CHAPTER FIVE.
* FOUR MONTHS LATER.
THE CENTRE - BLUE COVE - DELAWARE.
RAINES OFFICE.
*
"It's true, isn't it? I know you watched the DSA." Raines looked up and saw Mr. Parker walking up to the desk. He immediately stood up.
"What DSA?" He wheezed.
"You know what I'm talking about. And I want to know.is that woman my daughter?"
Raines didn't know what to say. He remained silent. Mr. Parker interpreted the silence as a yes.
"How? I thought she died." He said coldly.
"Well, she didn't.." Raines wheezed.
There was another silence. Finally Mr. Parker spoke. "Obviously, she knows about the Centre. And I bet she knows where Lyle and Miss Parker are as well. Find out where she is and send sweepers to get her." He said.
"I already know." With those words, Raines picked up his phone. He gave Mr. Parker a look that showed he wanted him out of there. Mr. Parker got the point. He slowly turned around and left the room. He stopped outside the door to listen.
*
NEXT DAY - NEW YORK.
SOMEWHERE ON A STREET.
*
Lydia was on her lunch-break, heading for a post office to post a few letters for Will. Deep in thoughts she didn't notice a black car stopping next to her as she walked. Three men dressed in black, jumped out blocking her way. They all had guns pointed at her. Lydia stopped dead in her tracks. She stared at the men, fear written all over her face.
"Get in!" One of the men demanded, pointing at the car.
"No.Please.Don't." Lydia begged. The man grabbed her and dragged her up to the car. He opened the door and tried to force her inside. Lydia tried desperately to fight his hold of her, without thinking of the guns.
Suddenly she felt another man pointing a gun to her neck. She stiffened, inhaling sharply.
"Do you want to get yourself shot? Now, do as I say.GET IN!"
Lydia didn't dare to do anything else then obey. The man got in next to her, still pointing his gun at her. So she wouldn't try anything. After a while, the car drove off.
*
ABOUT FIVE HOURS LATER
BLUE COVE, DELAWARE.
THE CENTRE - SL-26.
*
Jarod slowly opened his eyes. First everything was dark, but as his eyes got used to it, he could make out the contours of the walls. He painfully got up in a sitting position, leaning against the bars at the door. Jarod sighed heavily. He wasn't sure if how long he had been in the Centre. But a feeling told him it must have passed quite a long time. His hand traveled upward to his face, he warily touched his cheek. He let his fingers slide over one big cut. The cut was surrounded by bruises. Jarod remembered the last time Raines had tried to make him perform SIMS. Even though all the torture, he'd refused. Raines was really pissed. But there was no way he would do anything to facilitate anything for either Mr. Raines or anyone at the Centre. All he wanted was to get out of there and be with Miss Parker, to comfort her. He knew she needed that, now more then ever. Especially when she finds out the horrible truth.
"Pssssst.." Jarod looked around confused. What was that? Suddenly he saw a silhouette of a person, peeking down from an opening in a vent shaft.
"Angelo?" He whispered.
"Help.friend.escape.." Angelo whispered.
Jarod immediately got up on his feet. Was it possible that Angelo could help him? As he stood up, his head started to spin. Jarod grabbed the bars to avoid collapsing at the floor again. He groaned as his head started to ache.
"Not.much.time.."
Jarod let go of the bars and managed to walk up to the shaft-opening without falling. His whole body ached and already he felt like he didn't have any power left.
With a lot of trouble and trying he managed to get himself into the vent. Just then a sweeper walked into the room. Jarod could hear him let out a loud shout. He immediately called his boss.
Jarod knew they had to hurry before it was too late. This just had to work. He had to get out of there. If he failed now, he wouldn't get another chance, that's for sure.
As he and Angelo struggled to move as soundlessly as possible. They heard the sweeper talk.
"Yes Mr. Raines. I understand.Yes, I will find him for you.."
Jarod didn't bother to listen anymore. Instead he tried to focus on remain standing.
"This way..help.." Angelo whispered. With that, they turned left. Jarod looked at the passage. It was really small, and the other side seemed to go upwards. This wasn't going to be easy.
About ten minutes later, they still hadn't managed to get out, but were still not found. Just as Jarod was about to speak, something, somewhere caught his attention. It sounded like someone, maybe a woman, crying. He stopped and listened. What was going on? Who was she?
"What are we going to do with her.?" Someone said.
"She knows where they are..I'm going to make her talk." A wheezing voice answered.
There was a silence.
"She's beautiful.so much like.." Jarod tried to hear, but couldn't make out the last of his words.
The wheezing man spoke, something that couldn't be heard.
"Don't cry Angel.we are not going to hurt you." The man said. "As long as you cooperate." He added in a cold voice.
Jarod frowned. What the hell was going on? He'd called her 'Angel.' His thoughts drifted to Miss Parker. It couldn't be her. Or could it? Why was everything so hard? Jarod didn't know what to do. Maybe he shouldn't escape after all. What if it was Miss Parker? After he'd listen to the weeping woman, he decided to get out of there. He had to find out what was going on. He couldn't do that from inside the Centre. Jarod sighed, praying it wasn't Miss Parker.
"C'mon Angelo.we have to get out of here." He whispered. They continued moving, leaving the sound of the woman behind.
*
ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER.
NEW YORK - LYDIA'S APARTMENT.
*
Miss Parker was sitting in the couch, staring at the TV. She zapped through the channels, but didn't find anything interesting. With a sigh she flipped it off. She leaned back and closed her eyes. She slowly let her right hand follow the contours of her stomach. She whimpered.
Four months had passed and her pregnancy had already started to show, much more than normal. At least that's what Lydia had told her. Miss Parker sighed. God, she didn't want this baby. How would she be able to take care of it? And how would she handle being reminded of Dane everytime she looked at it?
"Lesley?" Miss Parker opened her eyes and saw her brother walking up to her.
"Are you okay?" He asked, sitting down next to her in the couch. Miss Parker grabbed one of the cushions and placed it over her stomach to cover the growth.
"You don't have to do that.it's okay." Lyle said softly. He gently touched her shoulder. Miss Parker turned her head and looked at him with big sad eyes.
"Lyle." She whispered.
"What?"
"Have I ever thanked you for being so nice to me?"
"You don't have to.I'm just glad I've changed.I like my new self better." He said with a slight smile.
"Me too.."
Lyle looked at his sister. "How are you feeling?" He asked.
"I don't know.It's better I think..but it's so hard to forget, especially now when I have this baby." Miss Parker said in a low voice.
Lyle nodded sympathetically.
Miss Parker reminded silent. She wondered where Lydia was. She should have called. She'd promised to call. Now it had gone more than three hours. What was she doing? Maybe she was too busy? Maybe she didn't care? Miss Parker immediately regretted thinking that. She knew Lydia cared. What if something had happened? Lyle saw the concern in her eyes. He gave her a questioning look.
"Do you know where Lydia is? She should have called."
"Maybe she just got stuck at something.I'm sure she will call as soon as she can."
"What if something happened?"
"Don't worry." Lyle said softly, he placed his arm around Miss Parker. She leaned against him, resting her head against his chest. Lyle gently ran his hand across her back and side. Miss Parker snuggled up closer against him, almost in no time she fell asleep.
Lyle was a little surprised. He didn't understood how she could sleep so much. But he guessed it had something to do with the pregnancy. Miss Parker had said she always felt tired. Lyle slowly let his hand glide over her belly. He smiled sadly as he felt the swelling on her normal flat stomach. He sighed.
Suddenly a shrill signal of a phone sounded. Lyle looked around. It was Lydia's home phone. He slowly and carefully laid Miss Parker's sleeping form down at the couch and walked to answer. Hoping it would be Lydia.
"Hello?"
"Lyle? Is that you??"
"Yeah.who the hell are you?"
"Jarod, the one you captured and looked up for months.remember."
"Jarod..I'm..I'm sorry for that..where are you?"
"Like hell.you are not sorry.what the hell are you doing in Lydia and Miss Parker's apartment?"
Lyle sighed. "I live here too."
He heard Jarod gasp.
There was a silence. "Can I talk to Parker.?" Jarod finally said.
"She's asleep.I don't want to wake her up.can a take a message?"
"No, I can't risk getting caught again.I don't trust you."
Lyle sighed a second time. "I've changed..before you say anything I want you to listen." Jarod protested, but Lyle interrupted him. He told the other man about what he'd done for Miss Parker. Hopefully he would believe him. When he was ready, He could hear Jarod sigh deeply.
"Tell her I'll be there in a couple of hours.I'm on my way." Jarod said and hung up.
Lyle stared at the phone for a while, then he put it back from where he'd taken it and walked up to the couch. He sat down and carefully took Miss Parker in his arms again. She moved a little, but didn't wake up.
"Lesley." Lyle whispered. Miss Parker slowly opened her eyes.
"What?" She asked sleepily. Lyle felt a little bad about waking her up. But he knew she would like to know about Jarod.
Jarod have escaped.he'll be here in a couple of hours." Lyle told her. Miss Parker sat up, staring at him.
"He's coming here?!" She asked.
Lyle nodded.
Miss Parker didn't know what to say. She was unsure of if she should reveal her feelings towards Jarod to her brother.
"Parker.I know how you feel.you don't have to hide it." Lyle said, almost as if he could read her thoughts.
Miss Parker smiled. "Thanks." She whispered.
"For what?"
"It means a lot to me that you accept Jarod. I love him." Miss Parker turned her head a little to avoid eye contact with him.
"I just want you to be happy, I don't know anyone who deserve that more than you do."
Miss Parker looked at him and smiled. Lyle returned it.
*
A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER.
*
Miss Parker and Lyle were still sitting on the couch. In Miss Parker's case, more like lying, sound asleep. Suddenly the doorbell rang.
Lyle gently shook her shoulder, trying to wake her up. Miss Parker moaned, opening her eyes.
"What is it now.why can't you let me sleep.?" She mumbled.
Lyle smiled. "I think Jarod is here." He said. Miss Parker immediately stiffened. She sat up, staring at the door.
"Can you open?" She asked her brother.
Lyle didn't say anything, just got up on his feet and walked to open the door. Miss Parker grabbed one of the biggest cushions and hugged it tight. She kept her gaze at her lap. She didn't know why, but she was unsure of how she would act around Jarod. It had been such a lone time since she saw him. She wasn't sure if she should let him find out about the baby. What if he would hate her? Maybe he would think she was ugly and dirty now?
She saw Lyle walking towards the kitchen. She gave him a puzzled look. Then she heard Jarod's deep voice and understood why Lyle had left the room.
"Miss Parker? Are you okay?" Jarod asked softly. Miss Parker heard the concern in his voice. She still didn't look up.
"Parker." Jarod sat down next to her. "Parker.look at me." He placed his hand under her chin, forcing her too face him.
Miss Parker looked up, looking into his deep brown eyes.
"I'm so sorry.I should have been there for you.I'm sorry." Jarod whispered. He eyed Miss Parker. She looked the same. If he didn't know what happened he would never have guessed. The only thing that was unlike her was her clothing. She was dressed in a pale blue T-shirt and black slacks. Not so unusual when he came to think of it. Only the T-shirt. He kept watching her. He met her gaze. Jarod smiled slightly.
"It wasn't your fault." Miss Parker whispered. She looked at Jarod. He looked a little troubled, like he wanted to say something, but didn't. She decided to ask. At least they would have a topic.
"What is it?"
Jarod didn't answer. He didn't know how to tell her. He saw Miss Parker's questioning look.
"We can talk about that later.it's." He started but Miss Parker interrupted.
"Tell me.I want to know." She snapped. Jarod smiled as she for one moment acted like the Miss Parker he was used to. His smile faded away as he remembered what he was about to tell her. He sighed. He really shouldn't. They'd just met. Now was not the best time. He looked at Miss Parker. She looked curious, and also a bit scared. Jarod sighed a second time.
"I don't know if you're ready to hear this.it's about Dane."
Miss Parker nodded."Tell me." She whispered. Jarod decided to go for it. Maybe it was better to tell her right away. Then they would be able to leave it behind sooner.
"This may sound unbelievable. But it is true." Jarod started. "I made a SIM on you.I had to know. and I .I found out who Dane was.Miss Parker, he was your son.yours and Sam's.the Centre created him, for god knows why." Jarod stopped as he saw the look on her face. She looked pale as a ghost.
"I'm sorry." He whispered.
Miss Parker was just about to say something when her head started to spin, everything went black in front of her eyes and she fainted. Jarod immediately caught her and held her.
After a while Miss Parker started to regain consciousness.
"Miss Parker, are you okay?" Jarod asked worriedly.
Unable to speak, Miss Parker just shook her head. Tears started to roll down her cheeks. She buried her face in her hands.
Jarod looked at her, a little confused. She seemed to handle things quite well from the beginning, so why this breakdown? Of course he didn't blame her. It was understandable.
"Parker, honey.it's okay.it's okay." Jarod gently ran his hand across her back, trying to comfort her.
"No, god.it's not okay." Miss Parker sobbed.
"What's wrong.something I don't know?"
Miss Parker didn't answer.
"Parker.talk to me."
"Dammit Jarod. I'm pregnant!" Miss Parker almost screamed. She started to cry uncontrollably.
Jarod stared at her in shock. He could never have dreamt of something like that. Poor Parker. Of course she was upset.
"I'm sorry.I had no idea." He mumbled.
Miss Parker looked up. Tears were streaming from her eyes. "What am I going to do?" She cried.
Jarod was stunned. What was he going to tell her? He remained silent for a while.
"Why.why haven't you done an abortion?" He finally asked.
"I thought you would hate me." Miss Parker sniveled.
Jarod sighed, shaking his head miserably. "I would never hate you, no matter what. Don't ever think that." He said soothingly.
"Now.it's too late." First Jarod didn't understand what she was talking about. Then he realized.
"No honey.it's never too late.only more complicated.It will be okay.I promise."
There was a silence. Jarod didn't know what to say. He wasn't
prepared for this. He slowly shook his head. What do you say to comfort someone who got raped and is pregnant with her own sons' baby? The whole thing was just too crazy. He was snapped out of his thoughts as Miss Parker spoke.
"Jarod.I missed you so much." She said almost inaudibly.
Jarod smiled slightly. "I missed you too." He said, he gently touched her face with his hand, wiping away her tears. He tried to remove the cushion Miss Parker was still clutching. She tightened her grip of it.
"I just want to hold you." Jarod whispered. With trembling hands Miss Parker slowly let go of it. Jarod noticed her stomach, but didn't say anything.
"Turn your back to me." He said. First Miss Parker hesitated. But as she saw the warmness and affection in Jarod's eyes, she obeyed. Jarod placed his arms around her wait and pulled her close to him. After a while Miss Parker relaxed, she leaned her head on Jarod's chest, inhaling the soft smell of his own personal scent mixed with leather. She closed her eyes. Thinking of how much she'd missed being in his arms. She suddenly realized how much he meant to her, how much she needed him. She moaned softly. Jarod buried his jaw in her dark hair. He sighed. Finally they were together again. All those months he was parted from her, all he could do was think of her. How she was feeling, and coping. He'd never thought he could miss anyone as much as he'd missed her. Jarod smiled as Miss Parker moved her head, making her hair tickle him. From now on, he would make sure they never were separated again. If he could choose, he would always be there, holding her, comforting her and loving her. No matter what happened. He prayed she felt the same way.
"We'll solve this.don't worry." Jarod said kindly, letting his hand slowly slid under Miss Parker's T-shirt, caressing her swollen stomach. Miss Parker immediately tensed. What was he doing? She moaned inaudibly. She didn't want Jarod feel it. She felt ashamed, dirty. She closed her eyes, praying he would stop. But he didn't. She heard Jarod sigh. Miss Parker whimpered. She felt tear brim in her eyes. He didn't like her now. She didn't blame him. Who could like her when she looked like this? Ugly.fat.Miss Parker couldn't hold back the tears. They silently escaped her eyes, rolling down her cheeks.
"You must think I'm ugly.I feel so dirty.I understand if you hate me.it's okay if you don't want me..I." Miss Parker started but Jarod hushed her.
"No.You're beautiful.no matter what happens, you always will be.I love you." Jarod said, gently massaging her belly. How could she even think something like that? Of course he didn't think she was ugly. Didn't she know that she was the most beautiful creature on the whole planet? Jarod continued the soft massage, after a while he felt Miss Parker relaxing again. She snuggled up closer to him, moaning softly, enjoying Jarod's touch.
*
Lyle walked into the room. He stopped and watched his sister in Jarod's arms. They looked so peaceful. He didn't know how to feel. Of course he wanted Miss Parker to bee happy, but he'd never been too found of Jarod. And he knew Jarod hated him. And surely, he had his reasons. Lyle sighed. How was this going to work? If he wasn't wrong, Jarod would be living here too, which meant they would be forced too see each other every single day. Lyle decided to put his problems aside for a while. He didn't want to disturb. But he had to tell. He cleared his throat.
"I don't want to interrupt anything.but Lydia hasn't returned to her work." He said, walking up to Miss Parker and Jarod.
Miss Parker looked at him, but didn't move away from Jarod. "Oh no, what if something happened?" She whispered.
"Yeah, someone named Kipp said she was supposed to post something for her boss but never returned. Now more than four hours have passed." Lyle said. He hated to upset his sister. But she had to know. He sighed. What if something really had happened to Lydia?
He gave Miss Parker an encouraging smile. "Don't worry.we'll find her." He said. He glanced at Jarod. He looked like he was deep in thoughts. Lyle frowned. Did he know something? Or was he just thinking? Lyle couldn't resist asking.
"Jarod.do you have any ideas?"
Jarod was silent for a while. He didn't know if he should tell them what he suspected. He didn't know how much more Miss Parker could take. She had experienced so much lately. He knew her self-esteem was totally shattered. She needed to take it easy, to learn to trust people again. He sighed. But if something really had happened, she would find out anyway. Maybe it was better if he just said it.
"When I escaped from the Centre, I heard, what I think were your father and Raines talking about someone. A woman. Your father called her Angel." Jarod started. "They also said 'she knows where they are' and that they were going to make her talk." He continued.
"Do you think they have Lydia?" Lyle asked.
Jarod didn't say anything. He just sighed deeply.
"They will kill her!" Miss Parker exclaimed. Lyle could see she was about to start to cry. He sighed.
"I hate to say this.but I think there's a big chance that you're right Jarod.What are we going to do?" Lyle said. For one moment forgetting his dislike towards the other man.
There was a silence.
"Maybe Broots can hack into the Centre's system." Jarod said thoughtfully. "I'll call him right now.he's at the Syd's hotel-room with Debbie and Angelo." Jarod said. He saw Lyle's puzzled look.
"Angelo came with me.I couldn't leave him there." Lyle just nodded. "Call him." He said.
Jarod tried to pick up his phone from his pocket. But gave up as he realized Miss Parker was in the way.
Miss Parker immediately sat up, moving to the other side of the couch. "Sorry." She whispered, curling up in the corner.
"Don't apologize, it's okay." Jarod said as soft as he could. He gave Miss Parker a sad look. He picked up the phone while he held out his other arm, telling Parker to come back.
Miss Parker hesitated. But crept up to him. Jarod placed his arm around her shoulders.
"You can stay here as long as you like. You're always welcome in my arms.don't forget that." He said, dialing the number to Broots phone.
Miss Parker smiled at him. She leaned her head against his shoulder. Almost immediately she fell asleep. Jarod gave her a surprised look. He turned his head to look at Lyle questioningly.
He was just about to ask, when Broots answered.
"Hi, it's me.Jarod.I have to ask you to do something for us. It's about Lydia."
*
MEANWHILE.
THE CENTRE - BLUE COVE - DELAWARE.
SL-13.
*
Raines gave the woman in front of him an evil smile. He laughed as she desperately tried to free herself from the straps which strapped her to the wall.
"That's not going to work." He wheezed. The woman gave him a frightened look.
"Please.let me go.I won't tell anyone.please." She begged.
Raines just laughed. He slowly walked up to her, stopping only about one foot away. The woman flinched, pressing herself as close to the wall as possible.
"Tell me where they are." He wheezed.
"I don't know.I already told you that."
"Like hell!" Raines said, hitting her face hard. The woman gasped with pain. With tears brimming in her eyes, she warily glanced at Raines. She wondered what he was going to go with her. Remembering what happened to Lyle, she was sure it wasn't going to be nice.
"So Lydia.What do you think Miss Parker will say when she finds out you died in here.do you really want to distress her like that?" Raines said with an evil smirk.
Lydia whined quietly. What was she going to do? She couldn't tell them where Miss Parker and the others were. But she didn't want to die either.
"Okay.I get the point.then I have to take this to the next level." Raines wheezed, walking up to the other side of the room. He returned with a couple of wires he fastened to Lydia's body. Then he plugged them into a machine standing next to him.
"You get one last chance to make this painless.where are they?" Raines said, holding his fingers at the start button. Lydia gave him a terrified look. What was he going to do with her? Was that electricity? She was too afraid to think. She just stood there, staring at the man. Her whole body was trembling and tears had started to roll down her cheeks.
With an irritated sound Raines pressed the button. The machine started to purr. He turned the current strength up. Lydia gasped. Raines laughed evilly, turning it up some more, making Lydia scream with pain.
"TELL ME!!!" Raines screamed.
Lydia tried desperately to stand the pain, to not scream. She imagined Lyle or Miss Parker in the same situation. She was sure they wouldn't show how much they were hurting.
But no matter how hard she tried, it was impossible. She wasn't as strong as her siblings, she knew that. And she was definitely not used to be treated like this. She wasn't use to any kind of pain. As Raines turned the current up even more, she just couldn't take it.
"STOP!! MAKE IT STOP!" She screamed. Raines didn't do anything. Lydia knew there was only one way to make the suffering go away.
"I'll tell you everything.please just make it stop." She cried.
With a smirk, Raines turned it off.
"Spit it out!" He wheezed. With a trembling voice and tears streaming down her cheeks, Lydia told him. She wondered what would happen to the others now. Maybe Raines would kill them. She imagined them finding out she was the one who told about them. Who betrayed them? How would they ever be able to trust her again? She thought of Miss Parker. What would they do with her? How would she handle this? Lydia sniveled loudly, how could she do this to her, to Lyle and all the others? They would hate her forever. And of course, after what she did, she deserved it.
*
TO BE CONTINUED:
* FOUR MONTHS LATER.
THE CENTRE - BLUE COVE - DELAWARE.
RAINES OFFICE.
*
"It's true, isn't it? I know you watched the DSA." Raines looked up and saw Mr. Parker walking up to the desk. He immediately stood up.
"What DSA?" He wheezed.
"You know what I'm talking about. And I want to know.is that woman my daughter?"
Raines didn't know what to say. He remained silent. Mr. Parker interpreted the silence as a yes.
"How? I thought she died." He said coldly.
"Well, she didn't.." Raines wheezed.
There was another silence. Finally Mr. Parker spoke. "Obviously, she knows about the Centre. And I bet she knows where Lyle and Miss Parker are as well. Find out where she is and send sweepers to get her." He said.
"I already know." With those words, Raines picked up his phone. He gave Mr. Parker a look that showed he wanted him out of there. Mr. Parker got the point. He slowly turned around and left the room. He stopped outside the door to listen.
*
NEXT DAY - NEW YORK.
SOMEWHERE ON A STREET.
*
Lydia was on her lunch-break, heading for a post office to post a few letters for Will. Deep in thoughts she didn't notice a black car stopping next to her as she walked. Three men dressed in black, jumped out blocking her way. They all had guns pointed at her. Lydia stopped dead in her tracks. She stared at the men, fear written all over her face.
"Get in!" One of the men demanded, pointing at the car.
"No.Please.Don't." Lydia begged. The man grabbed her and dragged her up to the car. He opened the door and tried to force her inside. Lydia tried desperately to fight his hold of her, without thinking of the guns.
Suddenly she felt another man pointing a gun to her neck. She stiffened, inhaling sharply.
"Do you want to get yourself shot? Now, do as I say.GET IN!"
Lydia didn't dare to do anything else then obey. The man got in next to her, still pointing his gun at her. So she wouldn't try anything. After a while, the car drove off.
*
ABOUT FIVE HOURS LATER
BLUE COVE, DELAWARE.
THE CENTRE - SL-26.
*
Jarod slowly opened his eyes. First everything was dark, but as his eyes got used to it, he could make out the contours of the walls. He painfully got up in a sitting position, leaning against the bars at the door. Jarod sighed heavily. He wasn't sure if how long he had been in the Centre. But a feeling told him it must have passed quite a long time. His hand traveled upward to his face, he warily touched his cheek. He let his fingers slide over one big cut. The cut was surrounded by bruises. Jarod remembered the last time Raines had tried to make him perform SIMS. Even though all the torture, he'd refused. Raines was really pissed. But there was no way he would do anything to facilitate anything for either Mr. Raines or anyone at the Centre. All he wanted was to get out of there and be with Miss Parker, to comfort her. He knew she needed that, now more then ever. Especially when she finds out the horrible truth.
"Pssssst.." Jarod looked around confused. What was that? Suddenly he saw a silhouette of a person, peeking down from an opening in a vent shaft.
"Angelo?" He whispered.
"Help.friend.escape.." Angelo whispered.
Jarod immediately got up on his feet. Was it possible that Angelo could help him? As he stood up, his head started to spin. Jarod grabbed the bars to avoid collapsing at the floor again. He groaned as his head started to ache.
"Not.much.time.."
Jarod let go of the bars and managed to walk up to the shaft-opening without falling. His whole body ached and already he felt like he didn't have any power left.
With a lot of trouble and trying he managed to get himself into the vent. Just then a sweeper walked into the room. Jarod could hear him let out a loud shout. He immediately called his boss.
Jarod knew they had to hurry before it was too late. This just had to work. He had to get out of there. If he failed now, he wouldn't get another chance, that's for sure.
As he and Angelo struggled to move as soundlessly as possible. They heard the sweeper talk.
"Yes Mr. Raines. I understand.Yes, I will find him for you.."
Jarod didn't bother to listen anymore. Instead he tried to focus on remain standing.
"This way..help.." Angelo whispered. With that, they turned left. Jarod looked at the passage. It was really small, and the other side seemed to go upwards. This wasn't going to be easy.
About ten minutes later, they still hadn't managed to get out, but were still not found. Just as Jarod was about to speak, something, somewhere caught his attention. It sounded like someone, maybe a woman, crying. He stopped and listened. What was going on? Who was she?
"What are we going to do with her.?" Someone said.
"She knows where they are..I'm going to make her talk." A wheezing voice answered.
There was a silence.
"She's beautiful.so much like.." Jarod tried to hear, but couldn't make out the last of his words.
The wheezing man spoke, something that couldn't be heard.
"Don't cry Angel.we are not going to hurt you." The man said. "As long as you cooperate." He added in a cold voice.
Jarod frowned. What the hell was going on? He'd called her 'Angel.' His thoughts drifted to Miss Parker. It couldn't be her. Or could it? Why was everything so hard? Jarod didn't know what to do. Maybe he shouldn't escape after all. What if it was Miss Parker? After he'd listen to the weeping woman, he decided to get out of there. He had to find out what was going on. He couldn't do that from inside the Centre. Jarod sighed, praying it wasn't Miss Parker.
"C'mon Angelo.we have to get out of here." He whispered. They continued moving, leaving the sound of the woman behind.
*
ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER.
NEW YORK - LYDIA'S APARTMENT.
*
Miss Parker was sitting in the couch, staring at the TV. She zapped through the channels, but didn't find anything interesting. With a sigh she flipped it off. She leaned back and closed her eyes. She slowly let her right hand follow the contours of her stomach. She whimpered.
Four months had passed and her pregnancy had already started to show, much more than normal. At least that's what Lydia had told her. Miss Parker sighed. God, she didn't want this baby. How would she be able to take care of it? And how would she handle being reminded of Dane everytime she looked at it?
"Lesley?" Miss Parker opened her eyes and saw her brother walking up to her.
"Are you okay?" He asked, sitting down next to her in the couch. Miss Parker grabbed one of the cushions and placed it over her stomach to cover the growth.
"You don't have to do that.it's okay." Lyle said softly. He gently touched her shoulder. Miss Parker turned her head and looked at him with big sad eyes.
"Lyle." She whispered.
"What?"
"Have I ever thanked you for being so nice to me?"
"You don't have to.I'm just glad I've changed.I like my new self better." He said with a slight smile.
"Me too.."
Lyle looked at his sister. "How are you feeling?" He asked.
"I don't know.It's better I think..but it's so hard to forget, especially now when I have this baby." Miss Parker said in a low voice.
Lyle nodded sympathetically.
Miss Parker reminded silent. She wondered where Lydia was. She should have called. She'd promised to call. Now it had gone more than three hours. What was she doing? Maybe she was too busy? Maybe she didn't care? Miss Parker immediately regretted thinking that. She knew Lydia cared. What if something had happened? Lyle saw the concern in her eyes. He gave her a questioning look.
"Do you know where Lydia is? She should have called."
"Maybe she just got stuck at something.I'm sure she will call as soon as she can."
"What if something happened?"
"Don't worry." Lyle said softly, he placed his arm around Miss Parker. She leaned against him, resting her head against his chest. Lyle gently ran his hand across her back and side. Miss Parker snuggled up closer against him, almost in no time she fell asleep.
Lyle was a little surprised. He didn't understood how she could sleep so much. But he guessed it had something to do with the pregnancy. Miss Parker had said she always felt tired. Lyle slowly let his hand glide over her belly. He smiled sadly as he felt the swelling on her normal flat stomach. He sighed.
Suddenly a shrill signal of a phone sounded. Lyle looked around. It was Lydia's home phone. He slowly and carefully laid Miss Parker's sleeping form down at the couch and walked to answer. Hoping it would be Lydia.
"Hello?"
"Lyle? Is that you??"
"Yeah.who the hell are you?"
"Jarod, the one you captured and looked up for months.remember."
"Jarod..I'm..I'm sorry for that..where are you?"
"Like hell.you are not sorry.what the hell are you doing in Lydia and Miss Parker's apartment?"
Lyle sighed. "I live here too."
He heard Jarod gasp.
There was a silence. "Can I talk to Parker.?" Jarod finally said.
"She's asleep.I don't want to wake her up.can a take a message?"
"No, I can't risk getting caught again.I don't trust you."
Lyle sighed a second time. "I've changed..before you say anything I want you to listen." Jarod protested, but Lyle interrupted him. He told the other man about what he'd done for Miss Parker. Hopefully he would believe him. When he was ready, He could hear Jarod sigh deeply.
"Tell her I'll be there in a couple of hours.I'm on my way." Jarod said and hung up.
Lyle stared at the phone for a while, then he put it back from where he'd taken it and walked up to the couch. He sat down and carefully took Miss Parker in his arms again. She moved a little, but didn't wake up.
"Lesley." Lyle whispered. Miss Parker slowly opened her eyes.
"What?" She asked sleepily. Lyle felt a little bad about waking her up. But he knew she would like to know about Jarod.
Jarod have escaped.he'll be here in a couple of hours." Lyle told her. Miss Parker sat up, staring at him.
"He's coming here?!" She asked.
Lyle nodded.
Miss Parker didn't know what to say. She was unsure of if she should reveal her feelings towards Jarod to her brother.
"Parker.I know how you feel.you don't have to hide it." Lyle said, almost as if he could read her thoughts.
Miss Parker smiled. "Thanks." She whispered.
"For what?"
"It means a lot to me that you accept Jarod. I love him." Miss Parker turned her head a little to avoid eye contact with him.
"I just want you to be happy, I don't know anyone who deserve that more than you do."
Miss Parker looked at him and smiled. Lyle returned it.
*
A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER.
*
Miss Parker and Lyle were still sitting on the couch. In Miss Parker's case, more like lying, sound asleep. Suddenly the doorbell rang.
Lyle gently shook her shoulder, trying to wake her up. Miss Parker moaned, opening her eyes.
"What is it now.why can't you let me sleep.?" She mumbled.
Lyle smiled. "I think Jarod is here." He said. Miss Parker immediately stiffened. She sat up, staring at the door.
"Can you open?" She asked her brother.
Lyle didn't say anything, just got up on his feet and walked to open the door. Miss Parker grabbed one of the biggest cushions and hugged it tight. She kept her gaze at her lap. She didn't know why, but she was unsure of how she would act around Jarod. It had been such a lone time since she saw him. She wasn't sure if she should let him find out about the baby. What if he would hate her? Maybe he would think she was ugly and dirty now?
She saw Lyle walking towards the kitchen. She gave him a puzzled look. Then she heard Jarod's deep voice and understood why Lyle had left the room.
"Miss Parker? Are you okay?" Jarod asked softly. Miss Parker heard the concern in his voice. She still didn't look up.
"Parker." Jarod sat down next to her. "Parker.look at me." He placed his hand under her chin, forcing her too face him.
Miss Parker looked up, looking into his deep brown eyes.
"I'm so sorry.I should have been there for you.I'm sorry." Jarod whispered. He eyed Miss Parker. She looked the same. If he didn't know what happened he would never have guessed. The only thing that was unlike her was her clothing. She was dressed in a pale blue T-shirt and black slacks. Not so unusual when he came to think of it. Only the T-shirt. He kept watching her. He met her gaze. Jarod smiled slightly.
"It wasn't your fault." Miss Parker whispered. She looked at Jarod. He looked a little troubled, like he wanted to say something, but didn't. She decided to ask. At least they would have a topic.
"What is it?"
Jarod didn't answer. He didn't know how to tell her. He saw Miss Parker's questioning look.
"We can talk about that later.it's." He started but Miss Parker interrupted.
"Tell me.I want to know." She snapped. Jarod smiled as she for one moment acted like the Miss Parker he was used to. His smile faded away as he remembered what he was about to tell her. He sighed. He really shouldn't. They'd just met. Now was not the best time. He looked at Miss Parker. She looked curious, and also a bit scared. Jarod sighed a second time.
"I don't know if you're ready to hear this.it's about Dane."
Miss Parker nodded."Tell me." She whispered. Jarod decided to go for it. Maybe it was better to tell her right away. Then they would be able to leave it behind sooner.
"This may sound unbelievable. But it is true." Jarod started. "I made a SIM on you.I had to know. and I .I found out who Dane was.Miss Parker, he was your son.yours and Sam's.the Centre created him, for god knows why." Jarod stopped as he saw the look on her face. She looked pale as a ghost.
"I'm sorry." He whispered.
Miss Parker was just about to say something when her head started to spin, everything went black in front of her eyes and she fainted. Jarod immediately caught her and held her.
After a while Miss Parker started to regain consciousness.
"Miss Parker, are you okay?" Jarod asked worriedly.
Unable to speak, Miss Parker just shook her head. Tears started to roll down her cheeks. She buried her face in her hands.
Jarod looked at her, a little confused. She seemed to handle things quite well from the beginning, so why this breakdown? Of course he didn't blame her. It was understandable.
"Parker, honey.it's okay.it's okay." Jarod gently ran his hand across her back, trying to comfort her.
"No, god.it's not okay." Miss Parker sobbed.
"What's wrong.something I don't know?"
Miss Parker didn't answer.
"Parker.talk to me."
"Dammit Jarod. I'm pregnant!" Miss Parker almost screamed. She started to cry uncontrollably.
Jarod stared at her in shock. He could never have dreamt of something like that. Poor Parker. Of course she was upset.
"I'm sorry.I had no idea." He mumbled.
Miss Parker looked up. Tears were streaming from her eyes. "What am I going to do?" She cried.
Jarod was stunned. What was he going to tell her? He remained silent for a while.
"Why.why haven't you done an abortion?" He finally asked.
"I thought you would hate me." Miss Parker sniveled.
Jarod sighed, shaking his head miserably. "I would never hate you, no matter what. Don't ever think that." He said soothingly.
"Now.it's too late." First Jarod didn't understand what she was talking about. Then he realized.
"No honey.it's never too late.only more complicated.It will be okay.I promise."
There was a silence. Jarod didn't know what to say. He wasn't
prepared for this. He slowly shook his head. What do you say to comfort someone who got raped and is pregnant with her own sons' baby? The whole thing was just too crazy. He was snapped out of his thoughts as Miss Parker spoke.
"Jarod.I missed you so much." She said almost inaudibly.
Jarod smiled slightly. "I missed you too." He said, he gently touched her face with his hand, wiping away her tears. He tried to remove the cushion Miss Parker was still clutching. She tightened her grip of it.
"I just want to hold you." Jarod whispered. With trembling hands Miss Parker slowly let go of it. Jarod noticed her stomach, but didn't say anything.
"Turn your back to me." He said. First Miss Parker hesitated. But as she saw the warmness and affection in Jarod's eyes, she obeyed. Jarod placed his arms around her wait and pulled her close to him. After a while Miss Parker relaxed, she leaned her head on Jarod's chest, inhaling the soft smell of his own personal scent mixed with leather. She closed her eyes. Thinking of how much she'd missed being in his arms. She suddenly realized how much he meant to her, how much she needed him. She moaned softly. Jarod buried his jaw in her dark hair. He sighed. Finally they were together again. All those months he was parted from her, all he could do was think of her. How she was feeling, and coping. He'd never thought he could miss anyone as much as he'd missed her. Jarod smiled as Miss Parker moved her head, making her hair tickle him. From now on, he would make sure they never were separated again. If he could choose, he would always be there, holding her, comforting her and loving her. No matter what happened. He prayed she felt the same way.
"We'll solve this.don't worry." Jarod said kindly, letting his hand slowly slid under Miss Parker's T-shirt, caressing her swollen stomach. Miss Parker immediately tensed. What was he doing? She moaned inaudibly. She didn't want Jarod feel it. She felt ashamed, dirty. She closed her eyes, praying he would stop. But he didn't. She heard Jarod sigh. Miss Parker whimpered. She felt tear brim in her eyes. He didn't like her now. She didn't blame him. Who could like her when she looked like this? Ugly.fat.Miss Parker couldn't hold back the tears. They silently escaped her eyes, rolling down her cheeks.
"You must think I'm ugly.I feel so dirty.I understand if you hate me.it's okay if you don't want me..I." Miss Parker started but Jarod hushed her.
"No.You're beautiful.no matter what happens, you always will be.I love you." Jarod said, gently massaging her belly. How could she even think something like that? Of course he didn't think she was ugly. Didn't she know that she was the most beautiful creature on the whole planet? Jarod continued the soft massage, after a while he felt Miss Parker relaxing again. She snuggled up closer to him, moaning softly, enjoying Jarod's touch.
*
Lyle walked into the room. He stopped and watched his sister in Jarod's arms. They looked so peaceful. He didn't know how to feel. Of course he wanted Miss Parker to bee happy, but he'd never been too found of Jarod. And he knew Jarod hated him. And surely, he had his reasons. Lyle sighed. How was this going to work? If he wasn't wrong, Jarod would be living here too, which meant they would be forced too see each other every single day. Lyle decided to put his problems aside for a while. He didn't want to disturb. But he had to tell. He cleared his throat.
"I don't want to interrupt anything.but Lydia hasn't returned to her work." He said, walking up to Miss Parker and Jarod.
Miss Parker looked at him, but didn't move away from Jarod. "Oh no, what if something happened?" She whispered.
"Yeah, someone named Kipp said she was supposed to post something for her boss but never returned. Now more than four hours have passed." Lyle said. He hated to upset his sister. But she had to know. He sighed. What if something really had happened to Lydia?
He gave Miss Parker an encouraging smile. "Don't worry.we'll find her." He said. He glanced at Jarod. He looked like he was deep in thoughts. Lyle frowned. Did he know something? Or was he just thinking? Lyle couldn't resist asking.
"Jarod.do you have any ideas?"
Jarod was silent for a while. He didn't know if he should tell them what he suspected. He didn't know how much more Miss Parker could take. She had experienced so much lately. He knew her self-esteem was totally shattered. She needed to take it easy, to learn to trust people again. He sighed. But if something really had happened, she would find out anyway. Maybe it was better if he just said it.
"When I escaped from the Centre, I heard, what I think were your father and Raines talking about someone. A woman. Your father called her Angel." Jarod started. "They also said 'she knows where they are' and that they were going to make her talk." He continued.
"Do you think they have Lydia?" Lyle asked.
Jarod didn't say anything. He just sighed deeply.
"They will kill her!" Miss Parker exclaimed. Lyle could see she was about to start to cry. He sighed.
"I hate to say this.but I think there's a big chance that you're right Jarod.What are we going to do?" Lyle said. For one moment forgetting his dislike towards the other man.
There was a silence.
"Maybe Broots can hack into the Centre's system." Jarod said thoughtfully. "I'll call him right now.he's at the Syd's hotel-room with Debbie and Angelo." Jarod said. He saw Lyle's puzzled look.
"Angelo came with me.I couldn't leave him there." Lyle just nodded. "Call him." He said.
Jarod tried to pick up his phone from his pocket. But gave up as he realized Miss Parker was in the way.
Miss Parker immediately sat up, moving to the other side of the couch. "Sorry." She whispered, curling up in the corner.
"Don't apologize, it's okay." Jarod said as soft as he could. He gave Miss Parker a sad look. He picked up the phone while he held out his other arm, telling Parker to come back.
Miss Parker hesitated. But crept up to him. Jarod placed his arm around her shoulders.
"You can stay here as long as you like. You're always welcome in my arms.don't forget that." He said, dialing the number to Broots phone.
Miss Parker smiled at him. She leaned her head against his shoulder. Almost immediately she fell asleep. Jarod gave her a surprised look. He turned his head to look at Lyle questioningly.
He was just about to ask, when Broots answered.
"Hi, it's me.Jarod.I have to ask you to do something for us. It's about Lydia."
*
MEANWHILE.
THE CENTRE - BLUE COVE - DELAWARE.
SL-13.
*
Raines gave the woman in front of him an evil smile. He laughed as she desperately tried to free herself from the straps which strapped her to the wall.
"That's not going to work." He wheezed. The woman gave him a frightened look.
"Please.let me go.I won't tell anyone.please." She begged.
Raines just laughed. He slowly walked up to her, stopping only about one foot away. The woman flinched, pressing herself as close to the wall as possible.
"Tell me where they are." He wheezed.
"I don't know.I already told you that."
"Like hell!" Raines said, hitting her face hard. The woman gasped with pain. With tears brimming in her eyes, she warily glanced at Raines. She wondered what he was going to go with her. Remembering what happened to Lyle, she was sure it wasn't going to be nice.
"So Lydia.What do you think Miss Parker will say when she finds out you died in here.do you really want to distress her like that?" Raines said with an evil smirk.
Lydia whined quietly. What was she going to do? She couldn't tell them where Miss Parker and the others were. But she didn't want to die either.
"Okay.I get the point.then I have to take this to the next level." Raines wheezed, walking up to the other side of the room. He returned with a couple of wires he fastened to Lydia's body. Then he plugged them into a machine standing next to him.
"You get one last chance to make this painless.where are they?" Raines said, holding his fingers at the start button. Lydia gave him a terrified look. What was he going to do with her? Was that electricity? She was too afraid to think. She just stood there, staring at the man. Her whole body was trembling and tears had started to roll down her cheeks.
With an irritated sound Raines pressed the button. The machine started to purr. He turned the current strength up. Lydia gasped. Raines laughed evilly, turning it up some more, making Lydia scream with pain.
"TELL ME!!!" Raines screamed.
Lydia tried desperately to stand the pain, to not scream. She imagined Lyle or Miss Parker in the same situation. She was sure they wouldn't show how much they were hurting.
But no matter how hard she tried, it was impossible. She wasn't as strong as her siblings, she knew that. And she was definitely not used to be treated like this. She wasn't use to any kind of pain. As Raines turned the current up even more, she just couldn't take it.
"STOP!! MAKE IT STOP!" She screamed. Raines didn't do anything. Lydia knew there was only one way to make the suffering go away.
"I'll tell you everything.please just make it stop." She cried.
With a smirk, Raines turned it off.
"Spit it out!" He wheezed. With a trembling voice and tears streaming down her cheeks, Lydia told him. She wondered what would happen to the others now. Maybe Raines would kill them. She imagined them finding out she was the one who told about them. Who betrayed them? How would they ever be able to trust her again? She thought of Miss Parker. What would they do with her? How would she handle this? Lydia sniveled loudly, how could she do this to her, to Lyle and all the others? They would hate her forever. And of course, after what she did, she deserved it.
*
TO BE CONTINUED: