and going back to her artwork.
"Hm, I think there was a blonde woman with him. Sorry I never really got a good look at her face. They seemed a very loving and happy couple though, from what I could see."
"What do you mean?" Parker eyed the woman coolly.
"Well, just that he seemed very solicitous towards her. But they weren't here all that long. They took a few pictures and left. I think they were taking one of those carriage rides. Now, if you will excuse me, I really must get back to my sketch before I lose the light."
"Certainly, we're sorry to have intruded," Sydney said as he took Parker's elbow and gently guided away from the artist.
"Syd," Miss Parker responded to his man-handling annoyed, "She might have had more useful information."
"That is doubtful Miss Parker; she told you what she knew openly and honestly. If we stayed there any longer it would have raised suspicions in her mind as to our motives for locating him. Remember he is a "missing person". What would you have told her if she asked why you were looking for Jarod?"
"That he's an escapee from a mental institution?" Parker's blue eyes turned cold as she thought about what she would have said.
"Not far off there," Broots chuckled softly as he passed them and lead the way towards where the carriages had been parked awaiting passengers as they had entered Central Park.
"Or," she said with slight smirk, "that I am his wife and he's cheating on me with the blonde tart."
Sydney stopped suddenly and turned by her arm to look at him.
"Kidding, I'm kidding!" She put on a fake smile. But Sydney knew her smile was fake. He knew her comment didn't quite ring true, and the smile never reached her cool eyes. Still, he knew that confronting Parker about this apparent jealousy of Jarod's companion wasn't going to do any good. She would just deny it.
"We had best get caught up to Broots," was his solemn reply as still guiding her by the elbow he lead her back towards the park entrance.
************ ******************** ******************* **********
"I'm sorry that the lead that Jarod was in Central Park this morning didn't pan out Miss Parker," Broots responded as they headed back towards their hotel once more ensconced in the back of the limousine.
"It's not your fault Broots," Miss Parker sighed as wearily she rested her head on the back of the seat and closed her eyes, "It's just the story of my life. Always to be two steps behind Jarod is my fate in life."
"Miss Parker, I was wondering if you would do me a favor. I need to pick up a little something for my daughter, Debbie. She is feeling left out. Now that she is a teenager, well, she wants to go fun places and do fun things. Though she knows I am working on this trip, she would have loved to have come to New York and done a little shopping. Would you help me pick out a few things for her?"
Miss Parker cautiously eyed the single father, sensing nothing other than his concern for his only child she nodded. How she wished her Daddy had been that concerned over her. 'Debbie is a lucky young girl', Miss Parker thought wistfully as she nodded. "Ok, I'll help you, where do you want to go shopping? Bloomingdales? Saks Fifth Avenue? Macy's? Or are we talking some trendy little designer boutique?"
"Designer clothing on my Debbie? I don't think so, "Broots chuckled nervously, "Actually the front desk at the hotel suggested I might be able to find her something at the South Street Pier. Do you mind if we go there?"
"Fine, driver," Miss Parker noticed the driver of the sedan, "there has been a change of plans. Take us to the South Street Pier."
"Yes, Ma'am." The driver replied quickly as he accelerated a little more.
*********** *********** ************** ***********************
Jarod walked out of the little Mexican restaurant with his arm around Tara.
"Keep your eyes open for them," he warned, "they could be here already, for all we know."
"I'm not sure I would recognize anybody but Sydney," Tara replied. "And only because we watched all those 'home movies' of you and Sydney."
"That's ok, they'll probably be together. We just need to be careful," he said removing his arm from around her, "I don't want them connecting us. I don't want them coming after you Tara."
"Honestly, you're such a big worrywart!" Tara laughed softly.
"You just keep a tight hold on that letter until you place it in Sydney's hand," Jarod reminded her.
"Don't you worry," Tara gazed up at him, placing her hand against his cheek as if making a solemn vow, "I promise I will be careful. But you have to know Jarod; I would march into the fiery gates of hell for you."
"I know," Jarod sighed turning his head to gently kiss her palm, "but you shouldn't have to. Stay off the Centre radar. I mean it."
Tara rolled her eyes at him briefly, but finally nodded her acquiescence. She pulled away from him and clutching the letter for Sydney she looked for a good position to watch for Sydney, Broots and Miss Parker.
"Come on Jarod," Tara called to him from a few feet away, "Let's go up on the Promenade so we can get a better view."
**** ********************* ******************************
Miss Parker exited the limo first, followed by Sydney and Broots. They walked down the boardwalk past the boats moored there, following in Miss Parker's wake. As they neared the entrance doors, Broots hurried ahead to hold the door open for Miss Parker. She waltzed through, with a brief, "Thank you Broots."
They walked slowly into the hallway and looked around briefly at the many shops and kiosks contained within the South Street Seaport. Broots headed immediately for a kiosk with I love New York sweatshirts and t-shirts on display and started to dig through the piles looking for Debbie's size.
"A bit predictable, don't you think so Broots?" Miss Parker asked in a disapproving tone.
"Well yeah," Broots admitted, "But Debbie knows that, and that is why she will expect one. It doesn't mean we can't pick up something else for her too."
Broots finally located the correct size sweatshirt and handed it to the salesman to ring up the sale. Moments later they were again walking down the mall, Miss Parker's determined stride eating up the ground and Broots and Sydney silently following her.
Miss Parker stopped in front of a trendy boutique. "Now Broots, this is where you should be shopping for something for Debbie. That sapphire blue dress would look great on her!"
"I don't know Miss Parker, it looks really expensive," Broots complained.
"You wait here Syd, while I have it out here with Broots. Broots come on, let's get a closer look before you start complaining about the price."
Broots followed Miss Parker as she waltzed into the store and a saleswoman immediately descended on them.
Sydney just stood outside the store where they had left him and smiled as another saleswoman came over to assist the first as Miss Parker insisted on seeing the dress in the window. Broots sneaked a peak at the price tag on a white blouse next to him and his mouth fell open in shock.
"Miss Parker," Broots panicked, "I think you should see this shirt over here."
Miss Parker spun around with a frown on her face for his interrupting her and the saleswomen. Parker took a few steps toward him then snapped her usual, "What?"
"Did you see the price on this thing?" Broots gasped.
"Well Broots, it's our duty to help support the efforts to rebuild New York City," Parker said flippantly and turned back towards the saleswoman she had left removing the dress from the window.
*********** ******************* ********************************
"Jarod, Jarod," Tara tugged on his shirtsleeve, "There, is that Sydney?"
Jarod and Tara stood on the promenade near an indoor tree that gave the indoor area a touch of life.
"Yes, that's Sydney," Jarod affirmed for her, "Now are you sure you still want to do this for me?"
"Yes. I will go give Sydney the letter, I won't look back to give away your location and if for some reason they should locate you anyway, I am to go home and not try to interfere with your recapture. Though, I must confess Jarod - that part of your plan doesn't sit well with me. But I will do as you ask, my brother of the heart." Tara smiled sadly as she turned towards him and gave him one last hug, "Just in case we get separated and this really is goodbye." Tara blinked rather quickly as tears formed in her eyes at the very thought of never seeing Jarod again.
He kissed her forehead quickly then turned away with a sigh, "Ok, go make the drop."
*********** *************** ************ **************
Tara approached the man who had raised Jarod, eyeing Sydney carefully. Her mind screamed for her to turn around and look back towards Jarod for reassurance but she pushed the impulse away and squared her shoulders before stopping next to the elderly gentleman she had seen on Jarod's home movies.
"New York City isn't a very good place to find Refuge, is it Sydney?" Tara asked the psychologist with a small smile.
Sydney was startled when this young stranger spoke to him by name. "No, It is not," he replied slowly.
"I was asked by a dark haired man to give this to you," Tara announced as she handed him the envelope.
"Jarod. He is here?" Sydney clutched the envelope in his hand and turned immediately to look around him at the people in the crowd
Tara took advantage of his in attention to slip away into the crowd.
Sydney's eyes scanned the faces on the Promenade above and settled at last on one he knew. "Jarod!" Sydney called out loudly in surprise catching Broots' attention. Sydney then rushed towards the stairs to join his missing protégé on the overlook above.
Jarod's instinct was to run, but he had to allow Tara enough time to leave the building, even if it meant he was captured. He couldn't let there be a connection between them. She had to get away..
"Miss Parker," Broots said as he draped the 3 items Miss Parker had already picked out for his daughter on a nearby rack, "Sydney's found Jarod here!" Miss Parker joined Broots, they rushed out of the store at a dead run and Broots collided with Tara.
"Oh, excuse me," Broots replied automatically to the blonde with the most incredible blue eyes he had ever seen. Right now those eyes were huge with surprise but to Broots they looked just like a long vacation on some tropical beach in the golden sun. He just stood there a second staring at her. 'You could drown in eyes like that,' the idea flitted briefly through his mind.
"Broots!" Miss Parker called from several feet away. She had avoided the collision and was sprinting towards the stairs in her high heels.
"I'm so sorry!" Broots apologized quickly. And he caught a glimpse of the warm smile that spread across her rosy lips as he turned to chase after Jarod's huntress.
Jarod watched Sydney approach him and even took a few steps towards the man who had raised him. Jarod and Sydney stood looking into each others eyes for only a second before Jarod opened his arms and embraced Sydney in a quick hug.
"I'm sorry Sydney, I can't stay to chat."
"I understand," Sydney quickly replied squeezing Jarod briefly before turning him loose. "Thank you," Sydney whispered indicating the letter with a wave of his hand as Miss Parker approached the top of the stairs.
Jarod just nodded and took off at a run, dashing between the groups of shoppers with Miss Parker just a few yards behind him, who was trailed a few yards later by the ever faithful Broots wildly swinging the bag with Debbie's sweatshirt in it as he ran.
He made a quick turn around a corner and headed for the exit, fairly flying through the doors and pouring on the speed now that he was outside he headed for where the Taxi had dropped them off earlier.
Parker nearly trampled a toddler, when her mother suddenly stopped in front of Miss Parker. Mumbling a curt, "sorry", she flew on. She knew he went around this corner. and suddenly stopped, he was no where in sight. Then door to the exit several yards farther down the hall swung shut.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Pretender has left the building," She smiled cattily to herself as she again dashed off after her elusive prey.
Jarod smiled, there was Tara standing beside a taxi the back door open. Waiting for him with a dazzling smile upon her lips. "Get in," she encouraged as he reached her, "are they chasing you?"
"Yes."
Jarod did as she advised and Tara quickly followed him. "Driver, let's go," she clipped hurriedly as she shut the door. Tara looked back towards the building in time to see Miss Parker and her assistant, come to a stop and look around outside for Jarod.
"Get down." Tara instructed as she reached over and applied a little pressure to the back of Jarod's neck encouraging him to lay his head in her lap. "They're looking this way."
"But Tara," he began.
"Shh." She shushed him quickly as she continued to hold him there and look back towards Miss Parker and the man who followed her as the driver pulled away from the curb and back into traffic. Two blocks later she finally allowed Jarod to sit up.
"Boy, you're a bossy thing," he laughed when she finally removed her hand from the back of his neck.
"Shut up!" Tara laughed, though a light danced in her eyes.
"You sure got very take charge all of a sudden," Jarod accused.
"Well, maybe I am just enjoying my first taste of power over you," she giggled.
"Ah, but you have had that since you first befriended me." Jarod smiled back and wrapped his arms around her with a sigh, "You've wrapped around my heart Tara. Made me care when I didn't want to feel. And you gave me "family" when I needed it most."
Tara didn't reply. But she just rested her head upon his broad shoulder. Jarod rested his cheek lightly against the crown of hers as the driver steered them through the busy New York traffic towards her home.
********************* *********************************************
To be continued.
