Disclaimer: Sigh…Sadly, I do not own the characters of The Pretender. I in no way wish to defame any of its affiliates nor NBC or TNT. That's it. Read it now!

Summary: Clues to the past bring Ms. Parker and Jarod back together again. Very involved in IOTH, but you can understand it without having seen it. Ties up most story lines. Mostly from Ms. Parker's point of view. Chapters are short.

The Truth Is Waiting

By Bec-Bec

Chapter 19

Setting the Bait

Broots' Desk, The Computer Tech Floor, The Centre

"How's the search for Jarod going," Raines hissed.

"F-Fine, M-Mr. Raines," Broots stuttered.

"Hmmm, any new developments on that empty box?"

"N-No sir."

"We've been searching all day. Do you have any ideas what it might mean?" Sydney tried to bait Raines.

"No," Raines said bluntly, "It's your job to understand why Jarod does what he does."

"You know, some day, Jarod may decide to stop sending the Centre clues and dissappear," Sydney said.

"Not likely," Raines smiled wickedly, "Not until he finds out more about his family. His family is his soft spot. That was always his tragic flaw, Sydney, he had a conscience."

"Unlike Kyle and Alex," Sydney replied calmly, "It seems to me that Jarod's conscience is what's kept him from dying."

"Kyle and Alex did what they were trained to do, that's more than I can say for Jarod."

"If Jarod is such a problem, why are we still looking for him?"

Raines narrowed his eyes at Sydney, "Jarod belongs at the Centre. He belongs to us, in more ways than one. Just keep working on finding him or maybe you won't belong with us any longer. Mr. Parker may have believed that you shared some special link with Jarod that would help you to find him, but I'm starting to believe that your loyalty is not with the Centre but with Jarod. Be careful Sydney…be very careful." Raines rolled his oxygen tank away as he stalked out of the room.

When he was gone, Broots turned to face Sydney, "God, he scares me to death. What did he mean 'Jarod belongs to us in more ways than one?'"

"I'm not sure Broots, but I never did understand the way Raines mind worked," he leaned in toward Broots to keep from being heard by whatever bugs were placed throughout the rooms, "I think you should start looping the feed on the security cameras to avoid being caught looking for information on our newest search."

"Y-Yes, of course."

"Don't look for anything else today, we'll use today's feed for the next week or so. Act like you are looking for information on…hmm…what will work…I know, look up everybody you can find on the internet with the first name Jarod."

"Syd, that could take days."

"Exactly."

"Oh, I get it. Great idea Syd."

****

Raines' Office

Raines sat in his office brooding over Sydney's earlier comments. He hated when Sydney was right. There was definitely a possibility that Jarod would dissappear forever, especially if something happened to Sydney. So, all he could do was threaten Sydney because he needed Jarod brought back. Perhaps it was time to leak some more information to Jarod. He was, after all, the one to send the picture to Jarod of his and Ms. Parker's mother standing together. That was always the way to Jarod, give him a piece of history about his family and he'd show up looking for more. What would he send this time? A thought came to him and he smiled wickedly. He would send the picture of Jarod, Kyle, Alex, Angelo, and Tyrone standing in front of Mr. Parker and Catherine when everyone but Tyrone had first arrived at the Centre. He enjoyed his devilish streak so very much. He e-mailed the picture to Jarod and leaned back in his chair. Jarod was going to be back, and soon. Now all he had to do was wait for Ms. Parker to return from her vacation and he could set his entire plan in motion.

****

Lyle's Office

Lyle had been watching Raines via a bug planted in Raines' office. He watched as Raines e-mailed the picture to Jarod. He wondered how it was possible for Raines to direct an e-mail to Jarod without knowing his location…it was highly suspicious. But then, everything Raines did was highly suspicious. Raines knew more than he was telling and Lyle was going to make sure he was the first one to find out what it was.

Author's Note: Is Raines good or bad? Is Lyle good or bad? I've got plenty of ideas, what are yours? Send Reviews!!! Please! And thanks to everyone who's already sent reviews!