Disclaimer: Please see Chapter 1 for the usual statements.
Parker residence
Blue Cove, DE
The past month had been beyond challenging. It had taken a strongly suggestive meeting bordering on the threatening from the combined Tower executive body along with the Triumvirate on speaker phone to put Raines securely in place. Even that had only partially stifled the deep seated ill-will that lingered in the old man's eyes. He backed off like a well-trained dog but Parker could tell that he had already planned his revenge and she would have to remain vigilant to avoid falling into one of his traps. The Tower itself was another hardship that demanded her vigilance. The group demanded more of her attention and attempted to use her in any way it could. Her ideas and innovations became the property of the body as a whole. Her abilities were on a scale they felt she had but scraped the surface of and continually prodded her to produce more creative and innovative ways for them to conduct business while claiming credit for her ideas.
At the end of each day, Parker returned to her empty house. Moriyama fell in the habitual custom of having her wait just inside the doorway to her home while he checked the interior. The pervasive feeling of loneliness settled on her once again as the constant threat at work and a stifling emotional dearth began to atrophy her spirit. With weary languor Parker walked past her bodyguard and headed straight to her bath for few moments of relaxation. The bottom line was she had stopped caring about her survival but she was damned sure the old psycho who killed her mother would never have his chance to do the same to her.
Moriyama watched his boss walk listlessly by him with a sorrow deep in his heart. Once again his Oyabun was alone, isolated and with no one to care for her besides her personal bodyguards. He knew what would alleviate her loneliness but he didn't like the cure. Jarod was too cocky and too sure of himself. He related too easily with Parker and almost effortlessly eased himself into their lives and her bed. One day he would ask his treasured Oyabun about her past and the history of her relationship with the Pretender. The meager details he had overheard during their dinner conversation left him curious. Moriyama retreated to the kitchen and started to brew some tea. He was sitting at Parker's kitchen table sipping tea when a slight puff of breeze lightly stroked the back of his neck. He whirled around with his gun drawn and came face to face with Jarod. The Pretender stood just inside the doorway with a 9mm, primed and ready, pointed directly in Moriyama's face. The sweeper stared at Jarod before slowly lowering his weapon. Jarod walked over to the stove and immediately helped himself to a cup of tea.
"How is she?"
"How do you expect? Raines is a formidable enemy. His threats are as real as is his unreasonable anger. There is little either Sydney or Broots can do that is of any help. She is alone."
"I was afraid something like that would happen," Jarod replied thoughtfully. After a short pause he finally asked, "Why do you call her Oyabun?"
"She saved my life, then provided me protection, all without causing me to lose face. She has an effortless intelligence that helps her run circles around the likes of Mr. Lyle and never breaks a sweat. My early life was dominated by the Yakuza but the Oyabun who ruled the family eventually lost his territory, and then his life. He was a hard man and many considered him brilliant. Miss Parker could've had him for breakfast and not have suffered a hair out of place. Unfortunately, everyone has their weaknesses, including Oyabun Parker. The fact that she is a woman is significant but of no consequence. I owe her everything."
Jarod listened to Moriyama's words without interruption, then nodded quietly to himself. "I've come to make her an offer, one I'm hoping she won't refuse."
Moriyama stared at the Pretender, knowing Jarod wanted to remove her from the Centre for good. The sweeper understood that he could protect her from harm for only so long before Raines found a way to kill them both. Moriyama gave Jarod a short nod of approval and returned to sipping his tea.
The bath helped soothe Parker's frayed nerves. She was thoroughly fed up with the Centre, its intrigues, pressures and resident ogre of a chairman. The only reason she stayed was because she had nothing left to turn to or anyone in her life who cared about her in a way she could use as a reference point of continuing hope. All the secrets and lies left a bitter taste in her mouth. She was still interested in uncovering the mysteries but the more she learned of the Centre from her new position, the less she felt compelled to look under any more rocks.
Dressed in her dark silk pajamas, Parker brushed back her wet hair. Idly she considered going to her favorite salon to have it cut. A new style would perk her up for a few days. Laying down the brush, Parker walked slowly back into her bedroom. Hopes for getting a restful night's sleep were dim at best. She attributed her pessimistic attitude to her insomnia and considered for a brief moment to take the sleep aids her private physician had given her. She had her hand on the bedside nightstand when the hairs at the back of her neck stood on end. Without thinking she looked up to find a shadowy figure sitting on her window seat.
"I must say, you look quite fetching in those pajamas, Miss Parker," remarked the deep, sardonic voice.
Forcibly, furrowing her brow to conceal the dizzying pleasure his voice caused, Parker retorted, "What the hell do you think you're doing? There are more bugs in this house than in an entomologist's lab. There's probably a streaming video of this conversation being played back in Raines' office as we speak."
"Not quite. You see I once worked as an exterminator and I'm very adept at finding the little critters. I've been waiting for you. Which brings me to another subject; you spend far too much time at the Centre. Why don't you take more time off? Or are you just a glutton for punishment?" During this foray of questions, Jarod alighted from his perch and walked up to his lover. Reaching out, he touched her wet hair lightly, then tilting his head to one side he stared into her gray eyes. "You're letting it grow. It's beautiful."
Finally the smile that had been threatening to expose her real feelings, showed itself in brilliant detail. The subtle lines of fatigue and worry melted away as she returned Jarod's stare. With a half chuckle she asked, "How do you always know what I'm thinking?" Before he could answer, Parker closed the remaining gap between them, wrapped her hand around the base of his neck and pulling him down towards her, kissed him passionately. The second he opened his mouth to her, she slipped her tongue inside. Slowly and erotically, she passed her tongue though his mouth as though gathering a memory.
Jarod was practically overwhelmed by their shared emotions. They had kissed numerous times and as a rule they mostly French kissed but the quality and emotion behind this touched his subconscious. Without knowing it, Jarod had one hand at the base of her spine while the other grasped her shoulder pressing her into his body. By the time she broke away, Jarod, who could hold his breath for over 2 minutes, had trouble controlling his breathing. It was like she was kissing him goodbye and he was having none of it. Swiftly and with practiced grace, he lifted the oversized silk pajama top off her body and started kissing her again. Parker happily gave into his tacit request and pushing him onto the bed they began making love.
Some time later, Parker rolled over and ran her hand caressingly over his muscular chest. She couldn't have imagined a more welcome visit. Jarod was just what the doctor would've ordered if he knew how she felt about him. Right now, Jarod represented a freedom she knew she could never obtain for herself. Instead of dwelling on her current misery, she refocused her attention on the beautiful male body lying next to her. She almost laughed at herself and her inability to keep her hands off her former prey. Careful not to jostle him, she eased her body closer to his and let her hand rest easily on his hip.
"How are you? You don't seem as tense as you were after your bath," he asked her softly. The abrupt sound of his voice startled her; she had thought he was asleep.
"Don't get a big head about this, Genius. But right now, I'm very relaxed and satisfied. What made you show up? Is there something going on at the Centre I should know about?" she asked lazily as she surreptitiously breathed in his scent while her hand traced intricate patterns along his torso.
"Yes and no. The main reason I'm here is to fulfill a fantasy someone told me about. Something about me sneaking into a certain bedroom for a late night tryst," he replied with a smile in his voice.
"I told you that? I don't remember, when did I say that?"
"It doesn't matter. What does matter is that I'm here and there are a few things I need to discuss with you," he responded, his tone brusquely switched from playful to serious.
Parker rolled over onto her back and with a deep sigh asked, "This sounds serious, what is it?"
"With Sydney's help, I've found a way to keep Raines from threatening either one of them again," Jarod began. Parker turned to stare at him disbelievingly. At the look on her face, he offered her a slight smile and continued, "It seems as though Raines had planned all along to skim 5% of the sale of Hemmings research into his own pocket. I found the first hint of that in a file I confiscated from Lyle's apartment safe. A bit more digging and some late night work from Sydney and Broots gave me what I was looking for--blackmail. By the way, what happened to Lyle? I haven't seen him in a while. He should've been released from jail by now."
A smug smile appeared on her face as she answered him, "I decided he needed more than just a few uncomfortable nights in jail. As far as his henchman, Royce, he will get a taste of what Hemmings was complaining about. I've used the power of the Center to strip that little weasel of everything he owns. He wanted to buy me, well I made sure he would find it difficult to buy a doughnut."
"What did you do to Lyle?" Jarod asked his curiosity in full bloom.
"I took copies of some of the paperwork my teams recovered from Hemmings' lair. Along with the 2 vials of toxin I had planted in his car, I included some evidence of Lyle's negotiations with the third world buyers. Your former colleagues are thrilled they have in custody a man whom they believe was Hemmings' accomplice. My serial killer, demented twin will be behind bars for a long time. From what I hear, he hasn't been allowed to see a lawyer and all of Raines' efforts are falling on election year deaf ears. If Lyle suddenly develops an yen for talking, the Triumvirate will deal with the situation."
"Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. I'm impressed, Miss Parker. Lyle behind bars and all the evidence supplied by the Centre, perfect. Actually, I was forced to use different methods with Raines. I had to use a threat to neutralize his threats."
"You plan on blackmailing Raines? How long do you actually think it will last? I've been there and done that. It's hard keeping that the old snake from slithering away unscathed."
"Ah, my dear, you keep underestimating me. I promise you, he won't be threatening anyone you care about for the rest of his tenure," Jarod answered confidently.
"So why are you telling me this? Being a Tower executive is hardly job security. Every time I walk into that boardroom you can cut the jealousy with a knife. If it wasn't Raines looking for revenge, then one of my colleagues would decide they could run the Tower without me," Parker said with weariness beyond her years.
"Come with me. Raines is at bay now, there's no need for you to stay. I want you and from what we just got finished doing, the feeling is mutual. I want to build something with you. A life, a real life without the Centre overshadowing us every way we turn."
"You still have your mother to find," Parker countered. "Before you can completely put the Centre behind you, you have to find her. It's what you've wanted all your life."
Deftly changing tactics, Jarod answered slyly, "You once said I was always there for you. When you needed someone most, I was there. What I'm asking is for you to be there for me. We can look for my mother together."
"My mother said it would be Ethan who would find your mother, not us."
"Well, right now, I'm not too sure where Ethan is either and that's why I need you. There's a connection between you and Ethan. I'm convinced the minute you start actively looking for him, he'll know and come looking for you. Most importantly, I want us to give us a chance. That won't happen with monthly visits," Jarod replied. Then with a grin in his voice he added, "Besides, I think I getting a little greedy." He lifted her arm ran his hand down the length of it to her hand and entwined his fingers with hers.
Removing her hand from his, Parker propped herself up on her elbow and started down at his face. "I can't imagine what your father's reaction will be once you tell him about me. He'll be less than thrilled at your choice of girlfriend."
"Let me worry about that. I think Dad will be happy that I'm happy. Now, how Emily and Aiden will react, I'm not quite sure but I think they will take their cue from Dad."
"Aiden and Emily? Who are they?"
"My sister, the one Lyle tried to kill by shoving her out of a window and the boy you found at Donaterese. He took the name Aiden and is living with my sister. They're creating a family unit for Dad and me to touch base with during our search for my mother."
Parker grimaced disgustedly at the mention of Lyle's murder attempt on Jarod's family. If the Pretender didn't already have motivation to inflict serious harm on Lyle then this would've given him ample impetus. Given the various ways her family had inflicted pain on his family, Parker asked calmly, "And what if we don't work out?"
"Then you're free to go where ever you wish," he answered. Then giving her a rakish smile he asked, "You really think our relationship won't last? Is that what your heart says?"
Returning his smile she commented, "I knew that compliment went to your head." Reaching under the covers that slipped down to his waist, Parker grasped him lightly. "It seems it went to your other head as well." She leaned over and kissed him. Jarod reached up and thrust his hand in her now dry hair and slowly rolled over and on top of her without breaking contact. After several seconds, Parker pulled away and looked with hesitant apprehension into his face, which was illuminated by the bright moonlight outside. "I want you." Her words were simple but her meaning was more complex. She wanted him in her life, in her heart as well as her bed.
"I'm here and have no plans to be anywhere else but in your life, for keeps." Jarod had caught her deeper meaning and lowering his head started making love to her.
Parker wondered idly how her bodyguard would manage to get along with her lover, while Jarod slowly built up the ecstasy in her body. She had saved Moriyama's life and thus he became her responsibility. It was a major part of the subtle symbiosis they developed and shared. Parker would hold up her end. Often being on the receiving end of her father's neglect and off-handed cruelty, she was determined not to do that to someone who was depending on her. An idea on how to present this situation to Jarod formed in her mind, just as everything went blank and pleasure enveloped her mind and senses.
The Centre
Blue Cove, DE
It was early morning by the time Sydney walked into his office. Still he had a spring in his step and his heart was light. He entered his darkened office and turned on the lights to find Broots sitting on his couch staring at him. The unexpected sight of his computer geek friend startled him.
"Broots, what are you doing her so early? And why are you sitting in the dark?"
"Did you get a package this morning?" Broots asked solemnly.
"Yes, along with instructions," Sydney answered cautiously. The package he received had actually came from Jarod. He spoke slowly to remind his friend of the constant monitoring from the DSA recorders. The note inside also contained instructions to hand over the package left for him to a lawyer who had no affiliations with the Centre. If anything happened to Sydney, then the lawyer would send the pre-addressed package to the Triumvirate. Broots' package was identical but in Miss Parker's handwriting.
Catching the hint, Broots nodded quickly and answered, "Yeah, I already did but I found an interesting e-mail you should look at. That's why I'm here."
Sydney walked to his computer and stared at the screen Broots had left on his monitor. It contained an e-mailed resignation letter to both the Triumvirate and Tower. Generously using her caustic wit, Parker outlined the reasons for her sudden departure to her employers. A few appreciative chuckles bubbled easily from the older man's lips. Broots had to strain to hear the psychiatrist's words as Sydney said, "Good luck in your new life Parker. Your mother would be proud."
"Did you know her bodyguard, Moriyama went with her? It was in her letter. She's really something, Sydney. She saved his life and in the end, she didn't abandon either of us."
"Yes Broots, she most definitely is. You see she has some inherited aspects to her personality from her mother. On the other hand her own sense of morality combined with her unique life experiences…" Sydney had taken his friend by the arm and walked with him out of the office and towards the commissary for an early morning breakfast.
The Centre - Executive Level
Blue Cove, DE
He made the familiar trek to her office for what he believed would be the last time. The halls were empty because it was several hours before the main flood of Centre employees were scheduled to report for work. With a heavy heart, Sam stopped just short of the door. He was aware of his reputation among his fellow sweepers. They viewed him as a corporate man who would work for anyone, including Mr. Lyle, but had his preference for Miss Parker. They were right and he felt no shame in admitting that fact to himself. There were a number of things Miss Parker had done in the past which would remain hidden and die with him. Sam felt satisfied in his loyalty for his boss. Working for Lyle had been stressful and watching him torture Jarod wasn't the highlight of Sam's career. The head sweeper knew he would do it again to keep psychos like Mr. Lyle and Mr. Raines from believing he held the secrets she had entrusted to him.
Finally, Sam opened the office door and silently entered. He knew the person he was looking for was somewhere inside. The light was dim but understanding the lethal reputation of the person he was searching for encouraged his caution. Once his eyes became used to the darkness, Sam spotted his target. Lounging on her office couch was Mark. How this lay-about retained his position on her team was beyond Sam. The fact Mark's aim was unprecedented in its accuracy, from shooting a 9mm weapon to a crossbow, was poor compensation. Sam approached his fellow sweeper, momentarily allowing his disgust to overcome his caution.
"Why are you here?" Mark abruptly asked sleepily, startling Sam.
"I have a message," he replied firmly. The room was still and silent. Sam, having worked for masters who used silence as a weapon heeded Parker's advice and allowed the moment to answer to pass before continuing. "It's in the envelope. I don't want to know what it says, so don't share. My suspicions are good enough."
"Now why would I do something like that?"
"You're an odd duck and that's saying something considering where we work," Sam shot back sardonically.
"Any answering message?" Mark asked.
"If there is ever anything she needs, she knows how to contact me. The same goes for Lucien."
"Touching," Mark answered emptily.
"We were a part of her team while you were murdering fellow sweepers on Brigitte's orders. You can kid yourself but there's nothing wrong with my memory."
Conceding to Sam's anger, Mark sat up, revealing the silenced 9mm aimed at Sam's head. "Orders are orders. Miss Parker is my boss now, the gray areas don't come up like they used to with Brigitte." Pausing for a few seconds, Mark looked at the other sweeper curiously, "I wonder how this is going to work out?"
Sam stared at the thin, average Asian who managed to be far more quick-witted than he acted. With a short nod, Sam turned on his heel and walked away. Being reassigned to the Jarod pursuit team full-time would prove to be an interesting assignment.
Mark watched the loyal sweeper leave; knowing Sam was hurting somewhere deep inside. He was hoping to be no where around when the loss slipped past the muscular sweeper's control and insisted on being felt. Absently picking up the envelope, Mark read, then reread the short note on the page. His earlier question to Sam was answered. Glancing up, Mark stared at the camera in the office--the green light was dark. He hated anyone watching him while he slept.
'How am I supposed to pack up all her stuff from her house in less than 2 hours?' Mark thought balefully. He promised himself this would be the last time anyone caught him napping again. A promise he made faithfully to himself, then unconsciously broke when he fell fast asleep on the flight to his new life after he finished the long list of tasks Parker had given him.
~Fin~
Author's note: Thanks to those who stuck with the story to the end. I sincerely hope you all enjoyed it.