Chapter Seventeen – Rejected
Raines had called both Miss Parker and Lyle into his office. "Neither of your teams caught the intruders?" he wheezed angrily.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Raines," Lyle said in an insolent tone, "but either they escaped, or it was a false alarm."
"You had better hope it was the second," the old man hissed.
The Sweeper who had been guarding Jarod's cage ran past the open door, did a double take, and peeked his head into the room. "Mr. Lyle," he called. "Can I speak to you for a second?"
The thumb-less man went to meet him, but Miss Parker interjected with "What he wants to tell Lyle I want to hear too."
The Sweeper gave Lyle a questioning glance, but Raines nodded so he was unable to admit his ineptitude in private. "Jarod's gone," he said.
"Gone?" Lyle repeated.
"When?" Miss Parker asked.
"While the alarms were blaring. I left to go look for the intruders."
"You abandoned your post?" asked Miss Parker.
"The bells must have been a distraction," the Sweeper said.
Realizing what had gone on, Lyle accused his sister, "You did it, didn't you?! You helped Jarod escape!"
"How could I?" she returned. "I was down in SL-23, remember?"
"Then it must have been Broots or Sydney," Lyle continued. "Where are they?"
"Out to lunch. Check the tapes and see," she replied.
"I think I will," he said, turning to leave.
"Don't forget," Raines called to Lyle. "The Triumvirate will expect someone to pay for this once I write a report!"
There was no response from Lyle, who left with the Sweeper. Miss Parker watched them go.
"Thank you for foiling him, my daughter," Raines said.
Miss Parker turned around to face him, startled by what he had said. "Come again?" she asked.
"I called you my daughter," he repeated.
"How did you know I did it?" she asked, stunned.
Raines wheezed. "I watched several discreet actions that made it clear Sydney was trying to get Jarod out." He paused to take a long breath. "I also noticed you watching them go."
"Why didn't you say anything?" Miss Parker continued.
"Family members stick up for each other."
Miss Parker turned away with disgust at the mention of kinship again. "After all the things you've done to me, you think blood means I'll just forget?" she asked. "We aren't family, Mr. Raines. I may be your daughter, but you're not my father." She started to leave.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"I'm going to hunt for Jarod."
"Then I know you will bring him back safely," Raines said.
She paused, surprised by the expression of his faith in her abilities and humanity. Not even Mr. Parker had done that.
Miss Parker resumed leaving and Mr. Raines was alone.