Chapter 2: Three months earlier…

Disclaimer: Please read chapter 1.

A/N: Sorry if I use too much 'she' in here but I have to until I can tell you her name.

Bold = thoughts or points of views

Italics = emphasis

~~~ = scene change

[] = phone conversations

            She hooked one end of the rope to the rooftop of the building and the other end to the harness around her waist. Like always--- for this kind of job--- she was in black attire but before she climbed down to the open window she put on her black gloves and then started to scale down. Once inside she unhooked the rope and tried not to let it swing so it wouldn't make noise just in case someone was home. Searching for a source of light and finding a small lamp on the bedside drawer she flicked it on; taking in her surroundings she realized that it was a bedroom she had gotten into. Heading straight for the dresser but all she found were clothes until she searched the bedside one; there she found a small box upon opening it to reveal a beautiful and very expensive locket. I can get two or three grand for this sucker easy.

            Sneaking out into the hall she saw the lights to one of the other rooms were on and then heard someone call out, "Max? Max is that you?"

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            Logan had been busy working on an Eyes Only case that he had lost track of time; when he actually did realize what time it really was he gave Max a page. Once she returned it he had invited her to dinner and knowing Max she had gladly accepted. Now it had been a few hours later almost midnight and Logan knew someone was in the penthouse he thought it could be Max; but why would she come back? He figured it wouldn't hurt to call out so he did, "Max? Max is that you?" No answer; Logan opened the desk drawer and took out a loaded gun, at that moment he wheeled himself out of the computer room and saw the intruder making her way to the living room.

            Logan raising his gun and letting the safety clip go, "Hold it." When the girl turned around hands raised in the air Logan was taken aback by her beauty. She had shoulder length layered brown hair with blonde highlights and bangs; she had milk chocolate brown eyes with tanned skin. Her height seemed to be around five six, five seven and she had a well built slender figure. She had a black turtle neck on that was cut to show her belly also revealing her belly button ring; she also had on loose fitting black pants with black boots to top of the apparel.

Logan: (having the gun directly pointed at her forehead): Who are you?

The girl (sarcastically):  I'm the pizza delivery guy, what do I look like?

Logan (nonchalantly): A thief.

Girl: Ding, ding, ding tell him what he's won Johnny.

Logan (muttering underneath his breath): I really need to get a new place.

Girl (her heightened hearing picking it up): No you just need to remember to keep your windows shut and locked after sundown.

Logan (asking like this happened to him everyday): Did you find anything of interest?

Girl (lying of course): Actually no.

            Then with one quick move she kicked the gun out of his hands and made it land into hers; she then proceeded to unload the bullets and threw the gun across the room and out of his reach.

Girl (smiling): Now what're you gonna do without your gun hotshot?

Max (showing up and surprising them both): While he's figuring that one out, I'm up for a little bit of damage. (Grabbing her by the arm and twisting it behind her back) Logan are you ok?

Logan: Yeah I'm fine.

Girl: Great now that we have that settled, I think I'll be leaving.

She head budded Max thus losing her grip on the arm, then she turned around and grabbed Max by her jacket and threw her across the room into a wall. Then like a flash of lighting she was gone. Logan went over to Max and helped her up.

Max: Who was that?

Logan (confused):  More like what was that?

Max: Well whoever or whatever she was she left this behind.

Max opened up her hand to reveal a tarnished heart necklace. 

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The girl went out the way she entered but this time instead of hooking the rope back up to her harness she just climbed. On the roof of the building she retrieved the rope and put it into a small black duffle bag; climbing the ladder back down to the ground she headed for the alley that her ninja was hidden in. About fifteen minutes or so later she arrived home, rolling in her bike and locking the door behind her. Before starting up the stairs to her bedroom she heard her roommate Lee call out, "Jade?" replying, "Yeah it's me." Who else would it be? In the bathroom she took off her clothes and put on some sweat pants and a tank top. Her arm was hurting from Max's twist earlier, God; the girl has one good grip. When Jade looked in the mirror at herself she realized her necklace was gone.

~~~~~Flashback~~~~~

The others were asleep after all it was lights out but she and Conner were still awake.

Connor: Jade are you still awake?

Jade: Uh huh.

Conner: Why aren't you asleep? You know that you have training tomorrow.

Jade (going over and sitting on his bed): You worry too much big brother, it's not healthy. Besides you're one to talk, as I recall you have hand to hand combat bright and early.

Conner (bitterly): Yeah just the way Commander Galloway likes it.

Jade saw something shiny in his hand and he saw that she was eyeing it.

Conner: Do you like it? I found it on the floor in the nurses' office.

Jade: It's pretty.

Conner (smiled): Then it's yours.

Jade grinned, turned around, and lifted up her hair so he could put it on. When it came time for lights out all the girls could let their hair down but during the day it had to be tied or they'd get punished for it.

Jade: Thanks Conner, I'll cherish it forever I promise. It's so pretty and shiny, but I guess being silver and shaped in a heart works to its advantage.

Conner: You're welcome baby sis; now go to bed that's an order.

~~~~~End Flashback~~~~~

            Even back then I was attracted to pretty things, she smiled bitterly at the thought. Jade could feel hot tears about to fall but instead of letting them she got angry and punched the mirror. Amazingly it didn't break but she had bruised her hand pretty badly. How could I have lost that necklace, it was my only real connection to Conner. That night Jade went to sleep and all week her mind kept traveling back to the necklace.

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~~~~~A week later~~~~~

Max (leaning in the doorframe of Logan's computer room): You paged.

Logan (startled): Hey Max, yeah, um… I got some info on that girl that broke in here last week.

Max (with intrigue): Really?

Logan: Yup, there wasn't much but I got an address and a bit of background info. 

Max: Well do tell Logan.

Logan: Apparently she got arrested for theft back in San Diego but they kept her overnight and let her out with a warning. She stole aspirin from a clinic and at the time she was sixteen.

Max: Does our mystery girl have a name?

Logan: Her name is Jade Hunter. I ran a peoples search on the net and it came up with only one in Seattle. She's a waitress at a place called Crimson Lights and she lives at 5902 Crestview Drive loft number thirty-six.

Max (smiling): Dang all of this from a search engine.

Logan: You think she's from Manticore?

Max: Not unless she changed her name; but whoever she is…she isn't normal.

Logan: I'll second that.

 He still hadn't told Max that Jade had stolen his mother's locket.

Max (looking at him): Hey you alright?

Logan: Yeah I'm fine.

Max: Ok well I gotta blaze or Normal's gonna fire my ass but if you get more info on this Jade person don't hesitate to call.

Logan: Alright I will.

Once Max left Logan grabbed a pen and piece of paper, he scribbled something on it next he wheeled himself to his jacket. Putting it on he snatched the old necklace and note he had written furthermore shoved it into his pocket. He grasped the keys to his Aztec and headed for the elevator.

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~~~~~Jade's Loft~~~~~

Jade wheeled her motorcycle out of the elevator and as soon as she looked up her pupils enlarged and zoomed in on the object hanging from the door knob. Walking to the door she picked up the necklace and the piece of paper that was tapped to the door. Tearing the paper off the door she read it: "Meet me at my place around eight, I think you know where it is.—Logan." She checked her watch and it was already eight thirty.

 ~~~~~Logan's Penthouse~~~~~

            Jade stood in the doorframe of Logan's computer room watching as he worked away, totally oblivious to the fact that she was there. She cleared her throat making her presence known thus startling Logan and making him look up.

Logan: Haven't you ever heard of a door?

Jade: Doors aren't really my thing.

Logan: Ah yes, I seem to recall windows were more your scene.

Jade (shrugging): It gets the job done, so you left me a note.

Logan: I did and I see you got it.

Jade: You figure a necklace for a necklace.

She took out the small box that held the locket and put it on his desk; reaching for it he opened the box to make sure the locket was actually there.

Jade (with a smirk): What you don't trust me?

Logan (doubtfully): No offense but after all you did break in here and steal it.

Jade: My instincts tell me that locket has some sentimental value for you, as mine does for me. So I'm gonna thank you and leave it at that.

Logan (stopping Jade from leaving): Maybe you're wrong; maybe that necklace has no value to me whatsoever. Anyway aren't you the least bit curious on how I knew where to bring it?

Jade (turned and sighed): Then that's the easiest three grand I've ever given up and secondly I'm not stupid, you're a rich guy with a room full of computers, you could have easily hacked into the Seattle P.D. database and found my record.

Max (coming in): Gee you are smarter then you look.

Jade (to Logan and in an annoyed tone): Does she always do this?

Logan (with a grin): Pretty much.

            Jade was looking at Max who in turn was looking at her closely.

Jade (snapped): What?!

Max (innocently): I just have a theory, go with me here, either you're on something or you're not human because no one could have thrown me across the room the way you did.

Jade: You're right, I'm on something, it's called spinach but if you'd like I'd be more then happy to show you another demonstration.

This shut Max up for the time being; Jade looked at Logan, then at Max, and back to Logan again.

Jade: Look, Logan was it? Like I said thanks for returning my necklace and after today don't drop by, don't leave me notes, and don't do me any favors as I will do the same for you. Forget I ever existed and I'll forget about you.

Max (stepping in): We can't do that.

Jade: That really isn't my problem. (Her voice becoming deadly cold) if you ever come near me you will regret it. (With that she left.)

Max (after hearing the door close): You know what she is more of a bitch then I thought.

Logan (inhaling deeply and leaning back in his chair): Are you sure she isn't from Manticore because she sure as hell plays the part.

Max (ignoring his comment): I'm pretty sure, I couldn't put her face and the female X5s faces together besides don't you think if she were X5 she'd have recognized me by now?

Logan: Well you got a point there. (Max leaving) where are you going?

Max: Isn't it obvious? I'm doing what I do best.

Logan: And that would be?

Max: Following her.

            Jade had exited Foggle Towers heading for the alley across the street to get to her bike. As she walked she felt like someone was watching her but she shrugged it off and reached her bike. Absent-mindedly Jade kept rubbing the numbers on the back of her neck, she could feel the faint beginnings of the headaches start and she leaned against the motorcycle trying to recollect herself.

[Hey Maria it's me Jade.] [Jade where are you? We've been waiting here for almost an hour.] [Yeah sorry about that but um I can't make it after all.] [Uh huh! And why not?] [I have a massive headache where my head feels like it's going to explode and I just feel lousy over all.] [Alright homegirl take care of yourself. You gonna be at work tomorrow?] [Uh yeah I just need to sleep it off.] [Alright check you later.] [Bye.]

Jade turned the ignition and the ninja sprang to life; she speeded through the streets trying to get home before the headaches took full control and she couldn't do anything.

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Max couldn't believe how fast the girl rode her bike; if Max wasn't enhanced she would have lost her in an instant. Finally arriving at loft thirty-six Max took out her lock picking tools and started to pick the lock but she realized that the door had been unlocked. Once inside Max crept around in the dark with her night vision and her hearing couldn't pick up anything downstairs so she headed up. Upstairs Jade had been knocked out cold, she looked sick, and she was breathing heavily like it was hard for her to breathe. Max came around and checked her pulse it was weak later she looked around the room and saw the bedside table filled with medication and juice. Max picked up the bottles and saw that all of them had one thing in common they were headache relievers. She wanted to check Jade's neck to make sure there wasn't a barcode but before she could her beeper went off. Checking the number Max recognized it as Logan's and then she found a phone and called him back.

[Logan hey.] [Hey did you catch up with her?] [I did.] [And?] [It's not good Logan. She's knocked out cold, her pulse is weak, and she's having trouble breathing.] [Bring her back here and I'll call Sam.] [Ok bye.]  

~~~~~Next morning~~~~~

Last night while Sam had injected Jade with some medication to bring down her fever to core temperature; Max had checked her neck and saw no barcode but a six digit number. She informed Logan of this who then went quickly to work trying to figure out the infamous Jade Hunter. Sam had checked the girl a few hours after giving her the medication and her temperature had gone down and her pulse was strong again. Once he left Max had kept watch on Jade while Logan hacked away till morning came.

            Jade opened her eyes and quickly shut them; she tried once more and this time they stayed open taking in her surroundings she saw Max looking at her intently from across the room.

Max: One-five-zero-nine-four-eight.

Jade (looking at her as if she had no idea what she was talking about): Is that supposed to mean something to me?

Max (casually): It should it's on your neck.

Jade (still playing it cool): You caught me; I have a thing for number tattoos.

 She got up and spotted her shoes near the door, walking over she put them on and started to leave. Max tried stopping her but to no avail; I hope Logan found something on her. A few feet from the door Jade turned around as Logan spoke.

Logan: I pulled up a file on a covert genetics lab in New Orleans using recombinant DNA and neuron and motor enhancement microchips to make a perfect human.

Jade (not showing any bit of sentiment): What does any of that have to do with me?

Logan: Everything. (Jade just looked at him eyes devoid of any emotion whatsoever.) The serial number on your neck Jade. I know who you are and I know who you're running from.

Jade (still calm): You people are crazy, the design on my neck is not a serial number it's called a tattoo.

Logan: Don't kid yourself; we saw your remarkable strength and how fast you were.

Max: How do explain that one?

Jade (knowing she couldn't deny it anymore, she neared Logan and looked dead into his eyes): If you both value your lives you will keep this a secret and if you don't I always know where you live. 

With that said and done Jade headed home to get her bike and head to work. Back at Logan's he filled Max in on what he had discovered about Canidae and their conspiracy with Manticore. When Logan had finished telling her everything he had found she was truely in awe.

~~~~~Later that night~~~~~

            Max walked into Crimson Lights and looked around for Jade but didn't see her; so she grabbed a table and waited for someone to come and take her order, a few minutes later a waitress named Maria did. Maria was about five four with a slender figure; she had long dark brown hair and green eyes. From what Max could tell she was definitely of Hispanic origins and her dark skin and a hint of Mexican accent confirmed it. 

Maria: Hi I'm Maria, what can I getchya?

Max: Coffee, black, no sugar, no cream.

Maria: Alright be back in a sec.

Max: Wait a minute is Jade Hunter still around?

Maria: Why?

Max (seeing she got defensive so she tried not to be suspicious): It's really silly now that I think about it but Jade and I had a fall out at a mutual friend's  today and I just came to apologize.

Maria (still unconvinced): Right, I'll check and be out with your coffee in a few.

Max (smiled): Thanks.

She was hoping that this would work. Jade came from the back room and she was busy doing something behind the counter so she didn't notice Max. Once Max looked up she spotted Jade and walked towards her; since Jade was busy Max made her presence known by clearing her throat.

Jade (looked up at her): You do know that stalking is illegal in all fifty states.

Max (ignoring her remark): We need to talk.

Jade: I'm all talked out, thanks.

Max: Look I'm not leaving till we have this out. So either come back with me to the table or we can have it out here, in the public, where everyone can hear us.

Jade (exasperated): Fine you have five minutes, let's go.

They walked to Max's table where Maria had set the coffee.

Jade: Hey Maria can you take over some of my tables till I'm done here?

Maria: Course I can (with that she left).

Jade: Well Max you wanted to talk so talk.

Max: I know you're one of the kids that escaped in May of '09 from Canidae

Jade (coldly): Uh huh we got past that part, so unless you're gonna tell me you're one of those kids too which I hardly doubt, stay the hell away from me.

Max: You're right but one thing you should know about me is I'm a Manticore escapee from February of '09.

This made Jade sit back down and she gave Max her undivided attention.

Max (bitterly): Yeah that's what I thought.

Jade: Ok so you probably know what I'm going through but we're not gonna get chummy and start talking about the days when we were science projects.

Max: Trust me that's not why I'm here. I just came to tell you to come back to Logan's, he can help you.

Jade: No Max, not unless Logan can go back nineteen years into the past and make that adoption agency not give me up. No one can help me I can only help myself and that's staying away from anyone and anything that can exploit me.

Jade got up and went back to the counter to finish her job. Max was totally agitated now; she followed Jade and sat on one of the stools across from the counter.

Max: That's where you're wrong; because you see last night you almost died. It was Logan who suggested I take you back to his place where he called a doctor and as a result saved your life.

Jade (trying to remember but couldn't): All I remember from last night is going home with a headache and collapsing on my bed. (Pausing)  How'd you know where to find me?

Max: I followed you. Look the least you owe Logan is to hear him out since if he wanted to he could have already exposed you, but didn't.

Jade (thinking about it then giving Max her answer): I get off work in an hour, I'll see him then.

Max (smiled and took out a few rolled up bills): For the coffee.

            Finally she's gone! If I knew that was all I had to say this would have been over a long time ago. Now I can maybe get some work done around here.

~~~~~Logan's Penthouse~~~~~

            Logan and Max were finishing up with dinner waiting for Jade to show up; once she did they got down to business. While Max was in the living room watching a movie Jade and Logan were in the computer room; he was telling Jade everything he had found on Canidae.

Jade (tossing the file Logan had given her back onto the table): Why are you telling me things I already know?

Logan: Did you know that your whole unit made it past the perimeter fence?

Jade (hiding her astonishment): That doesn't tell me anything besides you could just be making it all up.

Logan (disregarding the last part): But doesn't it give you the satisfaction of knowing that all of you made it? About your last remark, have I been wrong so far? (Jade didn't answer him so he continued) I can help you find them Jade.

            This made Jade glance at him but then back to the wall she was starring at.

Jade: What makes you think I even want to find them and if I did how can you do anything?

Logan: I'm gonna let you in on a little secret, I work for Eyes Only.

Jade (snapping): Really!? Send him my regards.

Logan: Max was just like you when I first met her but eventually she came around and let me help her and she helped me in return.

Jade: Well then Max wasn't very smart now was she? (Pausing she continued) how'd you help each other?

Logan: I helped her find some of the other escapees and in return she helps me help Eyes Only; she's become a major asset.

Jade (laughed bitterly): You think you're so smart up here with your thousand dollar penthouse, with your million dollar merchandize, and your genetically engineered girlfriend. Well let me tell you something Logan Cale you know nothing and if you're expecting some sort of thank you or whatever don't hold your breath, cuz I'm done here.

            Jade was in the doorframe when Logan's words cut through her like a knife.

Logan: I know more then you think. I know why you were running a hundred four degree temperature and why you had a weak pulse. Jade that chip in your neck it's not there anymore; it was designed to self destruct into your system after a certain amount of time. Last night it exploded into your brain and blood stream hence the near death experience. I presume Canidae figured imbedding it into your neck and brain wasn't enough they needed to make it permanent so no one could ever extract it.

Jade: No! You're lying it was just another defect of the headaches.

Logan (interested): What headaches?

Jade: The chip causes me to get chaotic headaches.

Logan: Well I don't know about that but you might not get them anymore since it destructed.

Jade: Why are you doing this to me?

Logan: Doing what?

Jade: Telling me all these lies. Is this some sort of payback for taking that damn locket?!

Logan: No.

Jade (throwing her hands up in the air): Then what is it? What the hell do you want from me?

Logan: I just want to help you; I know you're afraid.

Jade: And what am I afraid of exactly?

Logan: You know I'm telling you the truth and you're afraid to let yourself trust me.

Jade: Great first you're some guy working with Eyes Only and now your some sort of shrink.

Logan: Let me help you.

Jade (leaning against the wall and running a hand through her hair): I don't want your help and even if I did I know it doesn't come without a price, so no thanks.

Logan: You're right but it's not what you think I just need you to help Eyes Only with some legwork.

Jade: I see, but you have Max, why do you need me?

Logan: Max told me that you know she's from Manticore and they've come to close to recapturing her so I need her to lay low for a little while.

Jade: That's understandable, but this Eyes Only person is so amped up on the whole 'saving the world' mission why not do it himself?

Logan (sarcastically): I don't know, I'll ask the next time I see him.

Jade: Alright let me ask you this: You expect me to help save the world, a world that has done nothing for me. Has the world done anything for you lately? (No answer) exactly, so don't expect me to help people who don't even give a damn.

Logan: That's not true; everyone out there is just like you. Running away, trying to escape the past.

Jade: Yeah but my past is looking to straight up kill me or put me back in a cage. So don't tell me the people out there are just like me. No matter how much I want to find the others I wanna stay out of the cage more then anything and working for Eyes Only isn't going to let me accomplish that.

Logan: I assure you if you just open up your heart you'll be able to see what I'm talking about.

Jade: I'm sorry but keeping my heart under lock and key is what kept me alive all this time. I'm turning down your offer and for the last time please stay away from me. Now that you know who I am it's dangerous for you too; it's just better off for the both of us if we stay away from one another. I can tell you're a good man and that's a rare quality to find in people these days but for your sake and mine stay away from me.

            Before Logan could say anything she was gone; in the living room she said goodbye to Max and was out the door.

Max (walking into the computer room): What happened?

Logan: She turned me down. Jade isn't as hell bent on finding the others like you are.

Max: Why do you suppose that is?

Logan: Because she's scared.

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            Jade was on the rooftop of her building looking out onto the night sky and for a moment she glanced down onto the street.

            Everything seems so normal from up here but I know that's just a fluke. I wish I had stayed away from Logan at least before I knew I had no choice in finding the others and I had to give up but now…now everything's changed.

A/N: Hey I wanna thank everyone who reviewed and I hope u like it so far and the next chapter will be after the Manticore raid. Thanks again and like always please R&R .