Disclaimer: see part one

Thanks to:

rev2004: As you wish… here's the next chapter. Thanks a lot for the review and now enjoy part 8.

ka-mia2286: Broots… you're right, that would be creepy. Well, we will see about that soon. Thanks for your review and now have fun reading the next chapter.

Parker: Ha, so many alias… wanna make Jarod envious? #lol# Anyway, Thomas or Lyle… hmm, interesting ideas. Maybe, maybe not. You're gonna have to be a little bit more patient. Not very long now and you'll learn who the stalker is. Thanks for reviewing and now enjoy!

RpFaith2004: Thanks for that compliment. I'm glad that you obviously like the story that much. Thanks for telling me so and now go on reading and have fun!

gemini006007: Thanks for that compliment. Yeah, there are so many possibilities. We will see which one of the scenarios it will turn out to be, who the stalker will be. You won't have to wait that long to find out. Thanks for your review and now enjoy!

Angelus Love: No problem that you didn't review any sooner. At the moment I'm busy at work as well… coming home late and having to do other things at home as well… so you see, you don't have to excuse to me. Anyway, I do remember the episode quite well but to be honest, I have the story already plotted out (no need for more ideas) but a big thanks for that nonetheless. Well, you have your suspicions as to who the stalker is and you are keeping them to yourself, that's fine… you gonna have to wait a little longer to see if your ideas are correct. Thanks for your review and now enjoy the next part!

x x x x x x x

Shadows Part 8

Arguments

She picked up her cell. "What?"

"Miss Parker, it's me," Jarod announced.

"You're late, rat," she snarled. Her tone of voice betrayed her feelings. Relief clearly showed in her voice; relief that it was Jarod who called and not the mysterious stranger.

"I know and I'm sorry," Jarod breathed, rubbing a hand over his tired eyes.

"Do you have anything?" Miss Parker wanted to know.

"Yes and no," Jarod answered.

"Meaning?" she questioned harshly.

"I'm still working on it but I have been able to rule some options out," he told her.

"Do you have a name?" she snapped impatiently.

"No, not yet," Jarod admitted.

"Great," Miss Parker muttered.

"Look, can you keep yourself occupied for some more time at the Centre?" Jarod wanted to know.

"I'm already at home," she replied.

Jarod's eyes narrowed. "You are what?"

"I'm already at home," she repeated, rising her chin defiantly, even if Jarod wasn't able to see that. She wasn't about to lock herself in the Centre just because of some nutcase.

"Miss Parker, didn't I ask you to stay at the Centre?" he grumbled harshly.

"Yes, but you didn't call at the promised time and it's already late. I couldn't stay there for the whole night, now could I?"

"No," Jarod gritted out. "But you could have waited a bit longer. Ok, well then I'll pack my things now and come over to you."

"Jarod, we've been through this. I don't want you here and scare this guy away," she argued. She clenched her teeth angrily.

"This guy, as you pose it, is dangerous, Miss Parker. I don't like the feeling I get when I think of him. He hasn't tried to harm you till now but I'm not certain if it will stay that way," Jarod argued back.

"And I'm a big girl with a weapon," she snarled, letting her gaze come to rest on the coffee table only a feet away where her gun lay, reassuring her with its presence.

"Yes, I know that Miss Parker but it's just," he paused. "I'm worried," he finally admitted.

"Your concern is touching. I want this guy out of my hair and the only way to achieve that is obviously by trying to find him from your end and not putting too much attention on myself from my end," she sighed. "I have your number, Jarod. I can call you if there is anything suspicious."

"Will you really do that or do you just say it to reassure me?" Jarod wanted to know.

"No, the moment there is anything suspicious, I will call you," she promised, meaning every word she said.

"Ok," Jarod grudgingly surrendered.

"Thanks," she sighed deeply.

Jarod smiled slightly, his anger over Miss Parker's actions already evaporating. "Just call me when there is something."

"I will," she promised once more and then terminated the call.

Jarod shook his head frustrated. This didn't reassure him but he had no other option left. He couldn't show up anywhere near her house after she had asked him to stay away. Knowing her, she would probably shoot him on sight after going against her wish.

His laptop beeped, indicating that he had gotten an email. Frowning, he opened the mail. It was a very short message from Angelo. All it said was:

"Try: Project Shadows"

Jarod's frown deepened but he started searching through the mainframe at once.

Until now, Angelo had always provided him with vital information. He would have to trust that this time was no different. Maybe he would find something that would bring him closer to the solution to their problem.

x x x x x x x

She huffed, frustrated with herself.

Why did she always have to play tough girl?

If she was honest with herself, she didn't want to be alone. She was afraid but she couldn't admit it. Not even to her best friend.

Wait a minute…

Best friend?

Parker rolled her eyes. Yes, best friend. There was no denying it any more. She was tired of it.

Jarod showed compassion and care whenever he could and whenever she had let him. He was always there for her, helping her even if she didn't want him to or hadn't hoped for his help.

She shook her head slightly.

This time was no different and so she came to realize slowly that he was her friend and that after all this time she had tried to push that feeling away, it resurfaced nonetheless.

Maybe it was time to stop pushing her feelings down and trying to deny them and maybe then she would be able to acknowledge them even in front of Jarod sometime.

x x x x x x x

He smiled and looked around 'her' room. Over the course of the last few days new snapshots had joined the others. His gaze fell on the package lying in front of him. Tonight he would deliver it. He would pay her a visit and leave the package for her.

It was another set of photos. She would certainly be pleased, maybe even give him a hug for them. He knew that she loved it when he brought her gifts, especially the photos he took of her. She would ask him into the house and he would stay for some time so that they could finally resume the talk they had started on the evening she had given him her pullover.

He took the garment in question and inhaled deeply.

It still had her scent on it but he would ask her to give him another one that she had worn one of the last few days and where her scent clung to it more intensely.

He closed his eyes, imagining the scene and hugging the pullover close to his chest.

To be continued…