The wheezing sound of Dr. Raines taking a breath filled the room. Mr. Parker had never grown used to it, and it always sent chills up his spine when in close proximity to the reptilian man.

"Now that you have it, why is it still in existence?"

"This is a golden opportunity, Raines."

"Yes, a golden opportunity to get caught. Destroy it, and the truth is destroyed with it. Not to mention the fact that we can rid ourselves of Sydney once and for all in the process."

"There are many ways to destroy a man, Raines. I've waited thirty years for this moment, I'll be damned if I'm going to waste it."

"What are you going to do?"

Parker's smile resembled that of a shark closing in on its next meal. "With a few carefully implemented changes, these pieces of evidence can look quite different."

"Yes, you'll come out as the injured party, and Sydney at fault for all of it. Clever. But remember, Mr. Parker, there is often a fine line between destroying someone's trust in a cherished mentor and destroying the person. Even though Miss Parker has tried to hide it even from herself, on an emotional level, Sydney is a parent. You can undermine her feelings toward him, but in so doing, you might shatter her completely. We have a lot invested in her, so be sure it is something you are willing to risk."

Parker's smile widened. "In any great endeavor, Raines, there is a risk. This experiment has been more than thirty years in the making. And when you think about it, what are we really risking? In and of itself, such a test of her emotional makeup will only serve to tell us how much she is like the original."

Raines nodded, "Just keep in mind that we have never been exactly sure what was between Catherine and Sydney--"

Parker's face turned dark as he cut the man off. "--She merely used his feelings toward her when it suited her, Raines. Nothing more."

"As you wish, Mr. Parker. But don't underestimate the emotional attachment Miss Parker has regarding Sydney. It wouldn't do to make the same mistake twice."

Before Parker could muster a retort, the squeaking wheels were already moving down the hallway.

---------------------------

Parker stood a few feet from the gurney, her arms crossed in front of her, impatience her abiding companion. Finally the attending physician turned toward her.

"Well?"

"He's suffering from a concussion resulting from the blow he took on the back of his head."

"Tell me something I don't know. Will he be all right?"

"With some rest, yes, he should be fine."

He handed her a bottle of pills. "These will help with the nausea. He needs a few days bed rest, and for the first 24 hours, you should awaken him every few hours to be sure he hasn't fallen back into unconsciousness."

"Whoa Dr. Kildare, I'm not his nursemaid....."

"Miss Parker, he has to be monitored for at least a 24 hour period. Whether it's you and someone else makes no difference to me, I'm just telling you what needs to be done."

"Why can't he just stay here?"

"Because he's not that bad off, and he'll be more comfortable at home."

"I'll get Broots to do it...."

Sydney broke into the conversation. "I'll be fine, Dr. Parnasis, I know the warning signs of hemorrhaging, I do not need supervision."

"On the contrary, doctor, I think you know better than that. You have a grade two concussion, and while you seem fine now, we both know it could develop into a grade three and very quickly. You need to be supervised by a responsible adult."

"Well, that lets Broots out...."

"Parker...."

She glared at Sydney, letting out a long-suffering sigh. "Great. It looks like I'm stuck with you Freud. Come on......I'll take you home."

As Sydney walked by Parnasis, the man took Syd's arm. "If I were you, I'd consider asking Mr. Broots to watch over you."

Sydney smiled. "Her bark has always been far worse than her bite."

Parnasis watched them leave, and shook his head. If Sydney wanted to take his life into his hands with such a reluctant guardian, that was his affair.