Chapter 32
Later that evening, Jarod closed the door to his and Mallory's bedroom. He watched as his wife began to pack. He walked over to the bed and took off his robe. He was left wearing nothing but pajama bottoms.
Mallory was still clothed however, and seemed to be quite immersed in packing. The suitcase was between them.
'I want to come with you.'
'No, Jarod. This is something I need to do alone. I need to know why Brigitte lied about being alive.'
'Why? She was a Centre operative, Mallory. Those people just lied for the hell of it. She's going to prison where she belongs.'
'And I want her to turn Bobby over to me.' Mallory answered, closing the suitcase and heaving it off of the bed. She walked away and put it in a corner. She then opened their closet and took out a robe. She stopped briefly to stare down at the floor of the closet. There was a box there. It held her former 'Centre Wardrobe', leather skirts included.
Why was she even thinking about what was in that box, or what used to be? The feeling she had early this morning, when she found Brian watching those DSA's, came back again. They needed to throw away the DSA's. They needed to throw away everything associated with the past.
Jarod stood up and walked up behind her. He rested his hands on her shoulders.
'I don't understand why you don't want me with you?' he whispered. Mallory turned around, still holding the robe.
'I'm planning on seeing my mother as well....and meet this 'sister' that I have.'
Jarod smiled gently at her.
'I'm glad. I really am. But I still think that the whole thing...well it could be draining. Look, Ethan and Emily can stay with the kids, or either Sydney and Michelle could stay with them.'
Mallory smiled weakly at him.
'No, I think you should use the time to bond with Brian. You two could use the alone time.' she said, turning and heading towards their bathroom. But Jarod's voice stopped her.
'Or is it that you don't want to leave Emily alone with our children?'
Mallory stopped in her tracks and turned to face him.
'What is it that you want to say, Jarod?'
Jarod moved towards her.
'You tell me. You started to say something about Emily earlier, before we were told about Brigitte.'
Mallory sighed.
'I don't want to get into this now.'
'Get into what? Does she have something to do with why Broots and Debbie left here so quickly this afternoon? Wait! Don't tell me: Broots has a crush on my little sister?'
'Uh, no. Not your sister.'
There was a silence. Jarod tilted his head.
'Are you going to tell me what's going on, or are you going to make me guess?' Jarod asked in a teasing voice.
'Alright, you might as well know. Broots has a thing for Sidney.'
Jarod's eyes widened!
'Oh...well, he had a thing for you too and...'
'No he didn't!' she snapped.
But Jarod's smile just grew wider!
'Yes he did. But we don't have to get into HOW I know that piece of information. Once he realizes that Sidney is devoted to Vaughn, he'll move on. Did Sidney say something to him today?'
'No, Jarod. I told him pretty much what you just said, and he accused me of not thinking he was attractive enough to get Sidney.'
Jarod reached out and pulled her into his arms for a hug.
'I'm sorry.' he whispered. He then let go of her.
'Give him some time.' he said. Mallory shook her head.
'Jarod, I'm not worried about Broots. It's Emily.'
'Oh, yes, what does she have to do with any of this?'
Mallory licked her lips.
'Broots said that he ran into Emily a couple of days ago and...'
But Jarod began shaking his head vehemently!
'He was mistaken.'
'No, Jarod, he was not mistaken! Okay, he saw her because she sought HIM out.'
Jarod's expression hardened. Mallory took another deep breath. Jarod was very sensitive about anyone speaking against his new found family members! If Major Charles hadn't been so obvious a creep, Jarod would probably believe he was still a good guy too!
'So, what are you saying, Mallory? That Emily is stalking Broots?'
'Uh, no, dear. Emily was looking to get into an alliance with Broots...so that they could break up Sidney and Vaughn.'
Jarod just stared at her. He then spoke.
'So, you're saying Emily wants Vaughn? Mallory, she barely knows the man!'
'Jarod, 'I'm not saying anything'! That's what happened! The reason Broots left, was because I think he sensed that I suspected he was willing to take your sister up on her offer.'
Jarod began shaking his head!
'Emily would never do that to Sidney! She wouldn't! I mean she wants to know her cousin better. She would never set out to steal her boyfriend.'
Mallory put a hand up.
'Whatever, Jarod! So now, I'm the liar, right?'
'I never said you were lying, honey, I just think you're mistaken.'
Mallory looked him up and down.
'I like Sidney, Jarod. And I watched your sister today. I know that because of our pasts, there are certain things about women you don't understand, but I'm telling you, Emily was flirting with Vaughn. I do believe she wants him. And if she was in town here for days without telling us, then she probably was up to no good.'
'You know, just because you come from a no good family, doesn't mean that everyone else's is corrupt!'
Jarod was sorry the minute the words left his mouth. He reached out to touch her, but she turned away, went into the bathroom and slammed the door. Jarod hurried over and tried to turn the knob, but it was locked.
'Mallory? Mallory, honey, I'm sorry! Open the door and let me in!'
But all Jarod heard was the shower running at full blast. He punched the door, turned and walked over to the bed and put on his robe. He then walked to the bedroom door, opened it, then closed it behind him.
****
'Come in!'
Jarod opened the door to the room Emily was staying in. She was lying on her bed in a nightgown, looking at some magazines. She looked up.
'Hey, big brother! Today really went well, didn't it?'
Jarod closed the door and walked towards her bed. He sat on the end at smiled at his sister. He imagined that she probably looked like how their mother had looked at this young age.
His eyes moved from his sister's face, to the magazines she was reading. They were bridal magazines. He looked at his sister again.
'What's all of this?' he asked, his tone light.
'Bridal magazines.' Emily replied, her tone equally as light.
Jarod eyed her.
'Is there something you forgot to tell me, sis?'
Emily smiled secretively.
'No, I am not getting married anytime soon. But a girl likes to look....and imagine.'
Jarod nodded. Then his eye caught another one of the magazines that were sprawled on the bed. One had some writing in it. Jarod reached out and grabbed it!
'Jarod! Give that back!'
'Why? Maybe I'd like to imagine how my baby sister would look in...'
Jarod stopped talking abruptly and his breath caught in his throat. The writing said, 'Vaughn would look really good in this tux'. Jarod's eyes met Emily's.
'Vaughn? Sidney's Vaughn?'
Emily rolled her eyes and stood up.
'It's nothing, Jarod. Now give me back the magazine!' she snapped, snatching it from him and putting it with the others. Jarod stood up as well.
'What's going on here, Em?'
Emily folded her arms and stared at him defiantly. She did not offer up an answer.
'Broots said you approached him a couple of days ago, about breaking up Sidney and Vaughn. Tell me it isn't true.''
Emily shrugged.
'It isn't true.'
'Emily! What the hell was that I saw in that magazine?! Obviously, our cousin's boyfriend is very much on your mind!'
'Jarod, you don't know what is was like, growing up with Mother. I loved her, but we were always running! Always! I never had the time to really meet people, make friends...or boyfriends. Sure, I've dated some, but there has never been that spark...that something that tells you that you are looking at the person that you should be spending the rest of your life with.'
'And you think you've found it in Michael Vaughn? Emily! You're young and beautiful...you have your whole life to find someone! You can't just go around breaking people up!'
'And you're such an expert?'
Jarod detected hostility in her tone.
'What does that mean?'
'It means that you married your captor! You know nothing about women or relationships!'
Jarod backed away a bit.
'I married my 'captor'? My wife was just as much a prisoner of the Centre, as we all were!'
'Mallory chased you for years, Jarod! And for what? So that she could slip away from that place at your expense!'
Jarod walked up to his sister.
'All of the years that Mallory chased me, I knew that in my heart, she would never really hurt me. And I know that because from day one, from the moment I laid eyes on her as a child, we were connected. So my marriage is not some 'Patty Hearst' brainwashing thing...'
'I never said that and...'
'Let me finish! I love Mallory and she loves me. We are united in wanting to provide a normal life for our children, something that we were both denied ourselves. You can say whatever you want to say to me, but I'm happy. Happier than I've ever been in my life. The woman of my dreams is now my wife. The child we were denied is under our roof and we have the most beautiful daughter....I'm sorry for you Emily, I really am. Life was not fair to any of us. But if I catch you doing anything to undermine Sidney and Vaughn's relationship, I will warn them both.'
Emily gasped!
'I'm your sister, Jarod! How could you do that to me?'
'Sidney is family too. And she risked her life to bring down the Centre, so that I could have the life I have now. I won't stand around and watch you ruin her happiness.' Jarod responded firmly. He was actually more disturbed than he let on. This conversation with Emily had told him a few things. One, that his sister really didn't like his wife. And...that thing she had said about his 'marrying his captor', it reminded of him of one of the last things Zoey had said to him, before they had broken up. She had said something about his being in love with his 'tormentor'. He guessed he wouldn't be able to change anyone's perception of his relationship with his wife, but he was determined that they keep their poisonous thoughts to themselves!
'I'll be leaving for the airport tomorrow then.' Emily said coldly. 'Goodnight, Jarod.'
'Emily, don't be this way...'
'Good night.' she repeated. Jarod sighed and left the room, closing her door behind him. He looked over at the door across the hall. Ethan was sleeping in there. A part of him wanted to knock on his door and confide in him, but, the holiday had went so well, and he didn't want it ruined for anyone else.
Jarod then moved to the next door down and eased it open. Abigail was asleep in her crib. Jarod walked inside and looked down at her, just to see if she was okay. She appeared to be. He bent down and kissed her tiny head, before leaving her room.
Jarod then walked over to the room across from his own. He eased the door open, without knocking, and saw that the lights were off, with the exception of Brian's computer screen. That wasn't good for his eyes. Jarod also knew that his son should be careful of going into strange chatrooms, but, he'd let it go, for tonight. He slowly closed his son's door. Brian, so entranced with what he was doing, never even knew Jarod had been there.
Jarod then walked back into his own room. Mallory was out of the shower and was brushing her wet hair. She was wearing a robe. She looked up when Jarod entered.
'You were right.' he said, closing the door. Mallory raised a brow.
'You spoke with Emily?' she asked, a little surprised.
'Yes, and she was so insulted by what I said to her, that she's leaving tomorrow. You know, I've never taken the time to think about what her life had to have been like. She has less experience with men, than Ethan has with women, or I had.'
Mallory stood up from the bed she had been sitting on.
'You didn't need a lot of experience,' she teased, 'since there was only one woman for you anyway.'
Jarod smiled and touched her wet hair.
'I would feel better if you would let me come with you tomorrow.'
'And I would feel better if you stayed here with the kids.'
'Mallory....'
But she put a finger to his lips.
'There is one gift that I forgot to give you.' she whispered, slipping out of her robe. Jarod's eyes widened! Somehow, she had managed to slip a big bow onto her stomach. It had been hidden by the robe.
'Yes,' Jarod responded, feeling weak in the knees, something only Mallory could ever make him feel, 'I think this is a very good present indeed.'
'I thought you'd like it, dear.' Mallory whispered, slipping his robe off, and then tugging at his pajama bottoms. 'Give me a proper send-off, boy genius,' she whispered, as the both fell onto the bed.
****
Meanwhile, Ethan awoke in his own room, bathed in sweat. Something terrible was going to happen, yet, he couldn't quite get a sense of what it was, or who it was going to happen to. He slowly laid back down. His inner sense had not kicked up for the longest time...with the exception of when his father told him that his real mother was alive. He would have a hard time getting back to sleep that night.
****
NEXT DAY CIA-DELAWARE DIVISION
Broots watched unhappily, as Sidney and Vaughn walked past him, holding hands. Sidney looked so beautiful today....
Someone walked up to him.
'There's a meeting in Dixon's office now. You're wanted there.' the person informed him, before walking off.
Broots frowned. He never got to attend meetings with the head of their division, Marcus Dixon. But, if it allowed him to be near Sidney, then it would be worth it.
Sidney half smiled at him.
'Broots? Where did you run off to so quickly yesterday?'
'Yeah, ' Vaughn joined in, 'I think Mallory was worried.'
'Uh, well, Debbie wasn't feeling well.'
'I hope she's okay?' Sidney asked. Broots looked at her hair. He loved the way it swung when she walked, or moved her head.
'Broots? Are you alright?' Vaughn asked.
'Uh, yeah. I'm fine.'
'Well, we'd better get into that meeting then.' Vaughn reminded him, and he and Sidney began to walk in the direction of Dixon's office. Broots walked behind them, thinking that while he envied Michael Vaughn, he couldn't hate him. Maybe Mallory had had a point the other day. Maybe he shouldn't take Emily up on her offer.
The three entered the meeting room/office of Marcus Dixon. There were other agents seated already. Dixon, a tall, African American man, began the meeting immediately.
'I'm starting the meeting now because something has come up that can't wait. We have reason to believe, that a new Centre is being started up. Vaughn, Sidney and Broots, we knew this would be of some interest to you.'
Broots's mouth went dry! Good God! He just began talking.
'Where? Why? Who?'
Sidney reached over and put a hand on his arm. She then looked back up at Dixon and asked the same questions, but a little more eloquently.
'Where is this new Centre based.'
'On an island off the coast of Scotland named Carthis.'
'Carthis!' Broots cried out. Vaughn looked down at him. The man didn't even pretend to act brave!
'Yes, we are aware that Jarod and Mallory Russell spent some time there, looking for secrets of the Centre. The point is, Sidney, I want you to go there and see what you can find out.'
Vaughn put a hand up.
'Marcus, they'll know who Sidney is and how she helped bring down the first Centre.'
'She's not trying to infiltrate them, just find out what she can. You are going with her. Broots, we're keeping you in the loop, because you may recognize certain players.'
Broots felt like puking!
'I hope not!' he practically croaked. How could this be happening again?!
'What about our agents in Georgia? They are bringing Brigitte Parker back here, right?' Sidney asked, dreading having to tell Jarod and Mallory, that their nightmare had begun again.
'They're bringing her back as we speak.' Dixon confirmed.
****
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Mallory was escorted into a room by a police officer. She began to pace.
Apparently, her mother and 'twin' were let go and off on their merry way! Mallory sighed. Good riddance! Who needed them anyway?! Her stomach had been in knots, at the idea of meeting her sister.
But a strange calm came over her now. This reunion was much anticipated. She wanted to know why Brigitte faked her death? And her father must've helped her. Why? What was going on here?
Brigitte walked in, dressed much like she used to be dressed, and sucking a lollipop. Mallory was thrown by her appearance.
'Where is your prison orange?' she asked, sarcastically.
'Now, now! That's not a very nice way to talk. How about a hug for your step-mummy?'
Mallory walked up to her.
'Brigitte, you are going to prison, along with Lyle. Bobby has to be looked after. Let Jarod and I raise him.'
Brigitte gave her a confused look.
'Dear, Bobby will have both of his parents looking after him. Never fear!'
Mallory shook her head.
'I don't understand. Brigitte, I think you need help.'
Brigitte reached out and touched her hands.
'No, dear, you're the one that needs help. You lost your mind, thinking that a life with Jarod would ever make you happy.'
Mallory snatched her hands away and backed back! Something was off here! And why was Brigitte dressed in normal clothes? She didn't look much like a prisoner at all!
It was then, that she heard the sound that had put fear in her heart, most of her life. That squeaking sound...an oxygen tank.....
The door to the room opened, and William Raines and her father, walked in and slammed the door!
'Angel! I am so happy to see you! I was worried!'
Mr. Parker rushed over and embraced his daughter! Mallory pulled out of his arms, then looked around the room.
'What the hell is going on here?! Daddy....Daddy, you jumped out of an airplane....and...and Brigitte died in a cabin....you were dead before the explosion!' she almost screamed, turning back to look at Brigitte, who began to lick her lollipop again.
'I was resuscitated! I'm hurt...you sound so disappointed.'
But Mallory began to feel real fear, as she turned back towards her father and Raines. She pointed at him.
'Lyle killed you!'
'So he thought.' Raines wheezed calmly.
'Yes, Angel, we have plans to get him out of that prison. I can't have my son doing time. And I can't have my only daughter married to the man that raped her. What has Jarod done to you this time?' he said sadly.
Mallory began to shake her head wildly! Her mother was really alive...so was her father and Brigitte and Raines...she actually began to wonder if Thomas Gates was really dead either!
'I'm leaving! I want no part of this!' Mallory snapped. But her father blocked her way.
'Now, now Angel. You've been sick, that's all. You don't even look like yourself.'
Mallory remembered how her father had sounded on that DSA, when he took Brian from her.
'Get out of my way!' she snapped. 'Guard!'
'The guards aren't coming, dear.' Brigitte said calmly, and Mallory turned to face her.
'What about my mother? Why did you kidnap my sister?'
Brigitte decided to keep Mallory talking, as Raines took out a syringe.
'They had my son. I had to find some leverage so I could get him back. Your sister is weak, nothing like you. I would've shot her myself, but, her 'father' couldn't do it.'
Mallory turned back to face her father, when she saw Raines, too late, as he plunged the syringe into the side of her neck. Mr. Parker and Brigitte helped ease her onto the floor, as she passed out.
'It's done!' Raines wheezed, pulling the syringe out of Mallory's neck. Mr. Parker took a deep breath.
'She won't remember?' Mr. Parker asked calmly.
'No,' Raines confirmed. 'When she wakes up, she will be our Ms. Parker again. She won't remember her time as Jarod's wife or her domesticity.'
Mr. Parker nodded and put and arm around Brigitte.
'God help us. I could've killed that bitch Catherine for what she pulled...but I had to look at the bigger picture. Starting a new Centre is the goal here. And my Angel is going to not only bring in Jarod, but that clone boy...and that precious little girl. A girl Pretender. Imagine that. We'll conquer the world!' he said, giddy that his 'family' was back together. He looked at Raines.
'Make sure those agents are adequately compensated. Then let's get my son out of prison!' Mr. Parker barked, looking down at the sleeping Mallory, soon to be Ms. Parker again.
Later that evening, Jarod closed the door to his and Mallory's bedroom. He watched as his wife began to pack. He walked over to the bed and took off his robe. He was left wearing nothing but pajama bottoms.
Mallory was still clothed however, and seemed to be quite immersed in packing. The suitcase was between them.
'I want to come with you.'
'No, Jarod. This is something I need to do alone. I need to know why Brigitte lied about being alive.'
'Why? She was a Centre operative, Mallory. Those people just lied for the hell of it. She's going to prison where she belongs.'
'And I want her to turn Bobby over to me.' Mallory answered, closing the suitcase and heaving it off of the bed. She walked away and put it in a corner. She then opened their closet and took out a robe. She stopped briefly to stare down at the floor of the closet. There was a box there. It held her former 'Centre Wardrobe', leather skirts included.
Why was she even thinking about what was in that box, or what used to be? The feeling she had early this morning, when she found Brian watching those DSA's, came back again. They needed to throw away the DSA's. They needed to throw away everything associated with the past.
Jarod stood up and walked up behind her. He rested his hands on her shoulders.
'I don't understand why you don't want me with you?' he whispered. Mallory turned around, still holding the robe.
'I'm planning on seeing my mother as well....and meet this 'sister' that I have.'
Jarod smiled gently at her.
'I'm glad. I really am. But I still think that the whole thing...well it could be draining. Look, Ethan and Emily can stay with the kids, or either Sydney and Michelle could stay with them.'
Mallory smiled weakly at him.
'No, I think you should use the time to bond with Brian. You two could use the alone time.' she said, turning and heading towards their bathroom. But Jarod's voice stopped her.
'Or is it that you don't want to leave Emily alone with our children?'
Mallory stopped in her tracks and turned to face him.
'What is it that you want to say, Jarod?'
Jarod moved towards her.
'You tell me. You started to say something about Emily earlier, before we were told about Brigitte.'
Mallory sighed.
'I don't want to get into this now.'
'Get into what? Does she have something to do with why Broots and Debbie left here so quickly this afternoon? Wait! Don't tell me: Broots has a crush on my little sister?'
'Uh, no. Not your sister.'
There was a silence. Jarod tilted his head.
'Are you going to tell me what's going on, or are you going to make me guess?' Jarod asked in a teasing voice.
'Alright, you might as well know. Broots has a thing for Sidney.'
Jarod's eyes widened!
'Oh...well, he had a thing for you too and...'
'No he didn't!' she snapped.
But Jarod's smile just grew wider!
'Yes he did. But we don't have to get into HOW I know that piece of information. Once he realizes that Sidney is devoted to Vaughn, he'll move on. Did Sidney say something to him today?'
'No, Jarod. I told him pretty much what you just said, and he accused me of not thinking he was attractive enough to get Sidney.'
Jarod reached out and pulled her into his arms for a hug.
'I'm sorry.' he whispered. He then let go of her.
'Give him some time.' he said. Mallory shook her head.
'Jarod, I'm not worried about Broots. It's Emily.'
'Oh, yes, what does she have to do with any of this?'
Mallory licked her lips.
'Broots said that he ran into Emily a couple of days ago and...'
But Jarod began shaking his head vehemently!
'He was mistaken.'
'No, Jarod, he was not mistaken! Okay, he saw her because she sought HIM out.'
Jarod's expression hardened. Mallory took another deep breath. Jarod was very sensitive about anyone speaking against his new found family members! If Major Charles hadn't been so obvious a creep, Jarod would probably believe he was still a good guy too!
'So, what are you saying, Mallory? That Emily is stalking Broots?'
'Uh, no, dear. Emily was looking to get into an alliance with Broots...so that they could break up Sidney and Vaughn.'
Jarod just stared at her. He then spoke.
'So, you're saying Emily wants Vaughn? Mallory, she barely knows the man!'
'Jarod, 'I'm not saying anything'! That's what happened! The reason Broots left, was because I think he sensed that I suspected he was willing to take your sister up on her offer.'
Jarod began shaking his head!
'Emily would never do that to Sidney! She wouldn't! I mean she wants to know her cousin better. She would never set out to steal her boyfriend.'
Mallory put a hand up.
'Whatever, Jarod! So now, I'm the liar, right?'
'I never said you were lying, honey, I just think you're mistaken.'
Mallory looked him up and down.
'I like Sidney, Jarod. And I watched your sister today. I know that because of our pasts, there are certain things about women you don't understand, but I'm telling you, Emily was flirting with Vaughn. I do believe she wants him. And if she was in town here for days without telling us, then she probably was up to no good.'
'You know, just because you come from a no good family, doesn't mean that everyone else's is corrupt!'
Jarod was sorry the minute the words left his mouth. He reached out to touch her, but she turned away, went into the bathroom and slammed the door. Jarod hurried over and tried to turn the knob, but it was locked.
'Mallory? Mallory, honey, I'm sorry! Open the door and let me in!'
But all Jarod heard was the shower running at full blast. He punched the door, turned and walked over to the bed and put on his robe. He then walked to the bedroom door, opened it, then closed it behind him.
****
'Come in!'
Jarod opened the door to the room Emily was staying in. She was lying on her bed in a nightgown, looking at some magazines. She looked up.
'Hey, big brother! Today really went well, didn't it?'
Jarod closed the door and walked towards her bed. He sat on the end at smiled at his sister. He imagined that she probably looked like how their mother had looked at this young age.
His eyes moved from his sister's face, to the magazines she was reading. They were bridal magazines. He looked at his sister again.
'What's all of this?' he asked, his tone light.
'Bridal magazines.' Emily replied, her tone equally as light.
Jarod eyed her.
'Is there something you forgot to tell me, sis?'
Emily smiled secretively.
'No, I am not getting married anytime soon. But a girl likes to look....and imagine.'
Jarod nodded. Then his eye caught another one of the magazines that were sprawled on the bed. One had some writing in it. Jarod reached out and grabbed it!
'Jarod! Give that back!'
'Why? Maybe I'd like to imagine how my baby sister would look in...'
Jarod stopped talking abruptly and his breath caught in his throat. The writing said, 'Vaughn would look really good in this tux'. Jarod's eyes met Emily's.
'Vaughn? Sidney's Vaughn?'
Emily rolled her eyes and stood up.
'It's nothing, Jarod. Now give me back the magazine!' she snapped, snatching it from him and putting it with the others. Jarod stood up as well.
'What's going on here, Em?'
Emily folded her arms and stared at him defiantly. She did not offer up an answer.
'Broots said you approached him a couple of days ago, about breaking up Sidney and Vaughn. Tell me it isn't true.''
Emily shrugged.
'It isn't true.'
'Emily! What the hell was that I saw in that magazine?! Obviously, our cousin's boyfriend is very much on your mind!'
'Jarod, you don't know what is was like, growing up with Mother. I loved her, but we were always running! Always! I never had the time to really meet people, make friends...or boyfriends. Sure, I've dated some, but there has never been that spark...that something that tells you that you are looking at the person that you should be spending the rest of your life with.'
'And you think you've found it in Michael Vaughn? Emily! You're young and beautiful...you have your whole life to find someone! You can't just go around breaking people up!'
'And you're such an expert?'
Jarod detected hostility in her tone.
'What does that mean?'
'It means that you married your captor! You know nothing about women or relationships!'
Jarod backed away a bit.
'I married my 'captor'? My wife was just as much a prisoner of the Centre, as we all were!'
'Mallory chased you for years, Jarod! And for what? So that she could slip away from that place at your expense!'
Jarod walked up to his sister.
'All of the years that Mallory chased me, I knew that in my heart, she would never really hurt me. And I know that because from day one, from the moment I laid eyes on her as a child, we were connected. So my marriage is not some 'Patty Hearst' brainwashing thing...'
'I never said that and...'
'Let me finish! I love Mallory and she loves me. We are united in wanting to provide a normal life for our children, something that we were both denied ourselves. You can say whatever you want to say to me, but I'm happy. Happier than I've ever been in my life. The woman of my dreams is now my wife. The child we were denied is under our roof and we have the most beautiful daughter....I'm sorry for you Emily, I really am. Life was not fair to any of us. But if I catch you doing anything to undermine Sidney and Vaughn's relationship, I will warn them both.'
Emily gasped!
'I'm your sister, Jarod! How could you do that to me?'
'Sidney is family too. And she risked her life to bring down the Centre, so that I could have the life I have now. I won't stand around and watch you ruin her happiness.' Jarod responded firmly. He was actually more disturbed than he let on. This conversation with Emily had told him a few things. One, that his sister really didn't like his wife. And...that thing she had said about his 'marrying his captor', it reminded of him of one of the last things Zoey had said to him, before they had broken up. She had said something about his being in love with his 'tormentor'. He guessed he wouldn't be able to change anyone's perception of his relationship with his wife, but he was determined that they keep their poisonous thoughts to themselves!
'I'll be leaving for the airport tomorrow then.' Emily said coldly. 'Goodnight, Jarod.'
'Emily, don't be this way...'
'Good night.' she repeated. Jarod sighed and left the room, closing her door behind him. He looked over at the door across the hall. Ethan was sleeping in there. A part of him wanted to knock on his door and confide in him, but, the holiday had went so well, and he didn't want it ruined for anyone else.
Jarod then moved to the next door down and eased it open. Abigail was asleep in her crib. Jarod walked inside and looked down at her, just to see if she was okay. She appeared to be. He bent down and kissed her tiny head, before leaving her room.
Jarod then walked over to the room across from his own. He eased the door open, without knocking, and saw that the lights were off, with the exception of Brian's computer screen. That wasn't good for his eyes. Jarod also knew that his son should be careful of going into strange chatrooms, but, he'd let it go, for tonight. He slowly closed his son's door. Brian, so entranced with what he was doing, never even knew Jarod had been there.
Jarod then walked back into his own room. Mallory was out of the shower and was brushing her wet hair. She was wearing a robe. She looked up when Jarod entered.
'You were right.' he said, closing the door. Mallory raised a brow.
'You spoke with Emily?' she asked, a little surprised.
'Yes, and she was so insulted by what I said to her, that she's leaving tomorrow. You know, I've never taken the time to think about what her life had to have been like. She has less experience with men, than Ethan has with women, or I had.'
Mallory stood up from the bed she had been sitting on.
'You didn't need a lot of experience,' she teased, 'since there was only one woman for you anyway.'
Jarod smiled and touched her wet hair.
'I would feel better if you would let me come with you tomorrow.'
'And I would feel better if you stayed here with the kids.'
'Mallory....'
But she put a finger to his lips.
'There is one gift that I forgot to give you.' she whispered, slipping out of her robe. Jarod's eyes widened! Somehow, she had managed to slip a big bow onto her stomach. It had been hidden by the robe.
'Yes,' Jarod responded, feeling weak in the knees, something only Mallory could ever make him feel, 'I think this is a very good present indeed.'
'I thought you'd like it, dear.' Mallory whispered, slipping his robe off, and then tugging at his pajama bottoms. 'Give me a proper send-off, boy genius,' she whispered, as the both fell onto the bed.
****
Meanwhile, Ethan awoke in his own room, bathed in sweat. Something terrible was going to happen, yet, he couldn't quite get a sense of what it was, or who it was going to happen to. He slowly laid back down. His inner sense had not kicked up for the longest time...with the exception of when his father told him that his real mother was alive. He would have a hard time getting back to sleep that night.
****
NEXT DAY CIA-DELAWARE DIVISION
Broots watched unhappily, as Sidney and Vaughn walked past him, holding hands. Sidney looked so beautiful today....
Someone walked up to him.
'There's a meeting in Dixon's office now. You're wanted there.' the person informed him, before walking off.
Broots frowned. He never got to attend meetings with the head of their division, Marcus Dixon. But, if it allowed him to be near Sidney, then it would be worth it.
Sidney half smiled at him.
'Broots? Where did you run off to so quickly yesterday?'
'Yeah, ' Vaughn joined in, 'I think Mallory was worried.'
'Uh, well, Debbie wasn't feeling well.'
'I hope she's okay?' Sidney asked. Broots looked at her hair. He loved the way it swung when she walked, or moved her head.
'Broots? Are you alright?' Vaughn asked.
'Uh, yeah. I'm fine.'
'Well, we'd better get into that meeting then.' Vaughn reminded him, and he and Sidney began to walk in the direction of Dixon's office. Broots walked behind them, thinking that while he envied Michael Vaughn, he couldn't hate him. Maybe Mallory had had a point the other day. Maybe he shouldn't take Emily up on her offer.
The three entered the meeting room/office of Marcus Dixon. There were other agents seated already. Dixon, a tall, African American man, began the meeting immediately.
'I'm starting the meeting now because something has come up that can't wait. We have reason to believe, that a new Centre is being started up. Vaughn, Sidney and Broots, we knew this would be of some interest to you.'
Broots's mouth went dry! Good God! He just began talking.
'Where? Why? Who?'
Sidney reached over and put a hand on his arm. She then looked back up at Dixon and asked the same questions, but a little more eloquently.
'Where is this new Centre based.'
'On an island off the coast of Scotland named Carthis.'
'Carthis!' Broots cried out. Vaughn looked down at him. The man didn't even pretend to act brave!
'Yes, we are aware that Jarod and Mallory Russell spent some time there, looking for secrets of the Centre. The point is, Sidney, I want you to go there and see what you can find out.'
Vaughn put a hand up.
'Marcus, they'll know who Sidney is and how she helped bring down the first Centre.'
'She's not trying to infiltrate them, just find out what she can. You are going with her. Broots, we're keeping you in the loop, because you may recognize certain players.'
Broots felt like puking!
'I hope not!' he practically croaked. How could this be happening again?!
'What about our agents in Georgia? They are bringing Brigitte Parker back here, right?' Sidney asked, dreading having to tell Jarod and Mallory, that their nightmare had begun again.
'They're bringing her back as we speak.' Dixon confirmed.
****
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Mallory was escorted into a room by a police officer. She began to pace.
Apparently, her mother and 'twin' were let go and off on their merry way! Mallory sighed. Good riddance! Who needed them anyway?! Her stomach had been in knots, at the idea of meeting her sister.
But a strange calm came over her now. This reunion was much anticipated. She wanted to know why Brigitte faked her death? And her father must've helped her. Why? What was going on here?
Brigitte walked in, dressed much like she used to be dressed, and sucking a lollipop. Mallory was thrown by her appearance.
'Where is your prison orange?' she asked, sarcastically.
'Now, now! That's not a very nice way to talk. How about a hug for your step-mummy?'
Mallory walked up to her.
'Brigitte, you are going to prison, along with Lyle. Bobby has to be looked after. Let Jarod and I raise him.'
Brigitte gave her a confused look.
'Dear, Bobby will have both of his parents looking after him. Never fear!'
Mallory shook her head.
'I don't understand. Brigitte, I think you need help.'
Brigitte reached out and touched her hands.
'No, dear, you're the one that needs help. You lost your mind, thinking that a life with Jarod would ever make you happy.'
Mallory snatched her hands away and backed back! Something was off here! And why was Brigitte dressed in normal clothes? She didn't look much like a prisoner at all!
It was then, that she heard the sound that had put fear in her heart, most of her life. That squeaking sound...an oxygen tank.....
The door to the room opened, and William Raines and her father, walked in and slammed the door!
'Angel! I am so happy to see you! I was worried!'
Mr. Parker rushed over and embraced his daughter! Mallory pulled out of his arms, then looked around the room.
'What the hell is going on here?! Daddy....Daddy, you jumped out of an airplane....and...and Brigitte died in a cabin....you were dead before the explosion!' she almost screamed, turning back to look at Brigitte, who began to lick her lollipop again.
'I was resuscitated! I'm hurt...you sound so disappointed.'
But Mallory began to feel real fear, as she turned back towards her father and Raines. She pointed at him.
'Lyle killed you!'
'So he thought.' Raines wheezed calmly.
'Yes, Angel, we have plans to get him out of that prison. I can't have my son doing time. And I can't have my only daughter married to the man that raped her. What has Jarod done to you this time?' he said sadly.
Mallory began to shake her head wildly! Her mother was really alive...so was her father and Brigitte and Raines...she actually began to wonder if Thomas Gates was really dead either!
'I'm leaving! I want no part of this!' Mallory snapped. But her father blocked her way.
'Now, now Angel. You've been sick, that's all. You don't even look like yourself.'
Mallory remembered how her father had sounded on that DSA, when he took Brian from her.
'Get out of my way!' she snapped. 'Guard!'
'The guards aren't coming, dear.' Brigitte said calmly, and Mallory turned to face her.
'What about my mother? Why did you kidnap my sister?'
Brigitte decided to keep Mallory talking, as Raines took out a syringe.
'They had my son. I had to find some leverage so I could get him back. Your sister is weak, nothing like you. I would've shot her myself, but, her 'father' couldn't do it.'
Mallory turned back to face her father, when she saw Raines, too late, as he plunged the syringe into the side of her neck. Mr. Parker and Brigitte helped ease her onto the floor, as she passed out.
'It's done!' Raines wheezed, pulling the syringe out of Mallory's neck. Mr. Parker took a deep breath.
'She won't remember?' Mr. Parker asked calmly.
'No,' Raines confirmed. 'When she wakes up, she will be our Ms. Parker again. She won't remember her time as Jarod's wife or her domesticity.'
Mr. Parker nodded and put and arm around Brigitte.
'God help us. I could've killed that bitch Catherine for what she pulled...but I had to look at the bigger picture. Starting a new Centre is the goal here. And my Angel is going to not only bring in Jarod, but that clone boy...and that precious little girl. A girl Pretender. Imagine that. We'll conquer the world!' he said, giddy that his 'family' was back together. He looked at Raines.
'Make sure those agents are adequately compensated. Then let's get my son out of prison!' Mr. Parker barked, looking down at the sleeping Mallory, soon to be Ms. Parker again.