Ouroboros part 5: Betrayal - Written by JayVitolo
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to The Pretender or its characters.
I'm jut writing for fun.
It's been two weeks since Jarod informed Sydney and Broots of his plans. Two weeks since the last time Jarod has contacted his mentor. Two weeks of Raines and Willie watching every move Sydney makes and every keystroke Broots enters. Two weeks of paranoia shattered in one move. The doors of Sydney's office part in rapid succession as Broots bursts into the room. If the doors were made of anything but metal, they would have fallen to the floor. An envelope lands on Sydney's desk, nearly giving the psychologist a heart attack.
"It's here!" Broots can hardly hold in his excitement as Sydney looks at the envelop in the middle of his desk.
He places his book on the table beside him. "What is Broots?" The psychologist holds the envelope up in the air with a pondering look on his face.
Broots yanks the envelope from Sydney's hands and rips it open. A piece of paper flutters to the desk with a distinct blank marker handwriting. The paper lands in front of Sydney face up as Broots continues to speak. "Jarod's plans. Remember?"
Sydney quickly scoops the paper up and looks over it. As the older man reaches the bottom, a smile crosses his lips. He looks up to Broots with the smile still on his face. "Clever Jarod. Very clever."
Broots looks puzzled as Sydney reaches across his desk. He picks up his office phone as Broots starts to look confused. And extension is dialed as Sydney spins his chair around. He holds the paper up, effectively blocking his view out the office widow.
"Raines speaking." An old voice answers the phone.
"Dr. Raines, I have word of where Jarod is. That's what I said. I want him back too. Broots and I will meet you in the garage." Sydney turns back around to see a look of terror on Broots' face. Unaffected, Sydney starts up his paper shredder and places Jarod's message into it.
"YYY-you just made a deal with the devil. What are you thinking Sydney?" Broots can take his eyes off the psychiatrist. "I thought you cared about Jarod, like you regarded him as a son."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures Broots. Raines will be waiting for us. Let's go." Sydney gets out of his plush leather chair and heads towards his doors.
Broots turns his head as Sydney walks past him, but grabs his arm before he leaves. "What would Jarod say if he heard this?" Broots is now staring a hole through Sydney, the overwhelming concern is apparent on his face.
Syd pulls his arm out of Broots' grip as he returns Broots' concern. "Catch me if you can." Sydney walks out of his office with Broots behind him voicing his opinions.
Jarod is looking at a row of candy as Miss Parker walks by holding a bottle of V8 juice in her hands. She stops behind him and grins at the confusion Jarod is showing. She leans in close to him and whispers in his ear. "Grab something genius."
Her voice brings Jarod back to reality. He spins around with a confused look and a foil package in his hand. He looks from his hand to her face. "Pop Rocks."
"With all those brains, he can only manage to say two words." Miss Parker laughs inside as the thought bounces in her mind. She smirks at his new discovery and looks over his shoulders at the display behind him. She reaches past him to grab a handful of the pouches. The look on his face hasn't changed as she grabs the collar of his shirt and pulls him towards the register.
The man behind the counter looks at Jarod and then at Miss Parker. He looks down at the mound of Pop Rocks on the counter before he turns to the register. "What's his problem," the teller mumbles under his breath.
Miss Parker grabs the man's shirt and pulls him close, snapping Jarod back to reality. She stares at him with her cold eyes as the "Ice Queen" makes a return. "What did you say?"
The man has a surprised look is his eyes as Jarod grabs Parker's shoulders. The teller tries to speak but can't choke the words out. He finally gets his throat cleared and speaks, "Your boyfriend just seems to be lost."
Miss Parker lets go of the teller's shirt as Jarod reaches for his wallet. As Jarod pulls his wallet out, Miss Parker responds in an "Ice Queen" voice. "He's just a big child at heart. Now just finish ringing us up so we can get the hell out of here, Junior."
The man complies and is paid for the candy. Miss Parker gives the teller a sarcastic smile as the two leave the store. The teller leans against the cigarette rack behind him and exhales. The threat on his life is over and now he can go on with his life.
As they walk towards the car, Miss Parker opens one of the packets and gives it to Jarod. She looks him at the confusion he has on his face and smiles. "Relax. Put the candy in your mouth."
Jarod does as he is told and winces at the popping sound. He smiles when he realizes he won't get hurt. He looks at the package in his hand and starts to read it. "This stuff is pretty cool. But what's with the warning here? You aren't supposed to mix this with soda?"
Miss Parker grins at this comment. "That's just an old superstition. If you mix Pop Rocks and soda, you stomach explodes."
They reach the car and Jarod looks a little worried as they get in. "That doesn't sound like fun. Has that ever really happened to anybody?"
Miss Parker looks over at him and sarcastically answers his question. "Oh yeah, it happened to me the other day."
A smiling Jarod looks back at her. He opens his mouth so she can hear the popping as he tries not to laugh. The look on his face paired with the pops brings tears of joy to Parker's eyes. "You really like those things don't you?"
Jarod closes his mouth as he tries to concentrate on speaking. "They're great."
The two drive off towards the Centre as Jarod keeps putting more of the candy in his mouth. The pops get louder as Miss Parker tries to stop laughing, but fails every time she looks at Jarod. The sight of the pretender having so much fun, fun he should have enjoyed as a child, brings a smile to her face. But at the same time, she can't get over the guilt inside her.
"Would he be different if he didn't have to live in the Centre? Would he still care about others like he does now?" The thought keeps nagging Parker as she looks out the passenger window at the Delaware countryside.
They pull into an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Blue Cove to prepare the final plans. Parker and Jarod get out of the car and walk into the most recent lair of Jarod's before he speaks again. "Home sweet home." He looks over to Parker with a sad look in his eyes. "Or as close as I've ever gotten."
Miss Parker sighs as she returns Jarod's sarcasm with a stone glare. "Cut the guilt trip. You're the one that wants me to kill my family's legacy." She looks at the table holding the laptop and starts to take her coat off.
"At least you HAVE a family."
Parker spins on her heels and grabs the collar of Jarod's coat, surprising the genius. "What happened to you is NOT my fault. Quit rubbing your discomfort in my face. I don't know if you've looked at my family tree lately, but there are a few nuts hanging about."
Parker lets go of Jarod's coat as he frowns and turns to leave. Parker's heart breaks as she realizes what she did. "Jarod! Jarod, wait." The metal door shuts in her face.
In the bowels of the Centre and elevator opens across from the cell that Lyle is being held in. He looks up at the bars as a black shadow blocks his light. Just as his eyes adjust to the darkness in his cell, a bright laser light shines at him.
"Are you still alive in there?" A wheezing voice beckons him.
Lyle stands and walks towards the door with a trademark grin on his face. His red tie has been removed and his blue shirt has been unbuttoned to reveal his white undershirt. His black suit coat lies in the corner with his tie on top. He walks over to the bars and leans against them.
"Hi dad." Lyle is grinning ear to ear as he realizes this is his chance to get out.
"Cut the crap Lyle. I'm letting you out because I need your help, not out of father/son bonds."
"What? Jarod's back isn't he?"
"That and Sydney has been acting peculiar lately." Raines wheels his oxygen tank over to the door as the sounds of tumblers being turned can be heard. Lyle walks over to scoop up his suit coat and tie as the metal door swings open.
"Peculiar how?" Lyle puts his coat on and stuffs his tie in his pants pocket. He looks back at Raines while dusting off his shoulders.
"He is the one that told me where Jarod is."
Lyle looks at his father with a look of shock. "That is peculiar. Do you trust what he said?"
Raines and Lyle start to walk towards the elevator before Raines speaks again. "He's our only choice." The two get into the elevator as Raines looks over to Lyle. "You promise to behave this time?"
Lyle smirks at the comment and holds his right hand in the air. "Scout's honor."
Raines chuckles at the intended sarcasm. "That's my boy." The doors shut as the two men are on their way to the garage level.
In the garage, Broots is pacing back and forth as Sydney glances at the various cars. Sydney looks over at Broots before clearing his throat. "Relax Broots. Jarod always has a backup plan. I'm sure this won't be any different."
Broots looks back at the older man. "But what if he doesn't? What happens then?"
Sydney runs his hand though his hair before looking at the ground. "Then I'll have to beg forgiveness. But Jarod is resourceful, he'll find ways around what we throw at him."
"Let's hope so Syd. I can't bear to have that man hate me. Not after all he has done to help me."
Raines, Lyle, and Willie all exit the elevator and walk towards Sydney and Broots. Sydney greets them, as Broots looks visibly nervous. Willie walks around to the driver's seat as the other four men climb into the back of the limo. Raines is the first to speak after they all get in. "You better not betray me Sydney. You and Broots are already hanging on by a slim thread and I will be the one to cut it. The Triumvirate wants you to know they will take care of Debbie and Nicholas if needed. It would be a shame to see such beautiful lives go to waste."
Lyle smiles as he rubs where his left thumb used to be, causing Broots discomfort. Lyle reaches into his pocket and pulls out a crimson red leather glove before removing the bandages. Broots grimaces, as he looks at the stub of Lyle's thumb and sighs when Lyle puts the glove on. Lyle looks up at Broots and lets out a chuckle. "If you fail us, I'll make sure you get one of these too." Broots responds with an uneasy grin.
Raines looks at Sydney and then Broots before gathering a sick smile. "Keep in mind that Jarod is to be captured alive. Miss Parker has been deemed expendable, just bring Jarod back alive."
Broots looks across his shoulders at Sydney who has been staring out a window. Broots looks back as he sees a metallic object thrust at him by Lyle. He looks down to discover that it is a handgun, Centre issue, and then looks back up at Lyle. "Wha, what? You want me to shoot Miss Parker?"
Lyle wipes his face with his open hand before looking back at Broots. "Well, yeah Einstein. That is the definition of expendable."
The troop pulls up to an old warehouse just in time to see a figure run into a door. Before the limo stops, sweepers jump out of the vehicle that was following. A group of four surrounds the main door while five more head to the back. Willie stops the limo as Lyle and Raines smile as Sydney and Broots lock glances. Sydney sighs and leaves, prompting Broots to look at the gun he was given before following.
The main door is knocked off the hinges thanks to help from a C4 block and shots ring out as the door hits the ground. Dust is in the air as a smoke bomb is sent cascading through the air before it slams to the ground. A second blast is heard and team two of the sweepers is in. The dust clears as Jarod and Miss Parker are being held at gunpoint just before Broots and Sydney walk in.
Jarod looks up from the ground to see his mentor standing above him. His eyes instantly fill with rage and hatred as he speaks. "Why Sydney? Why?"
Sydney looks down at the main he helped raise and sculpt. "I had no choice Jarod. They threatened Nicholas."
A sweeper starts to take aim at Miss Parker as Jarod is pulled to his feet. Jarod starts kicking the air as he begins to yell. "NO! Don't kill her. I'll go peacefully. Just, just let Parker live."
The sweepers agree, as Jarod is lead out to the limo. As he is pushed in, a gunshot is heard causing Jarod to cry out in anguish. "You promised! PARKER! NOOO!"
Jarod fights with his captors as Lyle points a gun to his head. Sydney and Broots finally catch up with the group and get in the limo before the doors are shut. Jarod looks up at Sydney and spits in his face. "You lied to me Sydney. You betrayed me. And now Miss Parker is dead. All because of you."
"Jarod. I, I"
Jarod looks away from Sydney and focuses back on the warehouse he was just in. "Sydney. I will never forgive you for this, for this betrayal."
Lyle smirks as he watches what transpires. "This is great."
Jarod gives Lyle a cold glare, one that would've made Miss Parker proud. He goes to punch Lyle in the face, but is stopped by Broots. Raines smiles before he finally speaks. "Welcome home Jarod. This time, you will not leave. I guarantee it."
Miss Parker runs out of the warehouse in just enough time to see the limo leaving sight. She smiles as she looks back at the dead sweeper and the guns left behind by Sydney and Broots. She is conflicted inside as her feeling of joy is overshadowed by what Jarod is feeling. "Thank you Sydney. If only Jarod knew what you have done to help."
She walks back into the warehouse and starts to pack a bag with all of the equipment left behind. She makes a mental checklist as it goes into the duffel bag, "Wire clippers, three handguns with a clip each, $4,000 in cash, rope." She looks back towards the road.
"I'll see everybody soon. Don't worry Jarod, Sydney didn't do what you think."
It's been two weeks since Jarod informed Sydney and Broots of his plans. Two weeks since the last time Jarod has contacted his mentor. Two weeks of Raines and Willie watching every move Sydney makes and every keystroke Broots enters. Two weeks of paranoia shattered in one move. The doors of Sydney's office part in rapid succession as Broots bursts into the room. If the doors were made of anything but metal, they would have fallen to the floor. An envelope lands on Sydney's desk, nearly giving the psychologist a heart attack.
"It's here!" Broots can hardly hold in his excitement as Sydney looks at the envelop in the middle of his desk.
He places his book on the table beside him. "What is Broots?" The psychologist holds the envelope up in the air with a pondering look on his face.
Broots yanks the envelope from Sydney's hands and rips it open. A piece of paper flutters to the desk with a distinct blank marker handwriting. The paper lands in front of Sydney face up as Broots continues to speak. "Jarod's plans. Remember?"
Sydney quickly scoops the paper up and looks over it. As the older man reaches the bottom, a smile crosses his lips. He looks up to Broots with the smile still on his face. "Clever Jarod. Very clever."
Broots looks puzzled as Sydney reaches across his desk. He picks up his office phone as Broots starts to look confused. And extension is dialed as Sydney spins his chair around. He holds the paper up, effectively blocking his view out the office widow.
"Raines speaking." An old voice answers the phone.
"Dr. Raines, I have word of where Jarod is. That's what I said. I want him back too. Broots and I will meet you in the garage." Sydney turns back around to see a look of terror on Broots' face. Unaffected, Sydney starts up his paper shredder and places Jarod's message into it.
"YYY-you just made a deal with the devil. What are you thinking Sydney?" Broots can take his eyes off the psychiatrist. "I thought you cared about Jarod, like you regarded him as a son."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures Broots. Raines will be waiting for us. Let's go." Sydney gets out of his plush leather chair and heads towards his doors.
Broots turns his head as Sydney walks past him, but grabs his arm before he leaves. "What would Jarod say if he heard this?" Broots is now staring a hole through Sydney, the overwhelming concern is apparent on his face.
Syd pulls his arm out of Broots' grip as he returns Broots' concern. "Catch me if you can." Sydney walks out of his office with Broots behind him voicing his opinions.
Jarod is looking at a row of candy as Miss Parker walks by holding a bottle of V8 juice in her hands. She stops behind him and grins at the confusion Jarod is showing. She leans in close to him and whispers in his ear. "Grab something genius."
Her voice brings Jarod back to reality. He spins around with a confused look and a foil package in his hand. He looks from his hand to her face. "Pop Rocks."
"With all those brains, he can only manage to say two words." Miss Parker laughs inside as the thought bounces in her mind. She smirks at his new discovery and looks over his shoulders at the display behind him. She reaches past him to grab a handful of the pouches. The look on his face hasn't changed as she grabs the collar of his shirt and pulls him towards the register.
The man behind the counter looks at Jarod and then at Miss Parker. He looks down at the mound of Pop Rocks on the counter before he turns to the register. "What's his problem," the teller mumbles under his breath.
Miss Parker grabs the man's shirt and pulls him close, snapping Jarod back to reality. She stares at him with her cold eyes as the "Ice Queen" makes a return. "What did you say?"
The man has a surprised look is his eyes as Jarod grabs Parker's shoulders. The teller tries to speak but can't choke the words out. He finally gets his throat cleared and speaks, "Your boyfriend just seems to be lost."
Miss Parker lets go of the teller's shirt as Jarod reaches for his wallet. As Jarod pulls his wallet out, Miss Parker responds in an "Ice Queen" voice. "He's just a big child at heart. Now just finish ringing us up so we can get the hell out of here, Junior."
The man complies and is paid for the candy. Miss Parker gives the teller a sarcastic smile as the two leave the store. The teller leans against the cigarette rack behind him and exhales. The threat on his life is over and now he can go on with his life.
As they walk towards the car, Miss Parker opens one of the packets and gives it to Jarod. She looks him at the confusion he has on his face and smiles. "Relax. Put the candy in your mouth."
Jarod does as he is told and winces at the popping sound. He smiles when he realizes he won't get hurt. He looks at the package in his hand and starts to read it. "This stuff is pretty cool. But what's with the warning here? You aren't supposed to mix this with soda?"
Miss Parker grins at this comment. "That's just an old superstition. If you mix Pop Rocks and soda, you stomach explodes."
They reach the car and Jarod looks a little worried as they get in. "That doesn't sound like fun. Has that ever really happened to anybody?"
Miss Parker looks over at him and sarcastically answers his question. "Oh yeah, it happened to me the other day."
A smiling Jarod looks back at her. He opens his mouth so she can hear the popping as he tries not to laugh. The look on his face paired with the pops brings tears of joy to Parker's eyes. "You really like those things don't you?"
Jarod closes his mouth as he tries to concentrate on speaking. "They're great."
The two drive off towards the Centre as Jarod keeps putting more of the candy in his mouth. The pops get louder as Miss Parker tries to stop laughing, but fails every time she looks at Jarod. The sight of the pretender having so much fun, fun he should have enjoyed as a child, brings a smile to her face. But at the same time, she can't get over the guilt inside her.
"Would he be different if he didn't have to live in the Centre? Would he still care about others like he does now?" The thought keeps nagging Parker as she looks out the passenger window at the Delaware countryside.
They pull into an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Blue Cove to prepare the final plans. Parker and Jarod get out of the car and walk into the most recent lair of Jarod's before he speaks again. "Home sweet home." He looks over to Parker with a sad look in his eyes. "Or as close as I've ever gotten."
Miss Parker sighs as she returns Jarod's sarcasm with a stone glare. "Cut the guilt trip. You're the one that wants me to kill my family's legacy." She looks at the table holding the laptop and starts to take her coat off.
"At least you HAVE a family."
Parker spins on her heels and grabs the collar of Jarod's coat, surprising the genius. "What happened to you is NOT my fault. Quit rubbing your discomfort in my face. I don't know if you've looked at my family tree lately, but there are a few nuts hanging about."
Parker lets go of Jarod's coat as he frowns and turns to leave. Parker's heart breaks as she realizes what she did. "Jarod! Jarod, wait." The metal door shuts in her face.
In the bowels of the Centre and elevator opens across from the cell that Lyle is being held in. He looks up at the bars as a black shadow blocks his light. Just as his eyes adjust to the darkness in his cell, a bright laser light shines at him.
"Are you still alive in there?" A wheezing voice beckons him.
Lyle stands and walks towards the door with a trademark grin on his face. His red tie has been removed and his blue shirt has been unbuttoned to reveal his white undershirt. His black suit coat lies in the corner with his tie on top. He walks over to the bars and leans against them.
"Hi dad." Lyle is grinning ear to ear as he realizes this is his chance to get out.
"Cut the crap Lyle. I'm letting you out because I need your help, not out of father/son bonds."
"What? Jarod's back isn't he?"
"That and Sydney has been acting peculiar lately." Raines wheels his oxygen tank over to the door as the sounds of tumblers being turned can be heard. Lyle walks over to scoop up his suit coat and tie as the metal door swings open.
"Peculiar how?" Lyle puts his coat on and stuffs his tie in his pants pocket. He looks back at Raines while dusting off his shoulders.
"He is the one that told me where Jarod is."
Lyle looks at his father with a look of shock. "That is peculiar. Do you trust what he said?"
Raines and Lyle start to walk towards the elevator before Raines speaks again. "He's our only choice." The two get into the elevator as Raines looks over to Lyle. "You promise to behave this time?"
Lyle smirks at the comment and holds his right hand in the air. "Scout's honor."
Raines chuckles at the intended sarcasm. "That's my boy." The doors shut as the two men are on their way to the garage level.
In the garage, Broots is pacing back and forth as Sydney glances at the various cars. Sydney looks over at Broots before clearing his throat. "Relax Broots. Jarod always has a backup plan. I'm sure this won't be any different."
Broots looks back at the older man. "But what if he doesn't? What happens then?"
Sydney runs his hand though his hair before looking at the ground. "Then I'll have to beg forgiveness. But Jarod is resourceful, he'll find ways around what we throw at him."
"Let's hope so Syd. I can't bear to have that man hate me. Not after all he has done to help me."
Raines, Lyle, and Willie all exit the elevator and walk towards Sydney and Broots. Sydney greets them, as Broots looks visibly nervous. Willie walks around to the driver's seat as the other four men climb into the back of the limo. Raines is the first to speak after they all get in. "You better not betray me Sydney. You and Broots are already hanging on by a slim thread and I will be the one to cut it. The Triumvirate wants you to know they will take care of Debbie and Nicholas if needed. It would be a shame to see such beautiful lives go to waste."
Lyle smiles as he rubs where his left thumb used to be, causing Broots discomfort. Lyle reaches into his pocket and pulls out a crimson red leather glove before removing the bandages. Broots grimaces, as he looks at the stub of Lyle's thumb and sighs when Lyle puts the glove on. Lyle looks up at Broots and lets out a chuckle. "If you fail us, I'll make sure you get one of these too." Broots responds with an uneasy grin.
Raines looks at Sydney and then Broots before gathering a sick smile. "Keep in mind that Jarod is to be captured alive. Miss Parker has been deemed expendable, just bring Jarod back alive."
Broots looks across his shoulders at Sydney who has been staring out a window. Broots looks back as he sees a metallic object thrust at him by Lyle. He looks down to discover that it is a handgun, Centre issue, and then looks back up at Lyle. "Wha, what? You want me to shoot Miss Parker?"
Lyle wipes his face with his open hand before looking back at Broots. "Well, yeah Einstein. That is the definition of expendable."
The troop pulls up to an old warehouse just in time to see a figure run into a door. Before the limo stops, sweepers jump out of the vehicle that was following. A group of four surrounds the main door while five more head to the back. Willie stops the limo as Lyle and Raines smile as Sydney and Broots lock glances. Sydney sighs and leaves, prompting Broots to look at the gun he was given before following.
The main door is knocked off the hinges thanks to help from a C4 block and shots ring out as the door hits the ground. Dust is in the air as a smoke bomb is sent cascading through the air before it slams to the ground. A second blast is heard and team two of the sweepers is in. The dust clears as Jarod and Miss Parker are being held at gunpoint just before Broots and Sydney walk in.
Jarod looks up from the ground to see his mentor standing above him. His eyes instantly fill with rage and hatred as he speaks. "Why Sydney? Why?"
Sydney looks down at the main he helped raise and sculpt. "I had no choice Jarod. They threatened Nicholas."
A sweeper starts to take aim at Miss Parker as Jarod is pulled to his feet. Jarod starts kicking the air as he begins to yell. "NO! Don't kill her. I'll go peacefully. Just, just let Parker live."
The sweepers agree, as Jarod is lead out to the limo. As he is pushed in, a gunshot is heard causing Jarod to cry out in anguish. "You promised! PARKER! NOOO!"
Jarod fights with his captors as Lyle points a gun to his head. Sydney and Broots finally catch up with the group and get in the limo before the doors are shut. Jarod looks up at Sydney and spits in his face. "You lied to me Sydney. You betrayed me. And now Miss Parker is dead. All because of you."
"Jarod. I, I"
Jarod looks away from Sydney and focuses back on the warehouse he was just in. "Sydney. I will never forgive you for this, for this betrayal."
Lyle smirks as he watches what transpires. "This is great."
Jarod gives Lyle a cold glare, one that would've made Miss Parker proud. He goes to punch Lyle in the face, but is stopped by Broots. Raines smiles before he finally speaks. "Welcome home Jarod. This time, you will not leave. I guarantee it."
Miss Parker runs out of the warehouse in just enough time to see the limo leaving sight. She smiles as she looks back at the dead sweeper and the guns left behind by Sydney and Broots. She is conflicted inside as her feeling of joy is overshadowed by what Jarod is feeling. "Thank you Sydney. If only Jarod knew what you have done to help."
She walks back into the warehouse and starts to pack a bag with all of the equipment left behind. She makes a mental checklist as it goes into the duffel bag, "Wire clippers, three handguns with a clip each, $4,000 in cash, rope." She looks back towards the road.
"I'll see everybody soon. Don't worry Jarod, Sydney didn't do what you think."