Chapter 4: Diamonds are a girl's best friend
Disclaimer: Please read Chapter 1.
Jade awoke to the sound of chewing; she looked over to Maria who held a box of chocolates in her hands. Jade stretched out her arms and then got up to stretch her whole body since after the night she had of sleeping uncomfortably on the chair. Looking out the window she saw the sun shining its bright rays into the room. Jade turned around to face Maria and she saw all the flowers with get well cards and the get well balloons.
Jade (sitting back down): Aren't you gonna share any with me?
Maria (acting like she was hurt): I'm sorry is there no "Good morning Maria?" or "How are we feeling today Maria?"
Jade (playing along): Nope. I'm just the token best friend who's supposed to tell you when you're acting like a bitch or if your boyfriend's cheating on you.
Maria (throwing a chocolate at her and laughing a bit): I'm glad someone still has their sense of humor.
Jade: On a more serious note though how are you feeling?
Maria (sighing): Alright I guess. I mean as alright as I can be considering everything that's happened.
Jade (grabbing a chocolate): So who scored you the candy?
Maria: Lee, he came by when you were sleeping.
Jade: That was sweet of him.
Maria: Yeah it was.
Jade checked her watch it was already ten and she was contemplating whether or not on giving Maria the detective's card. Maria saw that something was bothering her so she nudged her shoulder and gave her one of those 'I know something is wrong' looks.
Maria: Jade what is it?
Jade (taking out the card): A detective dropped by yesterday looking to ask you a few questions. (Handing her the card) he wants you to call him when you feel better.
Maria (taking it, staring at it for a few minutes, and then putting it next to her): I'll do that.
All day Jade had spent with Maria until the cute nurse guy had come back on duty. Maria had informed Jade about the nurse and she also told Jade that once he came that would be her cue to leave. When he came in to take Maria so they could run more tests on her, Jade took one look at him and gave Maria an approving smile. Before she left she told Maria that she'd try to score her some decent food, with that Maria thanked her, and she left.
Jade rode around town for a few hours, she hated Sundays because it was her day off from work and she could never find anything to do or anything that remotely amused her. It was three-thirty when Jade stopped by the coffee house to pick up a few muffins and donuts. Afterwards she proceeded to go home, she could hear her stomach growling so she rode even faster. At home she leaned her bike against the wall and continued to go raid her fridge. It seems that Lee hadn't finished all of the Chinese food from last night so Jade had grabbed the carton of chicken and broccoli and began eating. She sat on the counter top in the kitchen and pressed the play button on the answering machine; she only had one message and it was from Lee.
"Hey Jade it's me, it's about four and I'm getting off work in about an hour. Me and some of the guys from work are gonna go down to this bar called Crash. Thought you might want to join us since you're probably sitting on the kitchen counter eating leftovers. Anyways maybe I'll see you maybe I won't. Later."
Jade looked down at her already empty carton and then checked to see that it was five-thirty. She threw the carton away and grabbed the bags of muffins and donuts. Out on the streets again she headed to the hospital. Once in Maria's room she saw her chatting it up with the cute nurse man.
Maria (spotting her): Hey girl what's up?
Jade: Not much just brought you some goodies.
Maria (seeing the bag): Oh ok thanks, just set them over there. Uh Jade this is Steve, Steve this is Jade. (A/N: I won't be describing Steve because he won't be in any of the other chapters although he might be mentioned in the next one but that's about it.)
Jade: It's nice to meet you but I have got to be going. Maria take care of yourself and I'll see you tomorrow around lunch.
Maria: Alright bye. Thanks again.
With that Jade smiled and left she was going to take Lee up on his offer and meet him at Crash.
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~~~~~Crash~~~~~
When Jade arrived at Crash she spotted Lee talking to some curly haired African-American girl. Instead of walking towards them she headed to the bar and ordered herself a drink. Once the bartender gave her a beer she started towards the pool area where Lee was hanging at.
Jade (getting the attention of the people Lee was with): So is this what you called me here for? To watch you play pool?
Lee (returning her wit): Why don't you stick around we'll also be playing foosball later on.
Jade: Ooh sounds exciting.
Lee (laughs): Jade this is Cindy, Sketchy, and Herbal. Guys this is my roommate Jade.
They all said 'hey' and Jade took a seat on the table watching them finish their game of pool. After Lee finished he neared Jade and took a seat on a chair next to her. Both of them watched Cindy kick Sketchy's ass in their round of pool.
Jade (still watching the game): That was nice what you did today.
Lee (puzzled): Could you refresh my memory?
Jade: The chocolates for Maria.
Lee (smiles): It was nothing.
Jade: Yeah, but still, thanks.
Lee: Uh huh.
They sat there in comfortable silence watching the game until the shrill of Jade's cell phone made a break through.
[Hello?] [Jade, it's Nick] [What's up?] [Well you know how half of the coffee house was booked for a party?] [Yeah.] [The other half is jam-packed with costumers and I'm short-handed with Maria gone and Carlos just left a little while ago.] [And you want me to come in and help, right?] [You read my mind.] [Ok I'll be there in ten.] [Alright thanks Jade.] [Wait, why did Carlos leave? He always stays till closing on Sundays.] [His wife called, said that their son was admitted into the emergency room for a high fever.] [Is he going to be alright?] [I don't know.] [Um…fine I'll see you in a bit.]
Jade hung up and turned to face Lee, she told him that they needed her at work and with that she got up and left.
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It was already eleven o'clock everyone had gone home and Jade had volunteered to stay after closing and clean up; Nick had left her a spare key to lock up and it wasn't like she needed any sleep anyway so she stayed and she cleaned. An hour later she was finished with everything so she retreated to the back where the lockers were and there she changed into her breaking and entering attire. Jade shoved her skirt, tops, and jacket into her small duffel bag, and then she slammed the locker door shut and was out in a flash. Back in the main room she checked to make sure all the doors were locked and she turned off all the lights heading to the back exit that led to an alley where her motorcycle was parked.
Finally arriving at her destination Jade took a look at the house and decided that all she needed for this one was her gloves and lock picking tools. Jade didn't need the usual harness and rope so she left them in the duffel; she climbed the outside stairs that led to the balcony and once she reached the doors she picked it and entered into a room that looked like a rich man's office. Jade sensed that no one was there so she found a small desktop lamp and flicked it on; unfortunately for her when Canidae. began messing with her DNA they didn't make sure she had enough K-9 DNA to see in the dark.
Jade saw a big painting on the wall, a painting that was a little bit too big and clashed with everything in the room. Either there's a safe behind that painting or whoever lives here has no sense of taste whatsoever. Walking to the painting, she slowly took it off the wall and bingo there was a safe among her; fumbling with the combination she finally got it to unlock. When she looked inside there was loads of cash and a couple of jewelry boxes she took the box that was for a bracelet and upon opening it she found a beautiful sparkling diamond bracelet. She gazed at it for quite some time, that is until she heard voices and was quickly but quietly putting everything back. Jade shoved the bracelet into her pants pocket and headed straight for the balcony closing the doors behind her without making a sound.
Revving up her motorcycle she headed to sector five so she could meet up with the guy she always fenced the stuff she stole to. Hopefully he's still open; I can probably get eight maybe ten grand for this.
Logan, Max, Zack, Syl, and Krit were just getting back from Crash when they had to stop at a checkpoint to show the cops a sector pass; while Logan did that Max's eyes traveled across the street and settled onto a person riding a motorcycle.
Jade was a block away from her dealer when she came to a halt at a stop sign; she looked both way's and the only other car was stopped at a sector checkpoint.
While the cops were checking Logan's pass, he followed Max's gaze and he too recognized the person.
Max: Is that who I think it is?
Logan (nodding): Yup, it's our mysterious Jade Hunter.
Logan still hadn't told Max that she had dropped by, so when Syl mentioned it once she saw who they were looking at, Logan couldn't help but wince. After a few moments Logan began to tell Max why Jade had stopped by; when he finished he mentioned that it wasn't a big deal so that's why he saw no need to bring it up. Max nodded her understanding and Logan took back his sector pass; it was only coincidence but when Jade moved they moved and ended up driving on the same street.
Max (a smile creeping at her lips): Should we follow her?
Logan (confused): Why?
Max: I'm just curious as to where she's going.
Logan: She's probably going home.
Max (quickly adding): Nope she lives in sector six. (A/N: I don't know if the higher sector numbers are the high rise district or the lower ones but in here the higher ones are the high rise and the low ones are the lower areas.)
Logan parked across the street and a couple cars down from her; Max zoomed in on the place Jade was heading inside to and by the looks of it she could tell it was some sort of pawn shop type place.
Jade (walking in): Surprise, surprise.
Stan (shocked): Jeez, Jade give me a heart attack, why don't you.
Jade (ignoring his remark): You're open?
Stan: You're surprised?
Jade: Thought you'd be closed.
Stan: Nah…its Sunday I'm closed tomorrow.
Jade took out the bracelet and put it on the table in front of him; Stan put on his glasses and took a closer look to make sure they were real diamonds. Stan was in his fifties, with curly gray hair and brown eyes; he was about five eight with a beer gut and a beard, he had pale looking skin and wrinkles on his forehead.
Stan (knowing the diamonds were real after his short analysis): You know you're my favorite customer.
Jade (joking): Stan, I'm your only customer. So how much can you give me for it?
Stan: Give or take maybe five grand.
Jade: Really? Stan, correct me if I'm wrong but you wouldn't be trying to stiff me now would you?
Stan: Jade that hurts.
Jade: Truth always does.
Stan (looking at it again): The highest I can go is six.
Jade: Eight.
Stan: Sixty-five hundred.
Jade: Eight.
Stan: Seven.
Jade (staring him down): Ten.
Stan (giving up, knowing she'd have her way in the end): Fine eight it is.
Jade (smiling): I knew you'd see things from my perspective.
Stan took the diamond bracelet and gave Jade eight grand; she put the money in her duffle bag that was hanging from her shoulder.
Stan (yelling after her): If some big guys come in here looking for this I'm giving them your address.
Jade (calling back): I'll be sure to remember that.
Jade jumped on her bike and headed back to South Market; she could feel the faint beginnings of her headaches and she didn't have any meds with her. So she figured maybe one of the sellers at South Market would have an orange or two. So much for Logan's theory on my headaches going away, well it was fun while it lasted. As she drove Logan and Max continued to follow her with the others sitting silently in the back not knowing why these guys were doing what they were doing.
~~~~~South Market~~~~~
Jade parked her bike and walked to one of the stands; the seller looked at her and she gave him one of her perfect smiles. Looking at the table filled with things she didn't spot an orange but something better a small bottle of Advil. Another item that caught her eye was a small beanie baby teddy bear that made her think of Carlos' son C.J. and she knew that he'd love it.
Jade: How much for the teddy bear and bottle of Advil?
Seller: Fifty.
Jade took out a fifty dollar bill from the waded up eight grand she had in her duffle and handed it to the guy; in return he gave her the Advil and bear, watching Jade as she turned to leave. Back at the car Logan had rolled down his window and was still watching her but then he turned to be face to face with Max as she spoke.
Max: For someone who's enhanced she sure as hell doesn't know when someone's tailing her.
Logan (looking back but not seeing her): I wonder where---
Jade (cutting him off): I'm sorry Max what was that you were saying?
Max and Logan were both surprised and so were the guys in the back but after a moment Logan managed to find his voice and speak.
Logan: How'd you do that?
Jade (leaning against his car): Why don't you ask your girlfriend since she thinks she knows all there is to know about me.
Logan: Max was just---
Jade (cutting him off again): Max was just what? Shooting her mouth off as usual?
Max (getting angry but Logan put a reassuring hand oh her own in a form of trying to calm her): Now who thinks she knows everything there is to know?
Jade (taking a few Advil's out of the bottle): Ooh…nice comeback. (Looking down at Logan's car) dang Logan! Has a car wash ever entered your mind?
Logan (ignoring her remark): So I'm guessing you didn't find the Aliens since you're standing here in tip-top shape.
Max (muttering under her breath through gritted teeth): Yeah but she won't be in about five seconds.
Logan knew she muttered something but didn't know what; the others heard perfectly with their heightened hearing and so did Jade but she chose to ignore it.
Jade: It shouldn't be me you're worried about.
Logan: And who should I be worried about exactly?
Jade (finally noticing the guys in the back, she recognized the blonde from Logan's place yesterday and thinking she knew the blonde haired guy but throwing it to the back of her mind): The guy from the gang I hospitalized.
Logan: Uh huh.
Jade: Well uh great seeing you again but you ought to keep in mind that tailing me isn't a very good idea.
Max (spat out): And why is that?
Jade: Well Max it's just not healthy for your face or my fists.
Logan (anger growing): Does everything end in physical abuse with you?
Jade: Yeah that or death; follow me again and you might not get the option to choose. So I'm gonna save you the trouble and just tell you where my route ends: The hospital.
Logan: Why there? Your friend still in bad shape?
Jade (walking off and shouting back): Nope. It just seems to be the theme of this week?
With that jade got on her bike and rode off to see C.J. and to check and make sure Carlos and his wife were holding up ok.
As Logan drove back to the penthouse everyone was pretty quiet till Krit spoke up.
Krit: So who was that? She was pretty hot.
This earned him an elbow in the gut from Syl.
Krit: Ouch…no need to get physical.
Max (ignoring him): Logan this is your entire fault.
Logan: How is that?
Max: You're my boyfriend so when I come up with a crazy idea you're supposed to stop me from doing it.
Logan: Yeah but that's proven to be hazardous to my health in the past.
Max (lightly slapping him on the arm): Ha, ha.
Logan (smiles): As to your question Krit, that was Jade Hunter and her story is some what complicated and long, so if you want Max can fill you in on it later.
Krit nodded and they drove back in silence; Zack was staring out the car window and he couldn't help but wonder where he'd seen that girl before.
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~~~~~Hospital~~~~~
Jade (running into Dr. Sam Carr in the emergency area of the hospital): Could you tell me which cubical C.J. Ramirez is in?
Sam: I'm sorry who?
Jade: Carlos Ramirez Jr. a five year old boy admitted for a high fever.
Sam: Oh yes he's in cubical four.
Jade: Thanks.
Sam (jokingly): Is this like your second home or something?
Jade: Huh?
Sam: You've been in here more then I have in the last forty-eight hours and I'm the doctor.
Jade: What can I say? It's been the highlight of my life.
Jade quietly walked into cubical four and saw C.J asleep; Carlos was sitting on a chair next to him but his back was towards her. She slowly crept towards him and put a hand on his shoulder; Carlos turned from his chair, smiled and embraced Jade in a hug.
Carlos: Thanks for coming.
Jade: Sorry I couldn't be here sooner.
Carlos: You're here now.
Jade (looking around the room and not seeing his wife): Where's Lorelei?
Carlos: She went to get some coffee; I had to practically drag her out of here, she was clutching C.J's hand like if she let go he'd disappear or something.
Jade: It's her son she just wants to make sure he's safe and alright.
Carlos: I know but it's not good for anyone if she makes herself sick over it.
Jade: What happened?
Carlos: I don't know, I was at work and Lore calls me and says C.J. is running a hundred five degree temperature. They rushed him here and now it's down to a hundred two. The doctors say if it doesn't break in forty-eight hours things won't look good for him.
Jade (putting an arm around his waist): He's gonna make it.
Lorelei (coming in with two coffees): Thought I heard someone else in here.
Jade (weak smile): Hey there.
Lorelei: Thanks for coming Jade.
Jade: No problem, you know I love this little guy.
Lorelei smiled and handed Carlos the other cup of coffee she offered to go get Jade some too but she declined.
Carlos was not only a coworker of Jade's but a close personal friend she had made when she first came to work at Crimson Lights but the thing about Lorelei and Carlos was that they were physically different; she was white and he was Hispanic so C.J. was right there in the middle. Lorelei had long curly blonde hair and blue eyes with a petite figure and was about five-five. Carlos was five ten and was muscular built; he had brown eyes and a shaved head. C.J. had blue eyes like his mom and dark hair like his dad and he had sort of a dark tanned skin. Lorelei took a seat in the chair that was occupied by her husband earlier and she grasped her baby's hand in her own. Carlos looked over to Jade and indicated for her to follow him outside which she did; but not before he gave his wife a quick kiss.
Carlos walked out with a distraught look on his face and Jade didn't know what to do or say; she wasn't the most optimistic person in the world considering where she came from. So instead of saying anything she just gave Carlos a shoulder to cry on, his eyes began to water, Jade figured he probably had bottled up the day's events inside, she led him to sit on a chair near the nurses' station and he wept silently hoping his son would pull through.
Carlos: Jade tell me everything's going to be ok.
Jade (unsure): He's tough like his parents I'm sure he'll make it.
Carlos nodded and went back to staring at the ground. Jade opened up her duffel bag and took out a paycheck and folded up one dollar bills. She handed them to Carlos and he looked quizzically at her so she went on to explain.
Jade: It's your paycheck I picked it up for you.
Carlos: I know that but their must be at least a hundred dollars worth of dollar bills here.
Jade: It's the tips you would have made if all of this hadn't come up.
Carlos: But it did and I can't accept this Jade, you made it so it's yours.
Jade: Course you can take it, after all you earned it.
Carlos: But…
Jade: No buts. Don't fight me on this cuz you know you'll lose.
Carlos (hugging her): Thank you.
Jade: You're welcome.
She took out the teddy bear and gave it to him; she said that it was for C.J. again he thanked her.
Carlos: How can I ever repay you?
Jade: Just go be with your wife and son, also make sure he gets that.
Carlos: I will.
Jade (leaving): Bye.
Carlos (barely in an audible voice): Bye.
As Jade headed to the elevator Carlos went back inside to his son's cubical and saw both of the people he loved most in the world were sleeping. He kissed both of their heads and tried to get some sleep himself.
Once Jade arrived home it was two-thirty in the morning and there was silence throughout the loft; quickly she headed upstairs, changed into some sweats, and went to bed. She needed at least a few hours of rest before work or she'd be disoriented all day which was no good.
~~~~~TBC~~~~~