The Windy City
Pretender/ER/Alias crossover
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. Also, I wish I had been watching this show when it was on NBC, because I didn't know what I was missing. I began watching the repeats on TNT and fell in love with the ingenious concept. I would love to see another 'Pretender' movie come out.
The Backstory: Shortly after Ms. Parker and Mr. Lyle were made aware, of the consequences of what would happen to the one of them, that did not find Jarod and bring him back to The Centre, Mr. Lyle began looking for him with a vengeance. Yet, per the norm, he would just miss him, or be completely off track as to his location. That was all due to Ms. Parker.
Strangely enough, it was Thomas's death, that began to haunt Ms. Parker again. There had been something about him, that reminded her of Jarod. She didn't know what it was, but it was enough to make her warn Jarod, about where Lyle was, whenever he called. Ms. Parker would also purposely avoid conversation about herself, or the two of them. Sydney, Mr. Broots and her, would find information on Jarod's family, and tell him what they knew. Jarod would chase the leads.
But, once again, with each little bit of help he received from 'the three stooges', the more Jarod took it as a sign, that Ms. Parker was finally getting the courage to leave The Centre. It was too much for him to hope, that she might entertain the idea of a relationship with him. And he knew that that would never happen, while she was still under the influence of The Centre. But he did keep in contact with her, ignoring her blustery rudeness, for he knew what really lay underneath.
Then, one day, The Centre was taken over by a man named Arvin Sloane. Mr. Sloan was not interested in the usual functions of The Centre. He ordered Mr. Lyle to kill Mr. Raines, which he did, and anyone else that did not swear their loyalty, to the new regime. Sydney and Mr. Broots, swore their loyalty.
Sydney and Mr. Broots, found that their new assignment, had to do with a kidnapped CIA agent named Sidney Bristow. Sloan had bigger ambitions, so while The Centre still exploited human beings for profit, it was not their main purpose. Thus, the chase for Jarod, was scaled back, but not forgotten.
Ms. Parker, who was forced to swear her allegiance to Sloan as well, did not know, that Arvin had fallen for her. He was turned on by her abrupt manners and hard, yet, polished veneer. He decided that he wanted her to become Mrs. Arvin Sloan.
Mr. Lyle, approached his sister with the offer, telling her, that this would go a long way in solidifying their power base in the organization. Ms. Parker, repulsed at not only the idea of being married to Sloan, but of being under a husband's thumb, thus giving up her illusion of independence, refused. Mr. Lyle made it clear that she really had no choice. Either she married Arvin Sloan, or she would have outlived her usefulness in the organization.
When Jarod called later on that night, Ms. Parker did not tell him of her newest quandary. But, she did take him up on his offer to meet. She now felt as if she had to see him, though at the time, she found herself feeling confused as to why.
They arranged to meet in Illinois, where Jarod was on another Pretend. There was an abandoned farm house, on the outskirts of a town called Naperville. Ms. Parker gave him a folder, that told of where his mother might be at that time. Jarod told her he would follow up on it right away. Then, he started peppering her with questions about the new regime, and when she would get the courage to leave.
Ms. Parker would never know what it was that broke in her then. Maybe it was because for the first time, she truly felt like Jarod. She now knew she was no more than property to these people, to be bought and sold, just so evil men could keep and solidify their power. She wanted no more of it.
Ms. Parker told Jarod everything: about Arvin Sloane, about what the organization was now about, how they had enslaved Sydney and Mr. Broots to do even more distasteful dirty work...everything.
Jarod had just stared at her. When Ms. Parker turned to leave, Jarod's hand had snaked out and pulled her back to him. He then offered her a life with him. She had just stared back at him, for she now knew, that she couldn't ask that of him. Jarod was now flying below the radar. If he took up with her, he would never have time to find his mother. He would never have time to truly reunite with his family.
Ms. Parker told him that much, just as the rain began to fall. Jarod answered her by telling her that she was his family too. That they were connected and always would be. That he loved her.
Those last words, had Ms. Parker trying to run from the barn, but she was firmly pulled into Jarod's arms. He then pulled them both into an empty stall, and for a few hours, during that storm, they both surrendered to the greatest passion of their lives. A passion that had begun when they were children. In many ways, a bizarre version of 'Great Expectations', with Jarod as Pip to Ms. Parker's Estella.
The rain had slowed, something Ms. Parker noticed, as she listened to it hit the barn roof top. Ms. Parker had pulled out of Jarod's arms, and stared at his handsome face as he slept. She found herself wondering how a grown man could look so much like a little boy, whether he was awake or asleep. She then looked around for her clothes. She was leaving The Centre. It was the only way to keep from being stuck in a loveless marriage to Arvin Sloan. She would just have to kill anyone that came after her. And there would be people, she had no doubt of that.
Ms. Parker had crept from the barn, then hurried to her car, got in and drove off. She had then breathed in deeply. For she knew, at that moment, that she and Jarod had conceived a baby. It was almost as if she could feel new life in her. Ms. Parker knew that she couldn't allow her baby to become the property of The Centre. She also knew that as long as The Centre continued to think of herself and Jarod as theirs, they could not be together. Thinking along those lines, she never saw Mr. Lyle's car, as it followed behind her.....
Jarod awoke, found Ms. Parker gone, and swore to himself that he would not give up on her. Not only would he make her see that she could have her own life, but that she could have one with him. Plus, he was scared to death over this Arvin Sloan business, and knew that Ms. Parker was as well, no matter how much she had tried to cover it.
It would be a whole year and a half, before Jarod saw Ms. Parker again....
PRESENT TIME
Jarod walked up to the Chicago County General ER ambulance bay. He was dressed in a winter coat, hat and gloves. He also carried a duffle bag. He nodded to Dr. Carter, the senior resident, that worked there. Carter smiled.
'Hey, Jarod! You going to Romano's party tonight?'
Jarod smiled. He was known to everyone as Dr. Jarod Russell.
'I wouldn't miss it. Though, one does wonder why a man like Dr. Romano, would open his house and home to us? What did he call us the other day?'
'Retards!' Carter said, his smile growing even wider. 'He has always made it very clear that to him, ER means, 'Everyone is retarded'. Don't let him bother you. The guy just loves being a jerk.'
Jarod nodded.
'So, I gathered. Although, from what I hear, the man has mellowed somewhat? I mean, this is what this party is all about, correct?'
Carter was about to answer, when an ambulance pulled up. Jarod dropped his duffle bag and hurried to the back of the ambulance with Carter.
The doors to the back of the ambulance, and to the emergency room doors, opened at the same time. Dr. Robert 'Rocket' Romano, a short, balding man, who had been demoted to Chief Of Staff, due to a horrifying injury, came bounding out, along with Dr. Susan Lewis, an Attending ER Physician.
Susan smiled at Jarod. He was cute.
'Hey, Jarod!'
'Yes, Russell,' Romano began sarcastically, 'you're on the 7 a.m. shift, correct?'
Jarod rolled his tongue around in his mouth before answering.
'Yes.'
'Well, it is now 7:13. We'll handle this, you already have a full board.'
Jarod said nothing, but took a deep breath. Susan moved away from the patient, as Carter and Romano seemed to be handling things. She walked over to Jarod. Romano glanced at the two of them while pushing the patient inside.
'Hey you two! Get your kicks off the clock! Jarod, inside, now!
Romano turned and hurried alongside the gurney. Carter gave Jarod and Susan, a sympathetic glance, before disappearing inside with Romano.
'Hey, listen, are you going to Romano's party tonight?' Susan asked him.
'I wouldn't miss it.' he replied, smiling down at her.
'Good...so I was wondering...you know...if you wanted to go together?'
Jarod's smile disappeared.
'Actually, I'm going with Dr. Corday.'
Susan looked embarrassed.
'Oh, hey, no problem. Maybe I'll see you there.'
'You will.' Jarod said, sorry that that moment was so awkward. He liked Dr. Lewis, and if circumstances had been different, if his life had been different, maybe they might have been able to give it a chance. Susan turned and walked back inside. Jarod waited a few moments before following.
It was very important that he attend Romano's party...with Dr. Corday.
****
Jarod changed in the locker room, putting on his white coat over his scrubs. Abby Lockhart, a nurse, walked in, then stopped short.
'Hey, Jarod.'
'Hello, Abby.'
Abby stared at him briefly. He was so cute! And nice. He was the only doctor she could ever remember working with, that went out of his way to thank the nurses.
'Uh, that strep throat you had come in last week is back....behind curtain three.'
Jarod closed his locker.
'Alright. I'll be right out.'
But Abby just stood there.
'Was there something else, Abby?' he asked.
'Uh, yes, uh, are you going to Dr. Romano's party tonight?'
Jarod didn't quite know what to make of this concept. Two women, in one day, had asked him to the same event! In a strange way, he was quite flattered, and a little saddened. For this would be the second time in one day, that he would have to hurt a nice woman's feelings.
Jarod walked up to her.
'Actually, I'm going with Dr. Corday.'
'Oh! Oh, of course. You know, I think someone told me that! Silly me!'
Jarod put a hand on her shoulder.
'No, you're not silly. But, I will see you there?'
Abby nodded.
'Oh, yeah, of course.'
'You know Abby, I think Dr. Kovach would like to go with you.'
Abby raised a brow.
'Luka? Oh, Luka and I are just friends.'
'Well, so are we. And you invited me just now.' Jarod reminded her.
Abby blinked hard.
'Yeah, but...how do I explain this? Luka and I have been down that road before. It just doesn't work.'
'I don't understand.' Jarod said.
'Neither do I.' Abby responded, before turning and walking away. 'Don't forget that strep in three.'
Jarod nodded, as Abby walked off. He opened the door and walked over behind a desk, to look at his board for the day. It was definitely full.
Jerry, a big, lumbering guy, who worked as the desk clerk, grinned when he saw him.
'Jarod my man! I heard you're taking Dr. Corday to Romano's party?'
Jarod grinned at him.
'Is there nothing you don't know around here?'
'Not much!'
Jarod reduced his grin to a smile, picked up a chart, looked around, then sidled up to Jerry.
'Tell me, what can you tell me about Dr. Romano's wife?'
Jerry, who had been staring at the computer, grinned again.
'You mean the reason Romano's throwing this shindig? You know, he's only doing it to show off the fact that some woman could stand him for two years, without killing herself!'
'Jerry,' Susan interrupted, 'are those test results back on my cancer patient yet?'
Jerry looked around the desk clutter, squinted, then handed her a folder. Susan smiled at Jarod again, before walking off. Jerry looked over at Jarod and grinned.
'Man! The women here are so hot for you...'
'Jerry, about Romano's wife?'
Jerry looked around, to make sure that no one of importance, overheard him gossiping.
'Yeah, see with his fake arm, he was lucky to get anyone at all. That and his sterling personality.'
Jarod nodded slightly.
'I'd noticed his charm.'
'Yeah well, about a year ago, this woman shows up here in the ER. Someone found her on the side of the road and brought her here. She was kind of banged up, like she had been in some kind of wreck or something. Anyway, Romano takes care of her, they fall in love, get married, have a daughter...'
Jarod's jaw tightened. Jerry was being maddeningly obtuse! He decided to change his strategy, as to not make him suspicious.
'You see, I'm asking because I've heard things.'
Jerry was staring at the computer again, when he said that. He looked over at Jarod again.
'Like?'
'Like the child is not Romano's...things like that.'
Jerry grinned. He then lowered his voice to a whisper.
'No. There's no way it could be. The math never added up. The whole marriage thing was just kind of weird...and some, like Dr. Corday, thought it was unethical.'
'Why?'
'Because the woman has amnesia! She still does as far as I know. I mean, we don't know if she was attacked, and that's why she ended up pregnant...she doesn't even know. Romano sees this beautiful, vulnerable woman, puts the moves on her and marries her. I would be willing to bet money that if Mrs. Romano was in her right mind, she wouldn't have let a creep like Romano, come within a foot of her.'
'Who's a creep, Jerry? Talking about yourself?' Romano asked, as he glided behind the desk. He then stared at Jarod.
'You know, everytime I look at you, you're standing around doing nothing.'
'I'm sorry, Dr. Romano.'
'Don't be sorry, ass wipe! Just get to work!' he snapped, turning and walking off.
'Do you think he heard us?' Jerry asked, looking at Romano's back.
Jarod didn't answer. He walked up to Dr. Lewis.
'Susan, could you cover my patients for an hour. Family emergency.'
Susan smiled at him.
'No problem. I hope it isn't anything too serious?'
'I hope not either. I have a strep in three.' Jarod answered, hurrying from the ER. Romano came from behind a curtain, and stared at Jarod's back in disbelief.
'Where the hell is he going?' he asked no one in particular.
****
Jarod sat outside of the Romano house, parked in a rental car. He took out his cell phone and dialed a number. Sydney answered.
'Hello?'
'Hello, Sydney. I think I've found our Ms. Parker.'
'Good God! So, she is alive? Thank God! I'm sure Mr. Lyle thinks he did a much more thorough job though.'
Jarod stared at the house, knowing that Ms. Parker was inside...with his daughter.
'Yes, I'm sure he does. Though I am going to confirm it for sure tonight.'
'What do you mean?'
'I'll tell you later on tonight. But for now, we have to be very careful. It is important that your 'bosses' continue to think Ms. Parker is dead.'
'I agree. Otherwise, she'll be sold off to Mr. Sloane.'
'There are other considerations now.' Jarod murmured.
'What did you say, Jarod?'
Jarod remembered himself.
'Nothing. I'll call you tonight with an update.'
'Please do. And be careful.'
Jarod grinned.
'Aren't I always?' he asked teasingly, before hanging up. He was about to turn the key in the ignition, when the front door to the house opened, and Ms. Parker, dressed in a winter coat, and wearing a barrette on one side of her hair, walked out of the front door, carrying a baby girl, with dark hair. They walked to a dark green mini-van, sitting in the drive.
Jarod's heart skipped, as he stared at both of them. Oh, that was Ms. Parker alright! And she definitely had amnesia or something! She would never wear a barrette! It was so...so...feminine, he guessed, was the word he was looking for.
His eyes moved from her, to the little girl. She was his, Jarod could feel it. Ms. Parker, and little baby Parker. His family.
Jarod's hands tightened on the steering wheel. He had worked at County General for a week now. And the only reason he was on this particular pretend, was because it was where his search for Ms. Parker had lead.
Jarod watched as Ms. Parker backed out of the drive way, then took off down the street. Jarod began following her. His thoughts wandered back to the day he awoke in the barn and found her gone.
He had been determined to never give up on getting her to see, that they could have a life together, outside of The Centre. But, Jarod had also known, that their encounter, had probably frightened her, to some degree. For when he had been with Ms. Parker, she had just melted in his arms, and almost, surrendered to him, dropping all of her insecurities and doubts. In many ways, the experience proved to him, what he already had known the whole time. That he and Ms. Parker were connected, and always would be.
So, Jarod decided to give her some space. He left the barn, with the information she had given him on his mother. That information, had taken him out of the country for 3 months.
When Jarod returned, he had missed his mother by a week. Disappointed, but missing Ms. Parker, he began phoning her cell, thinking he had given her plenty of space. He got the shock of his life, when Mr. Lyle answered it and said hello to him.
Jarod had hung up, then went on the run for the next year. He didn't dare call Sydney, for it was his understanding, from what Ms. Parker had told him, that the new technology Arvin Sloane had brought into the organization, would be able to pinpoint him if he called anyone associated with the New Centre. That included Sydney and Mr. Broots.
Jarod did less pretends than usual, surprisingly because the sweepers never came to chase him from a specific job. It was as if Sloane's interests lay elsewhere, and Jarod could almost live a normal life.
But Jarod couldn't enjoy his newfound freedom, without knowing why Mr. Lyle had answered Ms. Parker's phone. He finally decided to take a chance, and call Sydney anyway. It was then, that he got one of the biggest shocks of his life.
Sydney and Broots, who had arranged it so that their phones were untraceable to Jarod, told him that Ms. Parker had seemingly 'vanished'. Sydney confided in Jarod that he suspected that it was Ms. Parker's refusal to acquiesce to a marriage with Mr. Sloan, that may have lead to her downfall. No one had seen her, since she left to meet Jarod, sometime last year. All that was known, was that Mr. Lyle not only had her phone, but her car, and had the colossal nerve to be taking up residence in her home! A sign that he did not expect Ms. Parker to return anytime soon and kick him out!
Sydney then told him, that Mr. Sloan had to be convinced that Ms. Parker was dead, otherwise, she would be a hunted woman right now. He reminded Jarod of Sloan's determination to make Ms. Parker, Mrs. Sloan.
Jarod had been unable to speak, shocked at how he could not have sensed or known that Ms. Parker was in some sort of trouble. He also realized that Mr. Lyle, or someone that worked for him, followed Ms. Parker from that barn that night. Sydney, sensing that he was blaming himself, told him that there was nothing he could do now, and to try and stay beneath the radar. Jarod had hung up, knowing that he had to find out what happened to Ms. Parker, after she left him in that barn.
Jarod then went to visit his father, Major Charles, and his sister, Emily, for a brief while. Emily had never been a fan of Ms. Parker's, but, she and his father agreed, that this thing would consume him, if Jarod did not find out once and for all, if Ms. Parker had been murdered by The Centre.
Jarod said goodbye to his father and sister, then went back to the beginning: Illinois. He used all that Sydney had taught him at The Centre, to recreate a simulation that involved Ms. Parker's driving away, and Mr. Lyle's following her and forcing her off of the road. A couple of different scenarios came to mind, but nothing concrete. When Jarod called Sydney, to tell him of the trouble he was having, Sydney suggested that that was because of his closeness to the victim.
Just as Jarod was beginning to feel the same despair about ever finding out about Ms. Parker, as he had previously felt, about his never finding his family, fate stepped in.
Jarod had been in Chicago, on another pretend. They kept his mind occupied, while he searched for Ms. Parker...or at least hard proof of her death. While crossing the street one day, he did not look where he was going, and got hit by a car.
People surrounded him, almost immediately. Jarod stood up, not hurt very much at all really, but the driver, insisted on taking him to a nearby ER. County General.
He was looked at by a Dr. Chen. It was as he was sitting in an exam room, wearing nothing but a paper thin gown, that he saw her walk by the window. It was Ms. Parker.
Jarod watched, almost in slow motion, as she walked right into a short, bald man's arms! Or arm. It was obvious that one of his limbs was prosthetic. Jarod had got up off of the bed, unable to believe what he was seeing. Ms. Parker's hair was upswept, and she was smiling and laughing, like a normal person!
Dr. Chen walked back in, surprised to see him up and around. Jarod had then looked at her, and told her he was fine, and that he would know he was fine, because he was a doctor himself!
Dr. Chen then began asking him friendly questions about where he went to school, what his area of expertise was, etc. Jarod, was able to make up everything on cue, while still trying to keep Ms. Parker in his sights, through the window. The only time he looked at Dr. Chen, was when she suggested that he apply as an ER Assisting Physician at County General.
The rest was history...sort of. Jarod was able to blend in with the staff, help people, and learn all he could about Ms. Parker's obnoxious, little husband, Dr. Robert Romano.
The man was abrasive, rude, mean spirited, petty...and even though most of those words had been used at one time or another, to describe Ms. Parker, Jarod doubted that the Ms. Parker that could remember her life, would've been drawn to this man.
Jarod shook himself out of his reverie, when he realized, that Ms. Parker had turned into the Oak Park Library. Jarod pulled in after her, then parked far away, so he could watch her and his daughter.
Ms. Parker closed her own door, then pulled the van door back, and unfastened a car seat. She then pulled out a stroller. Ms Parker then picked up the baby girl, smiled at her, put her in the stroller, then walked into the library. Jarod looked at his car clock. Regretfully, he had to get back to County General. But he would be meeting Ms. Parker at her 'husband's' party tonight. And he couldn't wait.
Pretender/ER/Alias crossover
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. Also, I wish I had been watching this show when it was on NBC, because I didn't know what I was missing. I began watching the repeats on TNT and fell in love with the ingenious concept. I would love to see another 'Pretender' movie come out.
The Backstory: Shortly after Ms. Parker and Mr. Lyle were made aware, of the consequences of what would happen to the one of them, that did not find Jarod and bring him back to The Centre, Mr. Lyle began looking for him with a vengeance. Yet, per the norm, he would just miss him, or be completely off track as to his location. That was all due to Ms. Parker.
Strangely enough, it was Thomas's death, that began to haunt Ms. Parker again. There had been something about him, that reminded her of Jarod. She didn't know what it was, but it was enough to make her warn Jarod, about where Lyle was, whenever he called. Ms. Parker would also purposely avoid conversation about herself, or the two of them. Sydney, Mr. Broots and her, would find information on Jarod's family, and tell him what they knew. Jarod would chase the leads.
But, once again, with each little bit of help he received from 'the three stooges', the more Jarod took it as a sign, that Ms. Parker was finally getting the courage to leave The Centre. It was too much for him to hope, that she might entertain the idea of a relationship with him. And he knew that that would never happen, while she was still under the influence of The Centre. But he did keep in contact with her, ignoring her blustery rudeness, for he knew what really lay underneath.
Then, one day, The Centre was taken over by a man named Arvin Sloane. Mr. Sloan was not interested in the usual functions of The Centre. He ordered Mr. Lyle to kill Mr. Raines, which he did, and anyone else that did not swear their loyalty, to the new regime. Sydney and Mr. Broots, swore their loyalty.
Sydney and Mr. Broots, found that their new assignment, had to do with a kidnapped CIA agent named Sidney Bristow. Sloan had bigger ambitions, so while The Centre still exploited human beings for profit, it was not their main purpose. Thus, the chase for Jarod, was scaled back, but not forgotten.
Ms. Parker, who was forced to swear her allegiance to Sloan as well, did not know, that Arvin had fallen for her. He was turned on by her abrupt manners and hard, yet, polished veneer. He decided that he wanted her to become Mrs. Arvin Sloan.
Mr. Lyle, approached his sister with the offer, telling her, that this would go a long way in solidifying their power base in the organization. Ms. Parker, repulsed at not only the idea of being married to Sloan, but of being under a husband's thumb, thus giving up her illusion of independence, refused. Mr. Lyle made it clear that she really had no choice. Either she married Arvin Sloan, or she would have outlived her usefulness in the organization.
When Jarod called later on that night, Ms. Parker did not tell him of her newest quandary. But, she did take him up on his offer to meet. She now felt as if she had to see him, though at the time, she found herself feeling confused as to why.
They arranged to meet in Illinois, where Jarod was on another Pretend. There was an abandoned farm house, on the outskirts of a town called Naperville. Ms. Parker gave him a folder, that told of where his mother might be at that time. Jarod told her he would follow up on it right away. Then, he started peppering her with questions about the new regime, and when she would get the courage to leave.
Ms. Parker would never know what it was that broke in her then. Maybe it was because for the first time, she truly felt like Jarod. She now knew she was no more than property to these people, to be bought and sold, just so evil men could keep and solidify their power. She wanted no more of it.
Ms. Parker told Jarod everything: about Arvin Sloane, about what the organization was now about, how they had enslaved Sydney and Mr. Broots to do even more distasteful dirty work...everything.
Jarod had just stared at her. When Ms. Parker turned to leave, Jarod's hand had snaked out and pulled her back to him. He then offered her a life with him. She had just stared back at him, for she now knew, that she couldn't ask that of him. Jarod was now flying below the radar. If he took up with her, he would never have time to find his mother. He would never have time to truly reunite with his family.
Ms. Parker told him that much, just as the rain began to fall. Jarod answered her by telling her that she was his family too. That they were connected and always would be. That he loved her.
Those last words, had Ms. Parker trying to run from the barn, but she was firmly pulled into Jarod's arms. He then pulled them both into an empty stall, and for a few hours, during that storm, they both surrendered to the greatest passion of their lives. A passion that had begun when they were children. In many ways, a bizarre version of 'Great Expectations', with Jarod as Pip to Ms. Parker's Estella.
The rain had slowed, something Ms. Parker noticed, as she listened to it hit the barn roof top. Ms. Parker had pulled out of Jarod's arms, and stared at his handsome face as he slept. She found herself wondering how a grown man could look so much like a little boy, whether he was awake or asleep. She then looked around for her clothes. She was leaving The Centre. It was the only way to keep from being stuck in a loveless marriage to Arvin Sloan. She would just have to kill anyone that came after her. And there would be people, she had no doubt of that.
Ms. Parker had crept from the barn, then hurried to her car, got in and drove off. She had then breathed in deeply. For she knew, at that moment, that she and Jarod had conceived a baby. It was almost as if she could feel new life in her. Ms. Parker knew that she couldn't allow her baby to become the property of The Centre. She also knew that as long as The Centre continued to think of herself and Jarod as theirs, they could not be together. Thinking along those lines, she never saw Mr. Lyle's car, as it followed behind her.....
Jarod awoke, found Ms. Parker gone, and swore to himself that he would not give up on her. Not only would he make her see that she could have her own life, but that she could have one with him. Plus, he was scared to death over this Arvin Sloan business, and knew that Ms. Parker was as well, no matter how much she had tried to cover it.
It would be a whole year and a half, before Jarod saw Ms. Parker again....
PRESENT TIME
Jarod walked up to the Chicago County General ER ambulance bay. He was dressed in a winter coat, hat and gloves. He also carried a duffle bag. He nodded to Dr. Carter, the senior resident, that worked there. Carter smiled.
'Hey, Jarod! You going to Romano's party tonight?'
Jarod smiled. He was known to everyone as Dr. Jarod Russell.
'I wouldn't miss it. Though, one does wonder why a man like Dr. Romano, would open his house and home to us? What did he call us the other day?'
'Retards!' Carter said, his smile growing even wider. 'He has always made it very clear that to him, ER means, 'Everyone is retarded'. Don't let him bother you. The guy just loves being a jerk.'
Jarod nodded.
'So, I gathered. Although, from what I hear, the man has mellowed somewhat? I mean, this is what this party is all about, correct?'
Carter was about to answer, when an ambulance pulled up. Jarod dropped his duffle bag and hurried to the back of the ambulance with Carter.
The doors to the back of the ambulance, and to the emergency room doors, opened at the same time. Dr. Robert 'Rocket' Romano, a short, balding man, who had been demoted to Chief Of Staff, due to a horrifying injury, came bounding out, along with Dr. Susan Lewis, an Attending ER Physician.
Susan smiled at Jarod. He was cute.
'Hey, Jarod!'
'Yes, Russell,' Romano began sarcastically, 'you're on the 7 a.m. shift, correct?'
Jarod rolled his tongue around in his mouth before answering.
'Yes.'
'Well, it is now 7:13. We'll handle this, you already have a full board.'
Jarod said nothing, but took a deep breath. Susan moved away from the patient, as Carter and Romano seemed to be handling things. She walked over to Jarod. Romano glanced at the two of them while pushing the patient inside.
'Hey you two! Get your kicks off the clock! Jarod, inside, now!
Romano turned and hurried alongside the gurney. Carter gave Jarod and Susan, a sympathetic glance, before disappearing inside with Romano.
'Hey, listen, are you going to Romano's party tonight?' Susan asked him.
'I wouldn't miss it.' he replied, smiling down at her.
'Good...so I was wondering...you know...if you wanted to go together?'
Jarod's smile disappeared.
'Actually, I'm going with Dr. Corday.'
Susan looked embarrassed.
'Oh, hey, no problem. Maybe I'll see you there.'
'You will.' Jarod said, sorry that that moment was so awkward. He liked Dr. Lewis, and if circumstances had been different, if his life had been different, maybe they might have been able to give it a chance. Susan turned and walked back inside. Jarod waited a few moments before following.
It was very important that he attend Romano's party...with Dr. Corday.
****
Jarod changed in the locker room, putting on his white coat over his scrubs. Abby Lockhart, a nurse, walked in, then stopped short.
'Hey, Jarod.'
'Hello, Abby.'
Abby stared at him briefly. He was so cute! And nice. He was the only doctor she could ever remember working with, that went out of his way to thank the nurses.
'Uh, that strep throat you had come in last week is back....behind curtain three.'
Jarod closed his locker.
'Alright. I'll be right out.'
But Abby just stood there.
'Was there something else, Abby?' he asked.
'Uh, yes, uh, are you going to Dr. Romano's party tonight?'
Jarod didn't quite know what to make of this concept. Two women, in one day, had asked him to the same event! In a strange way, he was quite flattered, and a little saddened. For this would be the second time in one day, that he would have to hurt a nice woman's feelings.
Jarod walked up to her.
'Actually, I'm going with Dr. Corday.'
'Oh! Oh, of course. You know, I think someone told me that! Silly me!'
Jarod put a hand on her shoulder.
'No, you're not silly. But, I will see you there?'
Abby nodded.
'Oh, yeah, of course.'
'You know Abby, I think Dr. Kovach would like to go with you.'
Abby raised a brow.
'Luka? Oh, Luka and I are just friends.'
'Well, so are we. And you invited me just now.' Jarod reminded her.
Abby blinked hard.
'Yeah, but...how do I explain this? Luka and I have been down that road before. It just doesn't work.'
'I don't understand.' Jarod said.
'Neither do I.' Abby responded, before turning and walking away. 'Don't forget that strep in three.'
Jarod nodded, as Abby walked off. He opened the door and walked over behind a desk, to look at his board for the day. It was definitely full.
Jerry, a big, lumbering guy, who worked as the desk clerk, grinned when he saw him.
'Jarod my man! I heard you're taking Dr. Corday to Romano's party?'
Jarod grinned at him.
'Is there nothing you don't know around here?'
'Not much!'
Jarod reduced his grin to a smile, picked up a chart, looked around, then sidled up to Jerry.
'Tell me, what can you tell me about Dr. Romano's wife?'
Jerry, who had been staring at the computer, grinned again.
'You mean the reason Romano's throwing this shindig? You know, he's only doing it to show off the fact that some woman could stand him for two years, without killing herself!'
'Jerry,' Susan interrupted, 'are those test results back on my cancer patient yet?'
Jerry looked around the desk clutter, squinted, then handed her a folder. Susan smiled at Jarod again, before walking off. Jerry looked over at Jarod and grinned.
'Man! The women here are so hot for you...'
'Jerry, about Romano's wife?'
Jerry looked around, to make sure that no one of importance, overheard him gossiping.
'Yeah, see with his fake arm, he was lucky to get anyone at all. That and his sterling personality.'
Jarod nodded slightly.
'I'd noticed his charm.'
'Yeah well, about a year ago, this woman shows up here in the ER. Someone found her on the side of the road and brought her here. She was kind of banged up, like she had been in some kind of wreck or something. Anyway, Romano takes care of her, they fall in love, get married, have a daughter...'
Jarod's jaw tightened. Jerry was being maddeningly obtuse! He decided to change his strategy, as to not make him suspicious.
'You see, I'm asking because I've heard things.'
Jerry was staring at the computer again, when he said that. He looked over at Jarod again.
'Like?'
'Like the child is not Romano's...things like that.'
Jerry grinned. He then lowered his voice to a whisper.
'No. There's no way it could be. The math never added up. The whole marriage thing was just kind of weird...and some, like Dr. Corday, thought it was unethical.'
'Why?'
'Because the woman has amnesia! She still does as far as I know. I mean, we don't know if she was attacked, and that's why she ended up pregnant...she doesn't even know. Romano sees this beautiful, vulnerable woman, puts the moves on her and marries her. I would be willing to bet money that if Mrs. Romano was in her right mind, she wouldn't have let a creep like Romano, come within a foot of her.'
'Who's a creep, Jerry? Talking about yourself?' Romano asked, as he glided behind the desk. He then stared at Jarod.
'You know, everytime I look at you, you're standing around doing nothing.'
'I'm sorry, Dr. Romano.'
'Don't be sorry, ass wipe! Just get to work!' he snapped, turning and walking off.
'Do you think he heard us?' Jerry asked, looking at Romano's back.
Jarod didn't answer. He walked up to Dr. Lewis.
'Susan, could you cover my patients for an hour. Family emergency.'
Susan smiled at him.
'No problem. I hope it isn't anything too serious?'
'I hope not either. I have a strep in three.' Jarod answered, hurrying from the ER. Romano came from behind a curtain, and stared at Jarod's back in disbelief.
'Where the hell is he going?' he asked no one in particular.
****
Jarod sat outside of the Romano house, parked in a rental car. He took out his cell phone and dialed a number. Sydney answered.
'Hello?'
'Hello, Sydney. I think I've found our Ms. Parker.'
'Good God! So, she is alive? Thank God! I'm sure Mr. Lyle thinks he did a much more thorough job though.'
Jarod stared at the house, knowing that Ms. Parker was inside...with his daughter.
'Yes, I'm sure he does. Though I am going to confirm it for sure tonight.'
'What do you mean?'
'I'll tell you later on tonight. But for now, we have to be very careful. It is important that your 'bosses' continue to think Ms. Parker is dead.'
'I agree. Otherwise, she'll be sold off to Mr. Sloane.'
'There are other considerations now.' Jarod murmured.
'What did you say, Jarod?'
Jarod remembered himself.
'Nothing. I'll call you tonight with an update.'
'Please do. And be careful.'
Jarod grinned.
'Aren't I always?' he asked teasingly, before hanging up. He was about to turn the key in the ignition, when the front door to the house opened, and Ms. Parker, dressed in a winter coat, and wearing a barrette on one side of her hair, walked out of the front door, carrying a baby girl, with dark hair. They walked to a dark green mini-van, sitting in the drive.
Jarod's heart skipped, as he stared at both of them. Oh, that was Ms. Parker alright! And she definitely had amnesia or something! She would never wear a barrette! It was so...so...feminine, he guessed, was the word he was looking for.
His eyes moved from her, to the little girl. She was his, Jarod could feel it. Ms. Parker, and little baby Parker. His family.
Jarod's hands tightened on the steering wheel. He had worked at County General for a week now. And the only reason he was on this particular pretend, was because it was where his search for Ms. Parker had lead.
Jarod watched as Ms. Parker backed out of the drive way, then took off down the street. Jarod began following her. His thoughts wandered back to the day he awoke in the barn and found her gone.
He had been determined to never give up on getting her to see, that they could have a life together, outside of The Centre. But, Jarod had also known, that their encounter, had probably frightened her, to some degree. For when he had been with Ms. Parker, she had just melted in his arms, and almost, surrendered to him, dropping all of her insecurities and doubts. In many ways, the experience proved to him, what he already had known the whole time. That he and Ms. Parker were connected, and always would be.
So, Jarod decided to give her some space. He left the barn, with the information she had given him on his mother. That information, had taken him out of the country for 3 months.
When Jarod returned, he had missed his mother by a week. Disappointed, but missing Ms. Parker, he began phoning her cell, thinking he had given her plenty of space. He got the shock of his life, when Mr. Lyle answered it and said hello to him.
Jarod had hung up, then went on the run for the next year. He didn't dare call Sydney, for it was his understanding, from what Ms. Parker had told him, that the new technology Arvin Sloane had brought into the organization, would be able to pinpoint him if he called anyone associated with the New Centre. That included Sydney and Mr. Broots.
Jarod did less pretends than usual, surprisingly because the sweepers never came to chase him from a specific job. It was as if Sloane's interests lay elsewhere, and Jarod could almost live a normal life.
But Jarod couldn't enjoy his newfound freedom, without knowing why Mr. Lyle had answered Ms. Parker's phone. He finally decided to take a chance, and call Sydney anyway. It was then, that he got one of the biggest shocks of his life.
Sydney and Broots, who had arranged it so that their phones were untraceable to Jarod, told him that Ms. Parker had seemingly 'vanished'. Sydney confided in Jarod that he suspected that it was Ms. Parker's refusal to acquiesce to a marriage with Mr. Sloan, that may have lead to her downfall. No one had seen her, since she left to meet Jarod, sometime last year. All that was known, was that Mr. Lyle not only had her phone, but her car, and had the colossal nerve to be taking up residence in her home! A sign that he did not expect Ms. Parker to return anytime soon and kick him out!
Sydney then told him, that Mr. Sloan had to be convinced that Ms. Parker was dead, otherwise, she would be a hunted woman right now. He reminded Jarod of Sloan's determination to make Ms. Parker, Mrs. Sloan.
Jarod had been unable to speak, shocked at how he could not have sensed or known that Ms. Parker was in some sort of trouble. He also realized that Mr. Lyle, or someone that worked for him, followed Ms. Parker from that barn that night. Sydney, sensing that he was blaming himself, told him that there was nothing he could do now, and to try and stay beneath the radar. Jarod had hung up, knowing that he had to find out what happened to Ms. Parker, after she left him in that barn.
Jarod then went to visit his father, Major Charles, and his sister, Emily, for a brief while. Emily had never been a fan of Ms. Parker's, but, she and his father agreed, that this thing would consume him, if Jarod did not find out once and for all, if Ms. Parker had been murdered by The Centre.
Jarod said goodbye to his father and sister, then went back to the beginning: Illinois. He used all that Sydney had taught him at The Centre, to recreate a simulation that involved Ms. Parker's driving away, and Mr. Lyle's following her and forcing her off of the road. A couple of different scenarios came to mind, but nothing concrete. When Jarod called Sydney, to tell him of the trouble he was having, Sydney suggested that that was because of his closeness to the victim.
Just as Jarod was beginning to feel the same despair about ever finding out about Ms. Parker, as he had previously felt, about his never finding his family, fate stepped in.
Jarod had been in Chicago, on another pretend. They kept his mind occupied, while he searched for Ms. Parker...or at least hard proof of her death. While crossing the street one day, he did not look where he was going, and got hit by a car.
People surrounded him, almost immediately. Jarod stood up, not hurt very much at all really, but the driver, insisted on taking him to a nearby ER. County General.
He was looked at by a Dr. Chen. It was as he was sitting in an exam room, wearing nothing but a paper thin gown, that he saw her walk by the window. It was Ms. Parker.
Jarod watched, almost in slow motion, as she walked right into a short, bald man's arms! Or arm. It was obvious that one of his limbs was prosthetic. Jarod had got up off of the bed, unable to believe what he was seeing. Ms. Parker's hair was upswept, and she was smiling and laughing, like a normal person!
Dr. Chen walked back in, surprised to see him up and around. Jarod had then looked at her, and told her he was fine, and that he would know he was fine, because he was a doctor himself!
Dr. Chen then began asking him friendly questions about where he went to school, what his area of expertise was, etc. Jarod, was able to make up everything on cue, while still trying to keep Ms. Parker in his sights, through the window. The only time he looked at Dr. Chen, was when she suggested that he apply as an ER Assisting Physician at County General.
The rest was history...sort of. Jarod was able to blend in with the staff, help people, and learn all he could about Ms. Parker's obnoxious, little husband, Dr. Robert Romano.
The man was abrasive, rude, mean spirited, petty...and even though most of those words had been used at one time or another, to describe Ms. Parker, Jarod doubted that the Ms. Parker that could remember her life, would've been drawn to this man.
Jarod shook himself out of his reverie, when he realized, that Ms. Parker had turned into the Oak Park Library. Jarod pulled in after her, then parked far away, so he could watch her and his daughter.
Ms. Parker closed her own door, then pulled the van door back, and unfastened a car seat. She then pulled out a stroller. Ms Parker then picked up the baby girl, smiled at her, put her in the stroller, then walked into the library. Jarod looked at his car clock. Regretfully, he had to get back to County General. But he would be meeting Ms. Parker at her 'husband's' party tonight. And he couldn't wait.