Disclaimer: I can only hope that someday such enthralling and complex characters are my personal creations. Until then, the characters of the Pretender have been borrowed and made to live out various situations at my demand and whim. They are not mine.
Summary: Jarod steals valuable Centre information and puts himself into the public eye, the one place the Centre can see him and not touch him. The directive's the same, his freedom for hers. The field of play, however, is entirely different.
Centre Affairs
By Bec-Bec
Good Evening, Mr. Crown
"This is Sydney."
"How are Centre affairs?" Jarod opened with a question, his normal phone call routine. Sydney was sure the question was accompanied by a cocky grin, the like of which carried through his voice and across the phone line.
"Chaotic," Sydney replied with a half-smile. "Quite a stunt you pulled, Jarod." His voice hinted at some small form of pride in his protégé.
"They left themselves open. I merely took the opportunity when it presented itself," Jarod stated evenly.
"The Triumvirate is furious. Mr. Parker and the rest of the Tower are doing everything they can to assure them the information will be recovered. They're considering drastic measures of retaliation. It's getting serious," Sydney's voice warned at the end.
Jarod chuckled. "I wouldn't worry too much, the Centre's hands have been tied, so to speak. They can't touch me where I am and the only way they'll get back the information that I've taken is if they play by my rules."
"It's unlikely that they'll choose to be complaisant with you." Sydney's concern for Jarod's safety was evident in his tone and he was glad that his home had been swept for bugs quite recently. The Centre would not approve of this sort of fraternization with the Pretender, especially under the current circumstances.
"Right now, that's their only option."
"You've certainly planned this escapade out in detail; siphoning information from the Centre mainframe when it was vulnerable, effectively entering the one area where their actions would be limited, even going so far as to give the Centre an ultimatum."
"I was taught to never overlook any variables," Jarod said wryly. There was a bit of shuffling on his end.
"What are you doing?" Sydney questioned.
"Preparing to go out for the evening. This lifestyle requires the occasional night out at benefits or banquets."
"I would ask where you were going, but…" Sydney trailed off.
"But, you already know where I am."
"Yes." Sydney paused. "The Centre knows exactly where you are."
"One of the riskier aspects of this new situation, but it was necessary. If they know where I am, I know where they are." There was more shuffling on Jarod's end of the line.
"I'm concerned, Jarod. I've been reading the reports on your activities. This new persona you've established isn't healthy."
"Ah, Jarod Crown, business prodigy, millionaire, thrill seeker, playboy," Jarod listed coolly, pausing briefly between each designation.
"Yes. His habits seem less than wholesome."
"Opposed to what, Sydney? I'd hardly call the conditions I was used to at the Centre wholesome."
"Human relations, Jarod, are an important aspect of life. From what I've seen, Mr. Crown doesn't handle them well at all." Sydney settled into his chair, preparing for a rather long conversation with his protégé.
"He's just another character in this twisted masquerade known as the Centre."
"Perhaps, but the psychological aspects of the person you portray have an effect on your psyche as well."
"You taught me to separate my pretend from myself, Sydney. I control my pretend, not vice versa."
"Not entirely. Some of his habits mirror yours so closely that aspects of his personality spill over into your own."
"How so?" There was some more shuffling and Jarod's voice sounded distant.
"Consider a small part of your personality, magnified in him, a characteristic of yours increased to fit his appearance and lifestyle. Because that characteristic is already a part of you, it absorbs new qualities from its sudden emergence and enlargement."
Jarod's voice became clearer as he returned to his phone. "An actor becomes his role so completely that it's impossible to discern which aspects of his personality came from him and which came from his character. I studied the phenomena a few months ago for a pretend I was doing. But what evidence of that incorporation do you see in me?"
"Mr. Crown's increasing line of female conquests would hint at an underlying flaw in your nature regarding trust and intimacy. From what I've seen, you've never had a lasting relationship with a woman."
"Giving me unsolicited advice about my sex life, Sydney? Sounds like something you'd do to Miss Parker."
"I'm worried about the psychological implications that a lack of intimacy will have on you," Sydney continued, heedless of Jarod's previous comment. "It's very hard to create a rewarding relationship with someone if you can't trust them."
"Intimacy isn't trust, Sydney."
"But trust leads to intimacy. If you can place your trust in another person, and she can place her trust in you, it will undoubtedly lead to intimacy."
"A woman can trust me."
"But can you trust her?" There was a rather long pause on the phone line. Sydney assumed Jarod was contemplating his last statement. After what Sydney deemed a sufficient length of time, he added. "If you can't trust a woman, you can never truly be intimate with her." There was another pause.
"I have to go Sydney," Jarod finally said.
"Society beckons."
"Yes, there are certain demands on my time now."
"Will you be keeping in touch?"
"We'll see." With that, the line went dead and Sydney was left to ponder the greater ramifications of Jarod's latest game with the Centre.
****
Miss Parker leaned against the bar provocatively, attracting attention from several gentlemen nearby. She coolly ignored their stares, enthralling them further, and surveyed the room, while waiting for the bartender to finish fixing her martini.
Numerous men and women dressed in classy black attire dotted the marble-floored hall. Society's elite, or so they believed themselves to be. Country club members with too much money in the bank and only the vaguest thoughts of philanthropy, flitting around in their aristocratic delusions of grandeur.
The black and white silent charity auction was meant to raise funds for a local children's hospital but was truly all about the "show." The atmosphere was permeated with the general thought: "if you've got it, flaunt it," resulting in a flashy yet elegant display of how many figures appeared on their bank statements at the end of each month. There was enough Versace, Gucci, Armani, Bvlgari and Prada merchandise in the room to pay for an entirely new hospital, though such an idea never seemed to have occurred to any of the current occupants. It was quite a change from wonderboy's usual choice of company.
Turning back toward the bar, Miss Parker picked up her martini from the counter and decided that while she waited for the labrat to make his appearance, she might as well have some fun. There were quite a few wealthy bachelors in attendance, the perfect type of men for short but amusing affairs- men who didn't ask questions and didn't expect answers; men looking to avoid commitments; men who were only interested in the game, and right now, the game was all she needed.
The group of gentlemen that had busied themselves watching her were greeted with the sight of Miss Parker's slinky black dress, fitted to her body like a glove, sliding slowly up and down her thighs as she slipped into the crowd.
Smirking momentarily at the looks she had inspired, Miss Parker began to circle the room slowly, picking up bits and pieces of conversation about the evening's main benefactor: Jarod Crown. The man of the hour himself had yet to arrive but, unlike every other time she had tracked him down, she knew exactly when and where he would be appearing... and he wouldn't be running away.
Jarod had taken it upon himself to change the rules of the chase he had played by for so long with the Centre. "Buying back his freedom," Mr. Parker had called it, "and at great expense to the Centre and its affiliates." Boywonder had finally found a way to get exactly what he wanted and the Centre was far from pleased to be giving it to him. Thus, their ever-ready plan was put into action: send Miss Parker after him to make sure he'd slip up. His freedom for hers. That directive hadn't changed. The field of play, however, was entirely different.
They were in the spotlight now. By joining high society, Jarod had drawn attention to himself, something he had avoided in the past. Now he was in the world's eyes, someplace the Centre could see him but not touch him. Jarod had made himself a security risk to the Centre, a major one, and yet, managed to keep himself beyond their reach. Assassinating him was out of the question; he had made sure of that. "If we take him out, the Centre will be exposed," Mr. Parker had warned the board. "He's done every damn thing possible to make sure we've got one option and one option only: play by his rules or we're out." And so, they had done the only thing possible in their position, sent Miss Parker in.
Miss Parker's circle around the room ended at a doorway directly opposite from where Jarod would enter at precisely eight o'clock. Easing into the conversation nearest to where she was standing, Miss Parker flirted with a young banker, much to the chagrin of a blonde woman, standing next to him, who seemed to have already staked him out for the evening. As the younger man spoke spiritedly to an older couple among the little group about something she had said, Miss Parker smiled devilishly at the blonde. Her evening prospects were looking up.
For the next half-hour, Miss Parker diverted as much attention from the blonde as possible, simultaneously endearing the young banker and enchanting the older couple. But then, these were the sort of people that her father had taught her to charm. She was mildly amused by the girl's annoyance and loved that she could still draw so much attention to herself, despite the assumed ten years she had on the perky blonde. It was only when a familiar figure stepped into the room that Miss Parker took her leave from the group, promising a dance to the young man for later in the evening; a promise she doubted she'd keep.
Making her way back to the bar to refill her martini, Miss Parker watched as Jarod shook hands with the people who began to crowd around him, all hoping to meet the new golden boy. Older men and women of large inheritances, who usually ignored "new money," anxious to meet the bright young man. Young businessmen and businesswomen, of self-created fortunes, hoping to exchange stock tips and new Intel with the latest prodigy of the financial world. Unattached, younger women, hoping to snag the new bachelor of the month. Jarod had certainly drawn nearly all eyes in the room.
With sadistic delight, Miss Parker watched as the blonde woman she had upset earlier tried her luck at gaining Jarod's attention only to have her hand shaken like everyone else and then be ignored. She couldn't help smiling at both the woman's awestruck face and Jarod's oblivious nature around beautiful women. The night was turning out rather enjoyable, despite the fact that she was still tailing the Centre's lab experiment across universe.
When the excitement over Jarod's arrival calmed down sometime later, Miss Parker made her way over to Jarod and the small group he was talking with. Standing just to the side for a moment, to pick up the thread of conversation, she observed Jarod and his interactions with these people; the way his smile never quite reached his eyes, even when he chuckled at an amusing comment. To any casual observer, Jarod would appear as though he were pleasantly enjoying the discussion. However, Miss Parker wasn't a casual observer. She knew when Jarod was immersed in a pretend and, right now, he was every bit the part of Jarod Crown, the clever, unattached businessman.
"Those poor children," an older woman said to Jarod. "It's so kind of you to hold this benefit to raise funds for them."
"Where ever did you find all of the items up for auction?" the woman's husband inquired.
"Oh, you'd be surprised what some people have just lying around," Jarod answered with a grin. "You never know what you might find."
"Indeed," Miss Parker answered smoothly, inserting herself into the conversation. "You'd be quite surprised at what you'll find."
Jarod's eyebrow quirked momentarily at the sight of his huntress, standing before him, obviously dressed for a night out and not their usual game of chase. "Indeed, Miss..."
Jarod trailed off, maintaining his pretend persona.
"Parker," Miss Parker replied coolly, lightly shaking the hand that Jarod offered her.
"Jarod Crown," he returned, narrowing his eyes almost imperceptibly for a brief moment.
He had expected that the Centre would send someone after him. He had been anticipating it for the last few days. It was a sign that they were either ready to comply or to retaliate. Miss Parker's presence hinted at the latter, which meant the game was about to get more interesting.
"Quite an event you've established, Mr. Crown," Miss Parker said evenly, casting a slow glance at the small clusters of people surrounding them before taking a sip of her martini.
"Event is a bit of an over statement," Jarod replied with mild amusement. "I merely assisted the meeting of friends for a good cause."
At some point during Miss Parker and Jarod's exchange, the elderly couple Jarod had been speaking with had moved off to another group of people a few feet away. Miss Parker noted the fact that, despite the eagerness to converse with Jarod the crowd had shown previously, they appeared to have become occupied in smaller, tightly nit groups.
"Not your usual crowd of people," Miss Parker commented casually.
Jarod shrugged. "They're mostly business associates and competitors."
"Schmoozing the rich, Jarod?" She asked dryly, sipping at her martini again.
"Making acquaintances with powerful people in the financial world has its benefits," Jarod replied evenly.
"Especially when you're attempting to house stolen information," Miss Parker responded calmly, heading back toward the bar to have her drink refilled again.
Jarod grinned as she brushed passed him artfully. With Miss Parker heading the Centre's effort to trip him up in his latest endeavor, the game was bound to be more of a challenge, and far more enjoyable.
Turning in the direction she was headed, Jarod followed Miss Parker to the bar, coming up alongside her just as she requested another martini from the bartender.
Smirking, she added, "And a scotch, neat, for Mr. Crown."
"Scotch, neat," Jarod repeated to her. "You've done your homework," he added with a soft chuckle.
"The best way to catch a Pretender is to know all of the aspects of their pretend," Miss Parker commented wryly.
"And what have you learned about Jarod Crown?" he asked with tempered amusement.
"He's a socialite; a business prodigy climbing the ladder quickly and easily via connections and pure, old-fashioned intelligence. He's single, assumably by preference, but not for lack of interest. On the weekend, he enjoys engaging in risky activities purely for the thrill but occasionally settles for a game of golf." Miss Parker picked up her new martini confidently and took a light sip.
"That information's fairly easy to access, you've only touched on the tip of the real Jarod Crown," he smirked with mild satisfaction.
"What else would you like to know?" Miss Parker arched her eyebrow.
"Something other people wouldn't," he replied simply.
"Despite all of the attention he receives and his vast knowledge, he's bored," she replied easily, taking another sip of her drink.
The corner of Jarod's mouth twitched with amusement. Sipping at his scotch, he commented, "You seem to understand Jarod Crown fairly well."
"Knowing the person he stems from helps implicitly," She remarked plainly.
Jarod chuckled, "Indeed."
Turning her eyes on the expansive hall again, Miss Parker commented, "You've drawn attention to yourself, Jarod."
Jarod shrugged. "For now."
"How long do you plan on playing this newest charade of yours?" she asked smoothly
"Until I find what I'm looking for." He placed his drink back on the bar.
Miss Parker smiled bitterly. "The Centre won't let you find what you're looking for."
"They don't have much of a say in the matter," Jarod replied evenly.
"Perhaps."
Jarod raised his eyebrow with interest. "How is that?"
The corner of Miss Parker's lip curled. "You should never underestimate the realms of their control."
"Likewise, they should never underestimate the realms of my mind." Jarod picked up his scotch and took another sip.
"Ironic how your mind is the very thing that they're after."
Jarod nodded. "It does hold a certain irony, doesn't it. But then, it always has."
"They won't let you get what you want," Miss Parker said softly.
"And I won't give up until I get it."
Placing her drink on the bar, Miss Parker replied, "Then it appears the game will continue. Good evening, Mr. Crown." She slipped passed him and headed for the door.
Jarod grinned as he placed his drink on the bar as well, then followed her.
Miss Parker knew he was following her. She had expected that he would. It was almost a ritual that he be the one to end their conversation.
"The parameters of the game aren't quite the same, Miss Parker; I would hardly call it a continuation."
Smirking, Miss Parker answered, "I wouldn't say it was entirely the same, no, but the elements are fairly similar."
"To a point." Jarod walked alongside her, his eyes narrowed slightly as he thought. "I've altered most of the variables, particularly the way in which the chase is played. This setting calls for a more intimate interaction with the Centre."
"There's an inherent contradiction: intimacy and the Centre," Miss Parker remarked with amusement.
"It's necessary to keep them close," Jarod continued. "This lifestyle allows direct contact while limiting the Centre's options."
"Effectively giving you access to what you're looking for with little hindrance from the Centre."
Jarod nodded. "It's so fundamentally simple, I'm surprised I hadn't thought of it before."
Miss Parker chuckled. "Situations involving the Centre are rarely simple."
"Perhaps." Jarod held the door open for Miss Parker as they stepped out of the hallway into the cool night air.
"Thank you."
"I expect I'll be seeing you soon, the Centre will be keeping a close watch on me, I presume."
Miss Parker nodded. "Very close."
"Tomorrow then?" Jarod inquired.
"Most likely." Miss Parker had stopped at the curb, where the limousine she had taken earlier in the evening waited.
Jarod opened the door for her and held it as she gracefully slid in. "Dinner?"
Miss Parker contemplated for a moment. "You're on."
"I'll call."
"Of course," Miss Parker said blandly.
Au demain," Jarod said with a smile, closing the door of the limo.
As the limousine slipped away in the hum of city traffic, disappearing into a sea of lights, Jarod watched pensively.
He had known that Miss Parker would play some role in his latest venture, most of his interactions with the Centre involved her in some way. However, his increased contact with the Centre meant increased contact with her as well, something he hadn't quite expected. And, if their conversation that evening was any indication, the change in setting had caused a change in their communication as well. Miss Parker had been remarkably… civil. A fact that would make any exchanges between them, under the new circumstances, entirely different than they had been in the past.
The street light on the corner flickered, breaking Jarod from his thoughts. Remarkably, in a city so full of people, he was the only one on the sidewalk at the moment, leaving him to revel in the sounds of the city at night alone. The gentle murmur of the traffic, the glow of lights, the living, breathing feeling of the air. Jarod stood still, absorbing it all for a moment, as he contemplated the development of Miss Parker's direct involvement in his current pretend.
Eventually, he turned back toward the building where the silent auction was being held, leaving the sound and feel of the city behind. Jarod Crown didn't marvel in the simple beauty of the city.
Slipping back into character, he paused at the door, staring momentarily in the direction Miss Parker's limousine had traveled, before walking back into the building. The game was most definitely about to get more interesting.
Author's Note: If you've seen the movie this is based on, it's fairly easy to surmise the direction of the plot… though I have a few twists up my sleeve. Hopefully my writer's block will stay away long enough to come up with the second chapter to this within a reasonable amount of time. Thanks for reading. Love ya!
