Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. I'm just borrowing them. I don't
get paid for these stories; this is purely for entertainment purposes.
Author: Kimmi
Feedback: Yes please.
Rating: PG (possibly PG13)
Authors note: This is part 2 in a series. This is strange for me cause it came from a dream and I have no idea where Chrissie came from! Oh well. I hope you enjoy. This will eventually be a JMPR so please be patient with it. I want them together as much as you do (Hehehe).
Summary: Jarod meets a new woman who reminds him of Miss Parker in some ways. Can there relationship work out? And what happens when she comes in contact with the Centre?
Strange Things Happen
Part 2
"So this place is a research facility. Would I know about some of the things they've researched?" Chrissie's feeling of the Centre seeming familiar was increased when she was talking to Sydney. She'd been there for two days and still wasn't sure why they needed her. She knew they were trying to find someone but hadn't had a chance to find out who it was.
"I highly doubt it. We are very.low key." Sydney wasn't sure how to answer her question. He was certain that she hadn't heard of what they researched. Not many people did.
"So what exactly am I here to do?" Sydney pondered the thought for a minute but he didn't have to answer.
"Syd we have a hit. Should I go get Miss Parker?" Sydney nodded. Broots ran out of the room.
"Well now you'll definitely find out." Sydney smiled a sad smile at Chrissie. He hoped Chrissie wasn't as good of a shot as he'd heard. Broots ran into Miss Parker's office.
"Miss Parker I think I've found Jarod." Miss Parker was sitting in her office typing up a report. When Broots told her this she immediately stood up.
"Well let's get going. Now we can see just how good Chrissie is." She walked out of her office and went to get Lyle.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Chrissie if you see this man your job is to take him in using any means necessary." Miss Parker held up a photo of Jarod. Chrissie looked up and saw the picture. She was shocked. She then realised what was so familiar about The Centre. It was the place that Jarod was running away from. She'd heard him talk about it and the people who were chasing him. He'd never said the name of The Centre or the names of the people who were chasing him but it was obvious that this was who they were. She tried to play dumb. Jarod had told her how dangerous these people were and she knew that if they knew she was his girlfriend they'd definitely use her as bait.
"So why are we chasing this guy?" She was very curious as to what these people had to say about chasing another human being.
"Jarod was brought up in the Centre. He's a sort of genius, although I think there must be some sort of mistake with that. He ran away and stole some things that were very important to us. That's another thing you have to do. You have to retrieve a Halliburton suitcase. That is very important." Chrissie knew what Miss Parker was talking about. She'd seen it many times before. He'd even offered to show her some of the DSA's but she didn't want to. She couldn't believe what she'd gotten herself into. She now had to chase her boyfriend so she could pay for her mother's operation.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Jarod was working with at an adoption agency. He had discovered that there was a group that would kidnap young children and sell them to the adoption agency. There was a young boy who was one of these children who was kidnapped who looked like Chris's brother Luis. He knew it wasn't him but everyday he was there he called Chris's family to see how everything was going. He looked at one of the pictures that were on his desk. Marietta had taken a picture of him and Chris standing outside of her building. She was smiling one of her most beautiful smiles. He missed her a lot. He wanted to call her but every time he went to something happened. He had spoken to her before she had started her new job but not since then.
"Excuse me Mr. McMillan there's a woman on line one who wants to speak to you. She said she was your girlfriend?" Jarod immediately picked up his phone.
"Thankyou very much Susan, I'll take it." He pressed line one. "Chrissie, how are you? I miss you. I would have called before but." Chrissie cut him off.
"I miss you too Jarod. I just called to tell you that you have to leave where you are. Now!" She was whispering. Jarod was confused.
"What? Why?" He heard the desperation in her voice when she next spoke.
"Listen to me Jarod. Get out of there while you can." Chrissie was in the bathroom of the Centre's jet. Someone knocked on the door. "I got to go. Please, just do what I said. Get out of there and go somewhere safe." She hung up the phone just before Miss Parker spoke.
"Chrissie we're here. Hurry up." Chrissie prayed that Jarod listened to her then walked out.
"Okay Miss Parker. I'm ready." They got off the plane and started on the way to where Jarod was working.
Jarod packed up a few things and went out of the door. If Chrissie told him to leave he'd leave. He walked out and went straight to his current lair. If he needed to hide he had a place their where he could not be seen by anyone. There was a false wall that no one would find.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Miss Parker stormed up the stairs to the floor Jarod was working on. She was annoyed because the elevator wasn't working. She was in the lead with Chrissie behind her. She looked to see if the guys were even keeping up with them. The only one who had kept up with them was Lyle. His eyes were transfixed on Chrissie. Miss Parker couldn't believe him. She'd never seen a moment when Lyle was at a loss for words but he never seemed to speak around Chrissie. He obviously liked her which was another thing that surprised her. Lyle liked Asian women and Chrissie was Spanish. She finally made it to the floor Jarod's office was in. She burst through the door and went straight to the secretary.
"Have you seen this man?" She held up the picture of Jarod.
"Yes ma'am. That's Mr. McMillan. He works here." Miss Parker smiled while Chrissie winced.
"Where's his office?" The secretary pointed to his office. Miss Parker went straight for it followed closely by Chrissie.
"Damn it!" Miss Parker slammed her fist against the desk. "Search the place. He had no idea we were coming so he may have left some things." The secretary butted in from the doorway.
"He'll probably be back soon. His girlfriend called and I think he's meeting up with her." The secretary seemed jealous when she mentioned the girlfriend. Chrissie suppressed a grin. Miss Parker arched her eyebrows.
"So Jarod's got a little girlfriend? Have you met this girlfriend of his?" The secretary shook her head.
"No. I think she's calling in from out of town. But I think her pictures on his desk." She pointed at his desk. Chrissie was standing behind it.
"Chrissie check for some bimbo." Chrissie looked at the desk and saw the picture of her and Jarod. She carefully pocketed it.
"No. I don't see one." Miss Parker sighed.
"Fine then, we'll get Sam and the rest to check this place out and us three will head to his place. Maybe we'll get lucky and catch him with his girlfriend." Chrissie tried to suppress another grin.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Jarod was rushing through his lair to get to his hidden compartment. He'd heard some people outside and wanted to hide just in case. He didn't know how Chris had found out someone was after him but he was glad she did. He heard a familiar voice.
"Lyle, you check over there, we'll go over here." Jarod looked through a crack and saw Lyle looking on a table. Miss Parker was with a woman he couldn't see.
"There's nothing on here but PEZ." He heard Miss Parker laugh.
"Of course and I guess that lover boy and his bimbo must have gone to her place. It's obviously more romantic than here. I would have loved to catch him while he was with some bimbo. Then I'd be able to really get him. And congratulations Lyle, have you finally gotten your nerve back?" Jarod could tell Lyle was annoyed. He couldn't understand what she meant by that though. Why would Lyle loose his nerve?
"Very funny Sis. Why don't you go check through there and me and Chrissie will stay in here." Miss Parker sniggered. Jarod wondered who Chrissie was.
"Yeah I bet you'd like that wouldn't you Lyle? Play nice. Chrissie if he comes on too strong just shoot him." He heard Miss Parker laugh then leave the room.
"What was that about Lyle?" Jarod almost choked. That was Chris's voice.
"Nothing, it's just her sense of humour. So how do you like your first outing?" Jarod saw Chris walk into view. She was wearing a short skirt and a tight fitting shirt. He'd never seen her wearing those types of clothes. She was more of a top and jeans girl. He could tell she was uncomfortable. She would have dressed to fit in and wearing that outfit she would definitely fit in. She almost looked like Miss Parker.
"I don't know. It's a job." Jarod noticed the way Lyle was looking at Chris. He realised what Miss Parker had been talking about earlier. Lyle was eying Chris. Jarod felt like coming out of his hiding spot and making sure Lyle would never look at Chris like that again.
"There's nothing here. We should go, although someone should stay here in case he comes back." Chrissie stepped forward immediately.
"I'll do that. How hard could it be to just stay here for a few hours?" Miss Parker laughed.
"Okay then. You stay here until 6 then meet back up with us at the hotel unless, of course, he comes back here before that then you bring him back earlier." Miss Parker started walking away but turned around when she noticed Lyle wasn't following. "Do you need an invitation?" Lyle quickly started walking away.
"If you need anything." Chrissie butted in.
"I'm a big girl Lyle. I can look after myself."
"Plus she's always got her gun. You think the Centre hired her for nothing?" Miss Parker turned and walked away again with Lyle following. Jarod waited a few minutes until he was sure Miss Parker and Lyle had gone and then came out of his hiding place.
"You're working for the Centre?" Chris jumped. She had no idea he was there.
"Jarod, you were here the whole time?" Jarod nodded.
"What are you working for them for? And I guess you're looking for me seeing as you're here and with them!" Jarod couldn't believe that she could work for them.
"I didn't even know that that's who they were. You never told me the name of the place that was after you. I didn't even know that I was after you until they showed me your picture in the way over here and as soon as I could I called you to tell you to get out of here." Jarod felt comforted knowing that it wasn't intentional.
"So they don't know that we're together?" Chris laughed.
"Do you think they'd leave me alone here if they did?" Jarod nodded. He knew that they would have lured him out by staying there with a gun pressed to her head. Especially if they thought he was just with his girlfriend.
"I want you to leave. Quit now. Get out while you can." Chris opened her mouth then closed it again. She was shocked.
"Jarod I'm not quitting until I get the money for my mothers operation. You know I wouldn't work in this industry if I had a choice." Jarod couldn't believe his ears. He'd told her how dangerous these people were and she was still going to work there.
"So you want to bring me in? Is that what you'll do?" Chris scoffed.
"You know I'm not going to bring you in. I'll just keep working for them until I get enough money then I'll leave. It won't be that long." Jarod shook his head.
"No, you have to get out now." Chris scoffed again.
"Jarod you're asking me to choose between you and mother by doing this. I need to get this money for my mothers operation and as much as I care for you I'm going to stay until I get the money." Jarod sighed. He couldn't blame her for doing it. One of the things he loved about her was how much she cared for her family.
"Okay. But please be careful. So what's going on with you and Lyle?" Chris didn't understand what he meant. To her Lyle was just a colleague.
"Nothing's going on with me and Lyle. In fact I've hardly even spoken to him. He's barely even said two words to me. It's always just hello and goodbye. The most words he's said to me were just before."
"I've seen the way he looks at you." Chris realised what was the matter.
"You're jealous aren't you?" Jarod looked at her. He wasn't sure if he was or not.
"No, I'm serious. You should have seen the way he was looking at you." Chris smiled. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him.
"You are. You're a big jealous Jarod." She laughed and kissed his temple.
"Well maybe a little. I'm sorry. I just can't stand the way he was looking at you." He put his arms around her waist. Chris smiled again.
"Don't be sorry. I think it's cute."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Miss Parker and Lyle were in the front lobby waiting for Chrissie to get back. As soon as she did they could go back. Sydney, Broots and the sweepers had just come back from going around the town showing Jarod's picture.
"We didn't find anything Miss Parker. Where's Chrissie?" Broots wanted to talk to her about his day. In the short time that he'd known her he'd really started to like her. She was nice and she was a good conversation.
"She should be here soon. I think I see her now." Lyle was even more anxious to see her. He really liked her.
"What took you so long?" Miss Parker was agitated all she wanted to do was go home.
"I thought I saw him but if it was him he got away."
"Is that why you look so flushed?" Chrissie smiled thinking about the real reason she was flushed.
"Uh yeah, I chased him but he got away." Miss Parker was annoyed.
"He got away? I can't believe it! Did you see his girlfriend?" Chrissie wasn't sure if that was jealousy she could hear in Miss Parker's voice.
"Like I said Miss Parker, I'm not even sure if it was this Jarod guy I saw but if it was there wasn't any girl with him." Except for me of course. Chrissie suppressed a giggle.
"Okay, then lets get going. Broots when we get back I want you to look into this matter of Jarod's girlfriend. She could come in handy." Miss Parker turned to leave and looked at one of the sweepers clearly wanting him to carry her bags which he did.
"Yes Miss Parker. I'll do that." Broots lowered his voice so she couldn't hear him. ".tomorrow after I'm well rested." Chrissie giggled and winked at him.
"You tell her Broots. So how was your day?" Broots smiled. He liked having Chrissie working with him.
"You should have come with us Chrissie. I'm sure you would have had more fun." Chrissie laughed.
"Oh I don't think so. I had a pretty good time where I was."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Chrissie got out of the shower and was drying her hair when her phone rang.
"Hello Christina Lopez speaking. How can I help you?" There was silence on the other end. "Hello? Is anyone here?" Still silence. "I'm hanging up now." Still silence. She shrugged and hung up the phone. As soon as the dial tone started Lyle spoke.
"Hi Chrissie, its Lyle. I was just wondering if maybe you'd like to do something." He hung up and lowered his head. He couldn't believe the effect Chrissie had on him. He'd felt that way from the moment he met her. He thought that he'd made a breakthrough earlier in talking to her but still no luck. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day. Lyle was happy by this thought and went to bed knowing that he'd be dreaming of Chrissie.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Miss Parker was up looking over old Centre surveillance tapes. She'd stolen them when she was head of security, taped them, then kept the copies and gave back the originals without anybody knowing the truth. They were all of Jarod. She couldn't believe they'd missed him again. Broots had said that an undercover Centre operative had seen him and was sure that he wouldn't know they were coming. She had no idea ho he was able to escape them even when he didn't know they were there. The tape she was watching finished. It really wasn't long enough. It was of a younger Jarod working out in his room. He did push ups, sit ups, pull ups, and stretching. It really was one of her favourites. She was about to put in another one when her phone rang. She knew it was either Jarod, or someone calling from the Centre about something to do with Jarod. It was too late for anyone else to call. She sighed and picked up the phone.
"What!?" She heard a familiar laugh on the other end.
"Someone really ought to teach you proper phone skills Miss Parker." She knew it.
"What do you want Jarod?"
"I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry I missed you. I hear you came looking for me. Too bad my girlfriend decided to stop by on the same day." Jarod laughed again.
"Yes and what's your girlfriend's name again?" She asked in mock sweetness. Another laugh.
"That would be too easy Miss Parker. Plus I'll never let the Centre get a grip on her." He was telling the truth. He planned to get Chris out before she got in too much danger.
"How romantic Jarod. But how about this. I guess she'd know a lot because of you and we can't have some bimbo going around telling god knows who about the Centre, so I'll get you adjoining rooms." The only thing she really intended to do with his little bimbo was to kill her and make it look like an accident.
"I'm sorry but we'd prefer a shared room and I know the Centre can't provide that so I guess no deal. By the way Miss Parker. She isn't a bimbo." Miss Parker grinded her teeth.
"You listen to me Lab Rat. Those girls out there will never be able to stay with you. They'll leave you for someone safer and they just plain don't deserve you." Both Miss Parker and Jarod were shocked by her last statement.
"Why Miss Parker I didn't know you cared. A little jealous are you? I learnt something today about jealousy; most of the time there's no need for it." Jarod hung up the phone. He had always cared about Miss Parker and he'll always have some sort of feeling for her no matter how much he cared for Chris or anybody else.
Miss Parker stared at the phone. She couldn't believe she said that the girls outside don't deserve him. And what was that he said about jealousy? About how most of the time there's no need for it? Did that mean what she thought it meant? Maybe this girlfriend of his was no threat to Miss Parker. But still she didn't want her in the way to find out.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Sydney walked through the halls of the Centre. He was on his way to see how Broots was going. He'd heard Broots had gotten to the Centre early to search for any information on who Jarod's girlfriend was. He walked in to find Broots sitting and talking with Chrissie. He had his wallet out and was showing her pictures of Debbie.
"That's Debbie when she was younger. I love this phot because she looks so cute don't you think?" Chrissie nodded.
"Definitely. Hey you wanna see my family?" Chrissie ran over to one of the tables in pulled out her wallet from her bag.
"Sure. I must have bored you with my pictures of Debbie so now you can bore me." Chrissie laughed along with Broots.
"This is my sister Marietta when she was three. She's so adorable. Of course she would kill me if she knew I was showing anyone this but what can you do about teenagers?" Broots nodded. "This is her now." Broots looked at the picture.
"She looks like you." Chrissie nodded.
"Because I look like my mamma and so does Marietta so we all look alike. This is my sister Rosa. She's the second youngest. She wants to be a model. Mind you she's only ten." They both laughed.
"Hey maybe she could make it. The models are getting younger and younger nowadays." Broots laughed.
"Nah, they passed her age group already. She's too old." Another laugh. "And this is my baby brother Luis. He's five. He's a little sweetie." Broots looked at the photo.
"If I didn't know any better I'd think this was your son." Broots laughed but Chrissie's face grew serious.
"Who told you?" Broots stopped laughing.
"Oh my god! He is your son?" Chrissie burst out laughing.
"I'm joking Broots. A lot of people around my neighbourhood say that but I think I'd remember giving birth." Broots laughed nervously.
"I am interrupting?" Sydney was enjoying how close they seemed but decided to join in instead of just watching.
"No Syd. Me and Chrissie are just showing pictures of our families." Sydney patted Broots on back as a greeting.
"Okay, but I think you'd better get to work before Miss Parker gets in and." He was interrupted before he could finish.
"Too late." Sydney turned around to see Miss Parker glowering at the three of them. "Is this a private party or can anyone join in?" Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. Broots hid behind Chrissie.
"We were just having a break Miss Parker. Broots and I have been in since really early this morning and we just really needed a break." Miss Parker walked closer to Chrissie.
"Well breaks over. Get back to work Broots. I want Jarod's girlfriend and I want her now." Broots chuckled quietly behind Chrissie. Miss Parker left the room in a huff.
"Am I the only one who got an inappropriate mental picture then?" Chrissie turned around to look at Broots and smiled.
"I guess so." Sydney looked at Chrissie in concern. She didn't seem her usual self.
"Are you okay Chrissie?" Chrissie nodded slowly. Then walked out of the room.
"What was that about?"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Chrissie walked down the halls of the Centre and straight to Miss Parker's office. She burst through the doors without even knocking.
"Why are you so cold hearted?" Miss Parker looked up at Chrissie from behind her desk stunned.
"Excuse me?" Chrissie walked closer to her desk.
"You heard me. Why are you such a bitch?" Chrissie put her hands on Miss Parker's desk.
"You don't have the right to speak to me like this. Get out of my office." Miss Parker stood up and glared at Chrissie trying not to show the fear she had deep inside.
"Well I'm pretty sure you don't have the right to deny us of a break, to track Jarod's girlfriend, who I'm betting's only crime is that she's in your way, or to even hunt down another human being like Jarod. What gives you the right to deny someone of their freedom?" Chrissie moved closer to Miss Parker.
"I'm doing my job." Chrissie scoffed.
"Nice job." Chrissie narrowed her eyes.
"You work here to." Miss Parker backed up slightly.
"Yeah but I'm working here to get money for my mother to have an operation. What's your excuse?" Chrissie clenched her fists.
"I have to work here. I bring Jarod in I get my freedom." Miss Parker kicked herself mentally. She didn't need to explain herself to Chrissie. Why was she so afraid of her? Wasn't it supposed to be the other way around? Wasn't she supposed to intimidate others?
"Your freedom? I've seen what Jarod does with his freedom. What would you do with yours?" Miss Parker thought for a moment. She decided she wasn't going to let this sweeper intimidate her.
"First thing I'd do is make sure you're not around to annoy me anymore." Something inside Chrissie snapped. She reached across the table and punched Miss Parker right in the eye. Miss Parker stumbled then punched her back in the jaw. Chrissie stumbled back then started laughing. Miss Parker was confused. She was sure she'd hurt her, a bruise was already starting to come up as she was sure was the same for her eye.
"You got a good arm there Parker." Chrissie continued laughing a deranged laugh then walked out the door. Miss Parker composed herself then followed her out down the hall, ignoring the stares she was receiving. She followed Chrissie back to where she had been earlier with Broots and Sydney. Broots and Sydney were looking at Chrissie's jaw in concern then at Miss Parker the same way when they saw her eye.
"What happened?" Broots walked to Chrissie while Sydney walked to Miss Parker. Chrissie laughed.
"I was just finding out Miss Parker's motives." Sydney looked at Chrissie in shock then back at Miss Parker.
"And what did you think about them?" Miss Parker wanted to know what she found so funny.
"That I would do the same." Chrissie sat down on one of the desks and touched her jaw tentatively. Sydney was still standing looking between them dumbfounded when one of Raines' sweepers walked in.
"Christina, Miss Parker. Mr. Raines would like to see you." Miss Parker looked at Chrissie then back at the sweeper. Chrissie started walking towards the sweeper but stopped when she reached Miss Parker.
"I think the principal caught us fighting. Looks like we're in trouble." Chrissie kept on walking past her. Miss Parker stared after her then looked at Sydney. She opened her mouth to say something but didn't know what to say. She turned and followed after Chrissie again.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Christina. we can't have this type of thing happening. Miss Parker is your boss. you don't punch your boss in the face. I'm afraid we're going to have to terminate you." Miss Parker looked at Chrissie. Chrissie didn't even seem upset.
"I understand Mr. Raines. It will never happen again. I need this job." Chrissie didn't seem upset. At that moment she didn't seem to even have emotions.
"I'm sorry Miss Lopez." Raines looked at his sweeper. The sweeper produced a gun and held it to Chrissie's head. Chrissie didn't even flinch. Miss Parker searched Chrissie's eyes for even a trace of fear but there was none. The sweeper was about to fire when Chrissie grabbed his arm and twisted it causing the sweeper to drop the gun. She put him in an arm lock behind his back. At the same time Miss Parker called to Raines.
"Stop this. Let her keep her job." Raines raised and eyebrow.
"Why. would.you.want.that.Miss Parker?" Miss Parker looked at Chrissie who was increasing the pressure of the arm lock causing the sweeper to whimper in pain. Miss Parker could tell that, within a few more movements, Chrissie would break his arm.
"Did I complain about our fight? No, I didn't. I want her on my team!" She looked back at Chrissie. She had a look of derangement in her eyes. "Plus she's about to break your sweepers arm." Raines looked at Chrissie.
"Very well then. Chrissie, you keep your job, let go of my sweeper." Chrissie looked up at Raines, then at Miss Parker and finally back at the sweeper. She gave one more jerk of his arm then let go, leaving the sweeper howling in pain. She waited for Miss Parker to walk for the door then followed stopping to speak to the sweeper.
"You ever try to shoot me again; I'll break more than your arm." She followed Miss Parker again outside. Once they were a satisfactory distance away from Raines' office Chrissie turned to Miss Parker. "Why did you save me?" Miss Parker laughed.
"I don't think you needed saving, but anyone who had the nerve to confront me, punch me, and stand with a gun pressed to their head with no emotion deserves to be on my team." Chrissie laughed.
"I'm used to having guns pointed at me. You grow up in my neighbourhood you learn how to deal with it." Miss Parker laughed.
"And I thought I was tough." Chrissie touched her jaw.
"Don't worry, you are. But that's why I'm glad you're my friend and not my foe." Miss Parker looked at Chrissie. She had no idea what to say.
"Who say's I'm your friend?" Chrissie looked at Miss Parker seriously for a moment then started laughing.
"Well anyone who saves my life I consider a friend." Chrissie kept on walking leaving Miss Parker alone to contemplate what she had just said.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
to be continued.
Author: Kimmi
Feedback: Yes please.
Rating: PG (possibly PG13)
Authors note: This is part 2 in a series. This is strange for me cause it came from a dream and I have no idea where Chrissie came from! Oh well. I hope you enjoy. This will eventually be a JMPR so please be patient with it. I want them together as much as you do (Hehehe).
Summary: Jarod meets a new woman who reminds him of Miss Parker in some ways. Can there relationship work out? And what happens when she comes in contact with the Centre?
Strange Things Happen
Part 2
"So this place is a research facility. Would I know about some of the things they've researched?" Chrissie's feeling of the Centre seeming familiar was increased when she was talking to Sydney. She'd been there for two days and still wasn't sure why they needed her. She knew they were trying to find someone but hadn't had a chance to find out who it was.
"I highly doubt it. We are very.low key." Sydney wasn't sure how to answer her question. He was certain that she hadn't heard of what they researched. Not many people did.
"So what exactly am I here to do?" Sydney pondered the thought for a minute but he didn't have to answer.
"Syd we have a hit. Should I go get Miss Parker?" Sydney nodded. Broots ran out of the room.
"Well now you'll definitely find out." Sydney smiled a sad smile at Chrissie. He hoped Chrissie wasn't as good of a shot as he'd heard. Broots ran into Miss Parker's office.
"Miss Parker I think I've found Jarod." Miss Parker was sitting in her office typing up a report. When Broots told her this she immediately stood up.
"Well let's get going. Now we can see just how good Chrissie is." She walked out of her office and went to get Lyle.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Chrissie if you see this man your job is to take him in using any means necessary." Miss Parker held up a photo of Jarod. Chrissie looked up and saw the picture. She was shocked. She then realised what was so familiar about The Centre. It was the place that Jarod was running away from. She'd heard him talk about it and the people who were chasing him. He'd never said the name of The Centre or the names of the people who were chasing him but it was obvious that this was who they were. She tried to play dumb. Jarod had told her how dangerous these people were and she knew that if they knew she was his girlfriend they'd definitely use her as bait.
"So why are we chasing this guy?" She was very curious as to what these people had to say about chasing another human being.
"Jarod was brought up in the Centre. He's a sort of genius, although I think there must be some sort of mistake with that. He ran away and stole some things that were very important to us. That's another thing you have to do. You have to retrieve a Halliburton suitcase. That is very important." Chrissie knew what Miss Parker was talking about. She'd seen it many times before. He'd even offered to show her some of the DSA's but she didn't want to. She couldn't believe what she'd gotten herself into. She now had to chase her boyfriend so she could pay for her mother's operation.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Jarod was working with at an adoption agency. He had discovered that there was a group that would kidnap young children and sell them to the adoption agency. There was a young boy who was one of these children who was kidnapped who looked like Chris's brother Luis. He knew it wasn't him but everyday he was there he called Chris's family to see how everything was going. He looked at one of the pictures that were on his desk. Marietta had taken a picture of him and Chris standing outside of her building. She was smiling one of her most beautiful smiles. He missed her a lot. He wanted to call her but every time he went to something happened. He had spoken to her before she had started her new job but not since then.
"Excuse me Mr. McMillan there's a woman on line one who wants to speak to you. She said she was your girlfriend?" Jarod immediately picked up his phone.
"Thankyou very much Susan, I'll take it." He pressed line one. "Chrissie, how are you? I miss you. I would have called before but." Chrissie cut him off.
"I miss you too Jarod. I just called to tell you that you have to leave where you are. Now!" She was whispering. Jarod was confused.
"What? Why?" He heard the desperation in her voice when she next spoke.
"Listen to me Jarod. Get out of there while you can." Chrissie was in the bathroom of the Centre's jet. Someone knocked on the door. "I got to go. Please, just do what I said. Get out of there and go somewhere safe." She hung up the phone just before Miss Parker spoke.
"Chrissie we're here. Hurry up." Chrissie prayed that Jarod listened to her then walked out.
"Okay Miss Parker. I'm ready." They got off the plane and started on the way to where Jarod was working.
Jarod packed up a few things and went out of the door. If Chrissie told him to leave he'd leave. He walked out and went straight to his current lair. If he needed to hide he had a place their where he could not be seen by anyone. There was a false wall that no one would find.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Miss Parker stormed up the stairs to the floor Jarod was working on. She was annoyed because the elevator wasn't working. She was in the lead with Chrissie behind her. She looked to see if the guys were even keeping up with them. The only one who had kept up with them was Lyle. His eyes were transfixed on Chrissie. Miss Parker couldn't believe him. She'd never seen a moment when Lyle was at a loss for words but he never seemed to speak around Chrissie. He obviously liked her which was another thing that surprised her. Lyle liked Asian women and Chrissie was Spanish. She finally made it to the floor Jarod's office was in. She burst through the door and went straight to the secretary.
"Have you seen this man?" She held up the picture of Jarod.
"Yes ma'am. That's Mr. McMillan. He works here." Miss Parker smiled while Chrissie winced.
"Where's his office?" The secretary pointed to his office. Miss Parker went straight for it followed closely by Chrissie.
"Damn it!" Miss Parker slammed her fist against the desk. "Search the place. He had no idea we were coming so he may have left some things." The secretary butted in from the doorway.
"He'll probably be back soon. His girlfriend called and I think he's meeting up with her." The secretary seemed jealous when she mentioned the girlfriend. Chrissie suppressed a grin. Miss Parker arched her eyebrows.
"So Jarod's got a little girlfriend? Have you met this girlfriend of his?" The secretary shook her head.
"No. I think she's calling in from out of town. But I think her pictures on his desk." She pointed at his desk. Chrissie was standing behind it.
"Chrissie check for some bimbo." Chrissie looked at the desk and saw the picture of her and Jarod. She carefully pocketed it.
"No. I don't see one." Miss Parker sighed.
"Fine then, we'll get Sam and the rest to check this place out and us three will head to his place. Maybe we'll get lucky and catch him with his girlfriend." Chrissie tried to suppress another grin.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Jarod was rushing through his lair to get to his hidden compartment. He'd heard some people outside and wanted to hide just in case. He didn't know how Chris had found out someone was after him but he was glad she did. He heard a familiar voice.
"Lyle, you check over there, we'll go over here." Jarod looked through a crack and saw Lyle looking on a table. Miss Parker was with a woman he couldn't see.
"There's nothing on here but PEZ." He heard Miss Parker laugh.
"Of course and I guess that lover boy and his bimbo must have gone to her place. It's obviously more romantic than here. I would have loved to catch him while he was with some bimbo. Then I'd be able to really get him. And congratulations Lyle, have you finally gotten your nerve back?" Jarod could tell Lyle was annoyed. He couldn't understand what she meant by that though. Why would Lyle loose his nerve?
"Very funny Sis. Why don't you go check through there and me and Chrissie will stay in here." Miss Parker sniggered. Jarod wondered who Chrissie was.
"Yeah I bet you'd like that wouldn't you Lyle? Play nice. Chrissie if he comes on too strong just shoot him." He heard Miss Parker laugh then leave the room.
"What was that about Lyle?" Jarod almost choked. That was Chris's voice.
"Nothing, it's just her sense of humour. So how do you like your first outing?" Jarod saw Chris walk into view. She was wearing a short skirt and a tight fitting shirt. He'd never seen her wearing those types of clothes. She was more of a top and jeans girl. He could tell she was uncomfortable. She would have dressed to fit in and wearing that outfit she would definitely fit in. She almost looked like Miss Parker.
"I don't know. It's a job." Jarod noticed the way Lyle was looking at Chris. He realised what Miss Parker had been talking about earlier. Lyle was eying Chris. Jarod felt like coming out of his hiding spot and making sure Lyle would never look at Chris like that again.
"There's nothing here. We should go, although someone should stay here in case he comes back." Chrissie stepped forward immediately.
"I'll do that. How hard could it be to just stay here for a few hours?" Miss Parker laughed.
"Okay then. You stay here until 6 then meet back up with us at the hotel unless, of course, he comes back here before that then you bring him back earlier." Miss Parker started walking away but turned around when she noticed Lyle wasn't following. "Do you need an invitation?" Lyle quickly started walking away.
"If you need anything." Chrissie butted in.
"I'm a big girl Lyle. I can look after myself."
"Plus she's always got her gun. You think the Centre hired her for nothing?" Miss Parker turned and walked away again with Lyle following. Jarod waited a few minutes until he was sure Miss Parker and Lyle had gone and then came out of his hiding place.
"You're working for the Centre?" Chris jumped. She had no idea he was there.
"Jarod, you were here the whole time?" Jarod nodded.
"What are you working for them for? And I guess you're looking for me seeing as you're here and with them!" Jarod couldn't believe that she could work for them.
"I didn't even know that that's who they were. You never told me the name of the place that was after you. I didn't even know that I was after you until they showed me your picture in the way over here and as soon as I could I called you to tell you to get out of here." Jarod felt comforted knowing that it wasn't intentional.
"So they don't know that we're together?" Chris laughed.
"Do you think they'd leave me alone here if they did?" Jarod nodded. He knew that they would have lured him out by staying there with a gun pressed to her head. Especially if they thought he was just with his girlfriend.
"I want you to leave. Quit now. Get out while you can." Chris opened her mouth then closed it again. She was shocked.
"Jarod I'm not quitting until I get the money for my mothers operation. You know I wouldn't work in this industry if I had a choice." Jarod couldn't believe his ears. He'd told her how dangerous these people were and she was still going to work there.
"So you want to bring me in? Is that what you'll do?" Chris scoffed.
"You know I'm not going to bring you in. I'll just keep working for them until I get enough money then I'll leave. It won't be that long." Jarod shook his head.
"No, you have to get out now." Chris scoffed again.
"Jarod you're asking me to choose between you and mother by doing this. I need to get this money for my mothers operation and as much as I care for you I'm going to stay until I get the money." Jarod sighed. He couldn't blame her for doing it. One of the things he loved about her was how much she cared for her family.
"Okay. But please be careful. So what's going on with you and Lyle?" Chris didn't understand what he meant. To her Lyle was just a colleague.
"Nothing's going on with me and Lyle. In fact I've hardly even spoken to him. He's barely even said two words to me. It's always just hello and goodbye. The most words he's said to me were just before."
"I've seen the way he looks at you." Chris realised what was the matter.
"You're jealous aren't you?" Jarod looked at her. He wasn't sure if he was or not.
"No, I'm serious. You should have seen the way he was looking at you." Chris smiled. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him.
"You are. You're a big jealous Jarod." She laughed and kissed his temple.
"Well maybe a little. I'm sorry. I just can't stand the way he was looking at you." He put his arms around her waist. Chris smiled again.
"Don't be sorry. I think it's cute."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Miss Parker and Lyle were in the front lobby waiting for Chrissie to get back. As soon as she did they could go back. Sydney, Broots and the sweepers had just come back from going around the town showing Jarod's picture.
"We didn't find anything Miss Parker. Where's Chrissie?" Broots wanted to talk to her about his day. In the short time that he'd known her he'd really started to like her. She was nice and she was a good conversation.
"She should be here soon. I think I see her now." Lyle was even more anxious to see her. He really liked her.
"What took you so long?" Miss Parker was agitated all she wanted to do was go home.
"I thought I saw him but if it was him he got away."
"Is that why you look so flushed?" Chrissie smiled thinking about the real reason she was flushed.
"Uh yeah, I chased him but he got away." Miss Parker was annoyed.
"He got away? I can't believe it! Did you see his girlfriend?" Chrissie wasn't sure if that was jealousy she could hear in Miss Parker's voice.
"Like I said Miss Parker, I'm not even sure if it was this Jarod guy I saw but if it was there wasn't any girl with him." Except for me of course. Chrissie suppressed a giggle.
"Okay, then lets get going. Broots when we get back I want you to look into this matter of Jarod's girlfriend. She could come in handy." Miss Parker turned to leave and looked at one of the sweepers clearly wanting him to carry her bags which he did.
"Yes Miss Parker. I'll do that." Broots lowered his voice so she couldn't hear him. ".tomorrow after I'm well rested." Chrissie giggled and winked at him.
"You tell her Broots. So how was your day?" Broots smiled. He liked having Chrissie working with him.
"You should have come with us Chrissie. I'm sure you would have had more fun." Chrissie laughed.
"Oh I don't think so. I had a pretty good time where I was."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Chrissie got out of the shower and was drying her hair when her phone rang.
"Hello Christina Lopez speaking. How can I help you?" There was silence on the other end. "Hello? Is anyone here?" Still silence. "I'm hanging up now." Still silence. She shrugged and hung up the phone. As soon as the dial tone started Lyle spoke.
"Hi Chrissie, its Lyle. I was just wondering if maybe you'd like to do something." He hung up and lowered his head. He couldn't believe the effect Chrissie had on him. He'd felt that way from the moment he met her. He thought that he'd made a breakthrough earlier in talking to her but still no luck. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day. Lyle was happy by this thought and went to bed knowing that he'd be dreaming of Chrissie.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Miss Parker was up looking over old Centre surveillance tapes. She'd stolen them when she was head of security, taped them, then kept the copies and gave back the originals without anybody knowing the truth. They were all of Jarod. She couldn't believe they'd missed him again. Broots had said that an undercover Centre operative had seen him and was sure that he wouldn't know they were coming. She had no idea ho he was able to escape them even when he didn't know they were there. The tape she was watching finished. It really wasn't long enough. It was of a younger Jarod working out in his room. He did push ups, sit ups, pull ups, and stretching. It really was one of her favourites. She was about to put in another one when her phone rang. She knew it was either Jarod, or someone calling from the Centre about something to do with Jarod. It was too late for anyone else to call. She sighed and picked up the phone.
"What!?" She heard a familiar laugh on the other end.
"Someone really ought to teach you proper phone skills Miss Parker." She knew it.
"What do you want Jarod?"
"I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry I missed you. I hear you came looking for me. Too bad my girlfriend decided to stop by on the same day." Jarod laughed again.
"Yes and what's your girlfriend's name again?" She asked in mock sweetness. Another laugh.
"That would be too easy Miss Parker. Plus I'll never let the Centre get a grip on her." He was telling the truth. He planned to get Chris out before she got in too much danger.
"How romantic Jarod. But how about this. I guess she'd know a lot because of you and we can't have some bimbo going around telling god knows who about the Centre, so I'll get you adjoining rooms." The only thing she really intended to do with his little bimbo was to kill her and make it look like an accident.
"I'm sorry but we'd prefer a shared room and I know the Centre can't provide that so I guess no deal. By the way Miss Parker. She isn't a bimbo." Miss Parker grinded her teeth.
"You listen to me Lab Rat. Those girls out there will never be able to stay with you. They'll leave you for someone safer and they just plain don't deserve you." Both Miss Parker and Jarod were shocked by her last statement.
"Why Miss Parker I didn't know you cared. A little jealous are you? I learnt something today about jealousy; most of the time there's no need for it." Jarod hung up the phone. He had always cared about Miss Parker and he'll always have some sort of feeling for her no matter how much he cared for Chris or anybody else.
Miss Parker stared at the phone. She couldn't believe she said that the girls outside don't deserve him. And what was that he said about jealousy? About how most of the time there's no need for it? Did that mean what she thought it meant? Maybe this girlfriend of his was no threat to Miss Parker. But still she didn't want her in the way to find out.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Sydney walked through the halls of the Centre. He was on his way to see how Broots was going. He'd heard Broots had gotten to the Centre early to search for any information on who Jarod's girlfriend was. He walked in to find Broots sitting and talking with Chrissie. He had his wallet out and was showing her pictures of Debbie.
"That's Debbie when she was younger. I love this phot because she looks so cute don't you think?" Chrissie nodded.
"Definitely. Hey you wanna see my family?" Chrissie ran over to one of the tables in pulled out her wallet from her bag.
"Sure. I must have bored you with my pictures of Debbie so now you can bore me." Chrissie laughed along with Broots.
"This is my sister Marietta when she was three. She's so adorable. Of course she would kill me if she knew I was showing anyone this but what can you do about teenagers?" Broots nodded. "This is her now." Broots looked at the picture.
"She looks like you." Chrissie nodded.
"Because I look like my mamma and so does Marietta so we all look alike. This is my sister Rosa. She's the second youngest. She wants to be a model. Mind you she's only ten." They both laughed.
"Hey maybe she could make it. The models are getting younger and younger nowadays." Broots laughed.
"Nah, they passed her age group already. She's too old." Another laugh. "And this is my baby brother Luis. He's five. He's a little sweetie." Broots looked at the photo.
"If I didn't know any better I'd think this was your son." Broots laughed but Chrissie's face grew serious.
"Who told you?" Broots stopped laughing.
"Oh my god! He is your son?" Chrissie burst out laughing.
"I'm joking Broots. A lot of people around my neighbourhood say that but I think I'd remember giving birth." Broots laughed nervously.
"I am interrupting?" Sydney was enjoying how close they seemed but decided to join in instead of just watching.
"No Syd. Me and Chrissie are just showing pictures of our families." Sydney patted Broots on back as a greeting.
"Okay, but I think you'd better get to work before Miss Parker gets in and." He was interrupted before he could finish.
"Too late." Sydney turned around to see Miss Parker glowering at the three of them. "Is this a private party or can anyone join in?" Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. Broots hid behind Chrissie.
"We were just having a break Miss Parker. Broots and I have been in since really early this morning and we just really needed a break." Miss Parker walked closer to Chrissie.
"Well breaks over. Get back to work Broots. I want Jarod's girlfriend and I want her now." Broots chuckled quietly behind Chrissie. Miss Parker left the room in a huff.
"Am I the only one who got an inappropriate mental picture then?" Chrissie turned around to look at Broots and smiled.
"I guess so." Sydney looked at Chrissie in concern. She didn't seem her usual self.
"Are you okay Chrissie?" Chrissie nodded slowly. Then walked out of the room.
"What was that about?"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Chrissie walked down the halls of the Centre and straight to Miss Parker's office. She burst through the doors without even knocking.
"Why are you so cold hearted?" Miss Parker looked up at Chrissie from behind her desk stunned.
"Excuse me?" Chrissie walked closer to her desk.
"You heard me. Why are you such a bitch?" Chrissie put her hands on Miss Parker's desk.
"You don't have the right to speak to me like this. Get out of my office." Miss Parker stood up and glared at Chrissie trying not to show the fear she had deep inside.
"Well I'm pretty sure you don't have the right to deny us of a break, to track Jarod's girlfriend, who I'm betting's only crime is that she's in your way, or to even hunt down another human being like Jarod. What gives you the right to deny someone of their freedom?" Chrissie moved closer to Miss Parker.
"I'm doing my job." Chrissie scoffed.
"Nice job." Chrissie narrowed her eyes.
"You work here to." Miss Parker backed up slightly.
"Yeah but I'm working here to get money for my mother to have an operation. What's your excuse?" Chrissie clenched her fists.
"I have to work here. I bring Jarod in I get my freedom." Miss Parker kicked herself mentally. She didn't need to explain herself to Chrissie. Why was she so afraid of her? Wasn't it supposed to be the other way around? Wasn't she supposed to intimidate others?
"Your freedom? I've seen what Jarod does with his freedom. What would you do with yours?" Miss Parker thought for a moment. She decided she wasn't going to let this sweeper intimidate her.
"First thing I'd do is make sure you're not around to annoy me anymore." Something inside Chrissie snapped. She reached across the table and punched Miss Parker right in the eye. Miss Parker stumbled then punched her back in the jaw. Chrissie stumbled back then started laughing. Miss Parker was confused. She was sure she'd hurt her, a bruise was already starting to come up as she was sure was the same for her eye.
"You got a good arm there Parker." Chrissie continued laughing a deranged laugh then walked out the door. Miss Parker composed herself then followed her out down the hall, ignoring the stares she was receiving. She followed Chrissie back to where she had been earlier with Broots and Sydney. Broots and Sydney were looking at Chrissie's jaw in concern then at Miss Parker the same way when they saw her eye.
"What happened?" Broots walked to Chrissie while Sydney walked to Miss Parker. Chrissie laughed.
"I was just finding out Miss Parker's motives." Sydney looked at Chrissie in shock then back at Miss Parker.
"And what did you think about them?" Miss Parker wanted to know what she found so funny.
"That I would do the same." Chrissie sat down on one of the desks and touched her jaw tentatively. Sydney was still standing looking between them dumbfounded when one of Raines' sweepers walked in.
"Christina, Miss Parker. Mr. Raines would like to see you." Miss Parker looked at Chrissie then back at the sweeper. Chrissie started walking towards the sweeper but stopped when she reached Miss Parker.
"I think the principal caught us fighting. Looks like we're in trouble." Chrissie kept on walking past her. Miss Parker stared after her then looked at Sydney. She opened her mouth to say something but didn't know what to say. She turned and followed after Chrissie again.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Christina. we can't have this type of thing happening. Miss Parker is your boss. you don't punch your boss in the face. I'm afraid we're going to have to terminate you." Miss Parker looked at Chrissie. Chrissie didn't even seem upset.
"I understand Mr. Raines. It will never happen again. I need this job." Chrissie didn't seem upset. At that moment she didn't seem to even have emotions.
"I'm sorry Miss Lopez." Raines looked at his sweeper. The sweeper produced a gun and held it to Chrissie's head. Chrissie didn't even flinch. Miss Parker searched Chrissie's eyes for even a trace of fear but there was none. The sweeper was about to fire when Chrissie grabbed his arm and twisted it causing the sweeper to drop the gun. She put him in an arm lock behind his back. At the same time Miss Parker called to Raines.
"Stop this. Let her keep her job." Raines raised and eyebrow.
"Why. would.you.want.that.Miss Parker?" Miss Parker looked at Chrissie who was increasing the pressure of the arm lock causing the sweeper to whimper in pain. Miss Parker could tell that, within a few more movements, Chrissie would break his arm.
"Did I complain about our fight? No, I didn't. I want her on my team!" She looked back at Chrissie. She had a look of derangement in her eyes. "Plus she's about to break your sweepers arm." Raines looked at Chrissie.
"Very well then. Chrissie, you keep your job, let go of my sweeper." Chrissie looked up at Raines, then at Miss Parker and finally back at the sweeper. She gave one more jerk of his arm then let go, leaving the sweeper howling in pain. She waited for Miss Parker to walk for the door then followed stopping to speak to the sweeper.
"You ever try to shoot me again; I'll break more than your arm." She followed Miss Parker again outside. Once they were a satisfactory distance away from Raines' office Chrissie turned to Miss Parker. "Why did you save me?" Miss Parker laughed.
"I don't think you needed saving, but anyone who had the nerve to confront me, punch me, and stand with a gun pressed to their head with no emotion deserves to be on my team." Chrissie laughed.
"I'm used to having guns pointed at me. You grow up in my neighbourhood you learn how to deal with it." Miss Parker laughed.
"And I thought I was tough." Chrissie touched her jaw.
"Don't worry, you are. But that's why I'm glad you're my friend and not my foe." Miss Parker looked at Chrissie. She had no idea what to say.
"Who say's I'm your friend?" Chrissie looked at Miss Parker seriously for a moment then started laughing.
"Well anyone who saves my life I consider a friend." Chrissie kept on walking leaving Miss Parker alone to contemplate what she had just said.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
to be continued.