Life or Death
By Samantha
Part 18: Miracles Happen
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Author's Note: Hey all! I'm trying to hammer out as many chapters as I can before school lets out. Then, I'll be doing my updating from a library, so they may not come as often as before (yes, I know, I haven't been very regular in updating. Sheesh! Give a girl a break!) It's getting to the crucial part of the story, so your feedback is almost necessary. I need to know if I'm doing it right. I'm hoping to get in a lot of action. Problem is, I don't do action very well. I'm going to give it my best effort, but if y'all could tell me where my weaknesses are when you notice them, that would be great. O-kee. Time to get crackin! Toodles! ~~Samantha (a.k.a. Bethe)
Author's Note 2: Okay, that previous note is outdated, as most of you know by now, lol. Well, I'm really hoping that we can get the Internet here at home. It's not a huge problem if I can't but it would be a nice convenience. Ah, well. Have fun! ~~Bethe
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Jarod and Parker sat facing each other in silence, but Parker still wouldn't say anything. Jarod was getting concerned. Ever since she'd regained her sight, she'd been withdrawn, almost depressed. Sydney, ever the professional, held tight to the patient-confidentiality clause and refused to tell him what had happened during the hypnosis session.
"Parker," he rumbled with compassion in his voice, "what's wrong? You can tell me." Tears flooded her blue eyes and her jaw trembled from trying not to sob. Jarod's heart clenched and he moved forward to take her in his arms. "Chaela," he murmured, running a hand through her hair.
"It's so horrible," she whispered, "you'll hate me."
"Never," he whispered back. "What is it?" For a few long moments, she didn't say anything.
"Jarod, when they took us back to the Centre, they--Daddy," she broke off and took in a shuddering breath before continuing, "They inseminated me," she whispered in disgust. "It's Daddy's child."
After those words came from her mouth, rage filled Jarod as he held her tighter. He couldn't believe people would be that sick, that low. Parker was now openly weeping, probably thinking the worst. For her sake, he swallowed his anger. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he pushed slightly back and looked her in the eyes. He wiped her cheek and said, "That doesn't matter to me, Chaela. It wasn't your decision. I could never hate you for this. This child is part of you, too. At least they didn't give you a disease that could kill you. You're healthy, and that's all that matters." He moved his head forward slightly and raised his eyebrows. "Okay? So, no more of this," he murmured lightly while running a finger down a tear trail.
Parker's eyes met his. She searched them before seeing that he meant what he said. Her lips trembled, turning Jarod's attention downward. He pressed his palm against her cheek and moved his head down.
As their lips met, Parker's eyes fluttered closed and she brought one of her hands to his upper arm. A soft noise escaped her throat. At that, Jarod wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling both of them to their feet. Their kiss deepened, becoming more passionate. Parker put both of her hands on the sides of his head.
"Ahem."
Like two small children getting caught rummaging around in their parents' closet, Jarod and Parker broke the kiss and turned towards the source of the noise.
Sydney stood in the doorway, his arms crossed, a smile on his face. Jarod chuckled incredulously and lowered his head until his forehead touched Parker's.
"Yes, Sydney?" he asked.
"Oh, I was merely wondering how you two were doing, and I came to check up on you."
"We're fine, Syd," Parker put in with a smile on her face. Sydney nodded.
"Good." The older man left while laughing to himself. Parker and Jarod looked at each other, then broke into laughter of their own.
"It does me good to hear you laugh and see you smile," Jarod whispered while smoothing hair from her face. "We're going to have to get you to the doctor as soon as possible." Parker shook her head.
"Not until we're finished with the Centre. Then, I'll go."
"Chaela, you can't go on with our plans now that you're pregnant," he said sternly. Only then did he realize that that was the worst thing he could've said to her. He could see the blue fire begin to flame in her eyes as she lifted her chin slightly.
"You think you can tell me what to do, Wonder Boy?" she questioned in an icy tone.
"Babe," he began, "I didn't mean to order you around. No one can do that. But I would prefer it, for your safety and the baby's, if you didn't get involved in the takeover," he murmured.
"Jarod," she murmured back, "I know Daddy. I'm carrying his only heir. He won't have me killed. He'll have to keep me alive while I'm still carrying it. We'll use it to our advantage. I won't do anything stupid." Jarod gave her a look.
"I promise," she said with her eyebrows raised. "What, don't trust me?" she asked with a small smile.
"Well. . ." Parker's eyes widened and she gave Jarod a playful slap on the arm. He then pulled her into his arms and kissed her so soundly that all conversation was stopped for awhile.
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The Centre
Lyle sat at his desk in his darkened office. He held up the small scrap of paper again. The phone number, written in neat, squared print stood out against the paper. He knew that if he called the number, he could kiss his cushy career goodbye. At the same time, if he called it, his newly growing conscience would stop nagging at him.
Ever since Jarod and his sister had been recaptured by the Centre, Lyle had become disillusioned with his life. He had seen what his father had done to Parker. He'd even been at the procedure. For some reason, it had sickened him.
For the longest time he had mentally wrestled with the issue. He was a cannibal, for crying out loud. It seemed strange that the idea of impregnating your daughter with your own sperm would be offensive.
But it was, to Lyle, at least.
Sighing, he picked up his secure cell phone and dialed the number.
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"Yes?" Jarod answered the phone.
"Jarod, I know what you're thinking, and--,"
"How did you get this number?" he asked, trying to think of where Parker and Sydney were. If Lyle knew their number, they had to move quickly.
"Jarod, calm down. Stop looking for my sister." He sighed. "I want to help."
"Help with what?" Jarod asked, playing innocent.
"Jarod, I've been developing a nasty habit lately."
"Oh? What's that?"
"A conscience. What Dad did to Sis was just wrong. And I want out."
Jarod contemplated the scenario. Lyle really sounded like he meant what he said.
"So?" he asked, urging Lyle to continue.
"So, I figure that I can help you out. Anything you need, you got it."
"Forgive me for being skeptical, but I'm going to have to think this over. And talk it over with Parker, Sydney, and Broots."
"I understand. I'll give you a call in a few days to see what you think." Lyle hung up the phone. After a few moments of hesitation, Jarod put his down.
"Chaela! Syd! We need to talk!"
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"Did he sound sincere?" asked the aging psychiatrist, leaning forward in his seat. Jarod nodded.
"All he wants to do is help?" Parker contributed incredulously with one eyebrow raised.
"Yeah. He thinks what your father did to you was wrong."
"What does he know about wrong?" she asked in disgust. "He eats Asian women for fun!"
"Chaela," Jarod warned, "He really sounded like he wanted to help us bring down the Centre. Now, you know I have every reason to doubt him. But, for some reason, I want to trust him." The two looked at each other for a long time.
"Alright. Let's trust him," she murmured warily. Sydney nodded as well.
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Two Weeks Later
Jarod sorted the information he'd received from Lyle. It all proved to be vital information. A lot had changed since they'd been at the Centre last. Security measures were as tight as ever. Also, their window of opportunity was swiftly arriving.
A Triumvirate meeting was to be held at the Centre in one month. That was when they needed to make their move. Ambush the Triumvirate, and their worries were over.
With Lyle on board, and Angelo supporting him, the takeover had a good chance. Parker was sure that she could get Sam the Sweeper on her side, as well.
Hopefully, within a month's time, the Centre would be theirs.
By Samantha
Part 18: Miracles Happen
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Author's Note: Hey all! I'm trying to hammer out as many chapters as I can before school lets out. Then, I'll be doing my updating from a library, so they may not come as often as before (yes, I know, I haven't been very regular in updating. Sheesh! Give a girl a break!) It's getting to the crucial part of the story, so your feedback is almost necessary. I need to know if I'm doing it right. I'm hoping to get in a lot of action. Problem is, I don't do action very well. I'm going to give it my best effort, but if y'all could tell me where my weaknesses are when you notice them, that would be great. O-kee. Time to get crackin! Toodles! ~~Samantha (a.k.a. Bethe)
Author's Note 2: Okay, that previous note is outdated, as most of you know by now, lol. Well, I'm really hoping that we can get the Internet here at home. It's not a huge problem if I can't but it would be a nice convenience. Ah, well. Have fun! ~~Bethe
----------
Jarod and Parker sat facing each other in silence, but Parker still wouldn't say anything. Jarod was getting concerned. Ever since she'd regained her sight, she'd been withdrawn, almost depressed. Sydney, ever the professional, held tight to the patient-confidentiality clause and refused to tell him what had happened during the hypnosis session.
"Parker," he rumbled with compassion in his voice, "what's wrong? You can tell me." Tears flooded her blue eyes and her jaw trembled from trying not to sob. Jarod's heart clenched and he moved forward to take her in his arms. "Chaela," he murmured, running a hand through her hair.
"It's so horrible," she whispered, "you'll hate me."
"Never," he whispered back. "What is it?" For a few long moments, she didn't say anything.
"Jarod, when they took us back to the Centre, they--Daddy," she broke off and took in a shuddering breath before continuing, "They inseminated me," she whispered in disgust. "It's Daddy's child."
After those words came from her mouth, rage filled Jarod as he held her tighter. He couldn't believe people would be that sick, that low. Parker was now openly weeping, probably thinking the worst. For her sake, he swallowed his anger. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he pushed slightly back and looked her in the eyes. He wiped her cheek and said, "That doesn't matter to me, Chaela. It wasn't your decision. I could never hate you for this. This child is part of you, too. At least they didn't give you a disease that could kill you. You're healthy, and that's all that matters." He moved his head forward slightly and raised his eyebrows. "Okay? So, no more of this," he murmured lightly while running a finger down a tear trail.
Parker's eyes met his. She searched them before seeing that he meant what he said. Her lips trembled, turning Jarod's attention downward. He pressed his palm against her cheek and moved his head down.
As their lips met, Parker's eyes fluttered closed and she brought one of her hands to his upper arm. A soft noise escaped her throat. At that, Jarod wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling both of them to their feet. Their kiss deepened, becoming more passionate. Parker put both of her hands on the sides of his head.
"Ahem."
Like two small children getting caught rummaging around in their parents' closet, Jarod and Parker broke the kiss and turned towards the source of the noise.
Sydney stood in the doorway, his arms crossed, a smile on his face. Jarod chuckled incredulously and lowered his head until his forehead touched Parker's.
"Yes, Sydney?" he asked.
"Oh, I was merely wondering how you two were doing, and I came to check up on you."
"We're fine, Syd," Parker put in with a smile on her face. Sydney nodded.
"Good." The older man left while laughing to himself. Parker and Jarod looked at each other, then broke into laughter of their own.
"It does me good to hear you laugh and see you smile," Jarod whispered while smoothing hair from her face. "We're going to have to get you to the doctor as soon as possible." Parker shook her head.
"Not until we're finished with the Centre. Then, I'll go."
"Chaela, you can't go on with our plans now that you're pregnant," he said sternly. Only then did he realize that that was the worst thing he could've said to her. He could see the blue fire begin to flame in her eyes as she lifted her chin slightly.
"You think you can tell me what to do, Wonder Boy?" she questioned in an icy tone.
"Babe," he began, "I didn't mean to order you around. No one can do that. But I would prefer it, for your safety and the baby's, if you didn't get involved in the takeover," he murmured.
"Jarod," she murmured back, "I know Daddy. I'm carrying his only heir. He won't have me killed. He'll have to keep me alive while I'm still carrying it. We'll use it to our advantage. I won't do anything stupid." Jarod gave her a look.
"I promise," she said with her eyebrows raised. "What, don't trust me?" she asked with a small smile.
"Well. . ." Parker's eyes widened and she gave Jarod a playful slap on the arm. He then pulled her into his arms and kissed her so soundly that all conversation was stopped for awhile.
----------
The Centre
Lyle sat at his desk in his darkened office. He held up the small scrap of paper again. The phone number, written in neat, squared print stood out against the paper. He knew that if he called the number, he could kiss his cushy career goodbye. At the same time, if he called it, his newly growing conscience would stop nagging at him.
Ever since Jarod and his sister had been recaptured by the Centre, Lyle had become disillusioned with his life. He had seen what his father had done to Parker. He'd even been at the procedure. For some reason, it had sickened him.
For the longest time he had mentally wrestled with the issue. He was a cannibal, for crying out loud. It seemed strange that the idea of impregnating your daughter with your own sperm would be offensive.
But it was, to Lyle, at least.
Sighing, he picked up his secure cell phone and dialed the number.
----------
"Yes?" Jarod answered the phone.
"Jarod, I know what you're thinking, and--,"
"How did you get this number?" he asked, trying to think of where Parker and Sydney were. If Lyle knew their number, they had to move quickly.
"Jarod, calm down. Stop looking for my sister." He sighed. "I want to help."
"Help with what?" Jarod asked, playing innocent.
"Jarod, I've been developing a nasty habit lately."
"Oh? What's that?"
"A conscience. What Dad did to Sis was just wrong. And I want out."
Jarod contemplated the scenario. Lyle really sounded like he meant what he said.
"So?" he asked, urging Lyle to continue.
"So, I figure that I can help you out. Anything you need, you got it."
"Forgive me for being skeptical, but I'm going to have to think this over. And talk it over with Parker, Sydney, and Broots."
"I understand. I'll give you a call in a few days to see what you think." Lyle hung up the phone. After a few moments of hesitation, Jarod put his down.
"Chaela! Syd! We need to talk!"
----------
"Did he sound sincere?" asked the aging psychiatrist, leaning forward in his seat. Jarod nodded.
"All he wants to do is help?" Parker contributed incredulously with one eyebrow raised.
"Yeah. He thinks what your father did to you was wrong."
"What does he know about wrong?" she asked in disgust. "He eats Asian women for fun!"
"Chaela," Jarod warned, "He really sounded like he wanted to help us bring down the Centre. Now, you know I have every reason to doubt him. But, for some reason, I want to trust him." The two looked at each other for a long time.
"Alright. Let's trust him," she murmured warily. Sydney nodded as well.
----------
Two Weeks Later
Jarod sorted the information he'd received from Lyle. It all proved to be vital information. A lot had changed since they'd been at the Centre last. Security measures were as tight as ever. Also, their window of opportunity was swiftly arriving.
A Triumvirate meeting was to be held at the Centre in one month. That was when they needed to make their move. Ambush the Triumvirate, and their worries were over.
With Lyle on board, and Angelo supporting him, the takeover had a good chance. Parker was sure that she could get Sam the Sweeper on her side, as well.
Hopefully, within a month's time, the Centre would be theirs.