Disclaimer: I don't own this stuff.
Chapter 4-Showtime
"I still can't believe that this…gem actually exists," murmured Estella as she straightened her body. She had spent the last ten minutes carefully scrutinizing the Immortal Stone in a bent position.
From beside her Grace agreed. "It's amazing. Sitting in front of us is the most sought after myth in the entire world. It's almost scary if you stop and think about it. As soon as we break word of this find we're definitely going to need intensive security for the Stone."
"Perhaps," started Hadji cautiously, "it would be best if the Stone was placed in a museum somewhere."
"Oh, definitely, but now it's all a matter of which museum," said Benton with a small sigh. "Everyone is going to want to showcase the Immortal Stone."
A stately woman stepped forward with her arms crossed in front of her chest as she studied the red gem thoughtfully. "Sim sim salabim. It is a dangerous thing that we have here, my friends. Too dangerous, perhaps. I think it would be best for all if this…gem were to be destroyed." The woman continued with a raised hand as both Estella and Grace turned to her with horror on their faces. "Legend says that only a virgin of true heart may touch this gem…well, that is so. However, what most do not wish to repeat of the legend are the massive dangers that come with the Immortal Stone. One virgin will become a vessel. The matter lies in the one who interacts with the vessel at the moment of immortality. A person of bad heart is said to not withstand the powers of the Stone, thereby killing both the vessel and the immortal seeker. Yet, I wonder what would happen were two pure hearts to share this gem. Too many souls feared the gem throughout time…no one could safely say that their hearts were made of pure intentions."
"What are you saying, Sultana?" asked Grace.
"The Immortal Stone reads the hearts of those around it. I would not want to be around when the Chosen One touches the Stone," replied Neela Singh softly. She shook her head regretfully and slowly turned to walk away.
Hadji watched his wizened mother depart the tent before speaking. "Whatever you decide, I must say that on behalf of my people, the Immortal Stone must not be kept in Bangalore. We do not want the troubles that this Stone will ultimately bring."
Estella nodded absently. Picking out an ultimate destination for the Immortal Stone was going to be a challenge.
Elsewhere
Jessie felt as though her face had become stuck in a permanent glare. For the last half hour her eyes had been fastened to the figures of her father and Jezebel Jade sitting beneath another tent across from the one she and Jonny were under. Whatever the two adults were talking about, Jessie didn't like it one bit.
"For chrissakes, Jess, they aren't doing anything," grumbled Jonny opening one eye to glance over at his best friend.
"Show's what you know, hotshot. There's always something going on when Jade enters the picture. I don't even know what my dad saw in that woman. She's one step away from a prostitute," muttered Jessie darkly.
"Angry much?" teased Jonny finally opening both eyes. "Your dad and Jade have history. Unfinished history."
"I seem to recall someone else being upset about their father's love life history," shot back Jessie.
"Ha. Ha. It's not like that with my dad."
"Whatever you say, Jonny." Jessie lapsed into silence, her eyes never leaving Race or Jade.
Moments later Hadji appeared between the chairs. "How are you, my friends?" he asked.
Jonny snorted. "I think the heat's frying Jessie's brain."
"Shove off, Quest!" growled Jessie, her eyes sparkling with anger.
Hadji's eyes followed Jessie's to Race and Jade. The young Sultan studied the two adults carefully before saying, "A tiger always senses another tiger on the prowl. Jessie is wise to be distrustful of Jezebel Jade. She is one of the most dangerous tigers out there."
"Aw man, Hadji, not you too," sighed Jonny. "Jade's helped Race out loads of times before."
"Oh yeah, and each time something valuable went missing," snapped Jessie with a roll of her eyes. Jonny shrugged. Jessie was right there.
Across the way Race and Jade both stood up and returned to the tent where the teens were sitting. Race spoke up first. "Jade seems to think that the goons after you were sent by Surd. Apparently he's heard about the Immortal Stone already."
"That's nice," murmured Jessie shortly.
Jade gave a beautiful smile. "It's a wonder you're still alive, Jessica. Surd only hires the best of the best. Your father has taught you well, it seems."
Jonny grinned. "No kidding. You should've seen Jess out there today, Race. She was pretty damn calm through the entire thing."
"That's my girl," chuckled Race wrapping an arm around Jessie's shoulders. Jessie pursed her lips as she locked eyes with Jade. The woman seemed to be sending her a hidden message in her words. And Jessie had a dark feeling she knew what it was.
"So what brings you here, Jezebel?" questioned Jessie bitingly.
"I thought Dr. Quest and Race could use my assistance. If the Immortal Stone has really been recovered then you can bet that every criminal mastermind in the world will be after it. I'm the best in the business at stealing. Why not lend a hand?"
"How the hell did you find out about the Stone? And why the hell do you want to help us out?"
"Jessie!" scolded Race sharply.
Jade's lips set in a firm line. "I have my connections. You can be sure that Jeremiah Surd, Ezekial Rage, and Dr. Zin will all attempt to get the Stone for themselves. And as to why I would want to help you…well, let's just say an immortal crime lord isn't in my best interests."
"It doesn't sound like it would be in anyone's interests," remarked Jonny trying to ease the tension between the two females.
"What wouldn't be anyone's interests?" asked Benton as he, Estella, and Grace joined the group.
"Jade," replied Jessie crisply.
"An immortal Surd," answered Jonny at the same time. Both teens turned to glare at one another.
"Sounds like a toss up to me," mumbled Estella narrowing her eyes at the dark haired woman. Jade smirked at Estella and would probably have said something witty had Corbin not showed up.
"Looks like both men are dead in the ravine, Race. Your kids got 'em good. There wasn't any I.D. or paperwork on them. God only knows who those punks were working for. But whoever it is, they're packin' some hot weapons. I'd be a rich man if I sold the crap on the Black Market."
Race sighed and rubbed the back of his neck wearily. "Thanks for tryin'. I guess the only thing that matters is that Jonny and Jessie are safe. Still grounded, but safe." Race looked up at Benton. "So what next?"
Benton exchanged a look with Grace. "New York City. The U.N. will have to be informed of the Immortal Stone…as well as the press…and then I guess we'll take it from there."
"Sounds like another long ass plane ride to me," murmured Jonny to Jessie. The red head giggled and nodded in agreement.
New York City
Jonny gritted his teeth as he watched his father get into a cab with Grace and Hadji. The three were going before the U.N. that morning to discuss the world wide implications of the Immortal Stone. Estella had bowed out to spend time with Jessie. Something along the lines of needing some girl time. Jonny really figured it was because Jessie had tried to push Jade off their chartered plane the night before.
Shaking his head Jonny turned to glance over at Jessie who was undergoing a stern lecture from Race. Jonny didn't see the big deal about Jade being around. She had been around on and off for the last several years—popping up when it was least expected…and yeah, leaving with a few rare items that would later reappear on the Black Market.
"She really hates me, doesn't she?" asked Jade coming up to stand at Jonny's side.
"Don't take it too personal. Jessie hates every female that so much as glances at Race. She's a little more vocal towards you because of your, uh, day job," replied Jonny wryly.
Jade chuckled. "Of course she is. She's just like her mother—always jumping to wrong conclusions without the facts."
"Jessie's smarter than that. Just give her some time, she'll warm up."
"You really believe that?" Jade shot Jonny a dubious glance.
The blonde teen shrugged. "No, not really, but it sounded like the right thing to say. 'Sides, you never stick around long enough for her to get to know you anyway. I don't see what the big deal is."
Jade smirked. "Maybe I've found another reason to hang around you guys this time." She gave Jonny a wink and walked away to join Race as Jessie and Estella set off down the sidewalk.
Jonny rubbed the back of his neck with a frown on his face. Jade was attractive alright…she didn't look any older than her mid-twenties—at the latest; and it was more than enough for Jonny to feel awkward in her presence. He'd always had something of a crush on Jade…but he had never thought really thought about it, until now. Jonny wasn't sure he was going to survive having the beautiful thief around, especially with Jessie attempting to bump her off every few hours. Jessie would kill him if she ever found out that he was attracted to Jade—her nemesis of sorts.
A minute later Race was heading towards Jonny with Jade right behind him. "I have to meet Corbin in twenty minutes at headquarters—think you can manage to entertain Jade while I'm gone?" asked Race.
"S-sure," squeaked Jonny trying hard to act natural. Jade shot him a bemused grin.
"Good. Oh, and Jonny, would it kill you to try and be careful today? You seem to get in more trouble without Jessie around—I don't want to get a phone call from the cops, alright?"
"I'll work on it," promised Jonny making a face.
"I'm counting on that." Race turned and gave Jade a quick kiss on the lips before hailing a taxi-cab. Jade and Jonny watched silently as the taxi-cab drove away leaving the pair alone.
With a sly smile on her lips, Jade latched onto Jonny's arm. "Where to first?" she murmured.
Jonny gulped. It was definitely going to be a long day.
Elsewhere
"You really shouldn't have tried to push her off the plane today," said Estella as she and Jessie took seats on a bench in Central Park.
Jessie snorted. "Oh please—like you weren't gonna try it if you had been the one standing behind her. I don't trust her."
"Neither do I, but your dad…he…oh hell! You should have tried harder." Estella sat back, her forehead creased in thought.
"Aren't you supposed to be lecturing me?"
"What for? I hate Jade just as much as you do—probably more."
"Why? I thought dad met her years before you," stated Jessie.
"Honey, there are a lot of things you don't know about me and your father."
"Then why don't you tell me?"
Estella sighed. "I guess you have every right to know. Jade is part of the reason that your dad and I divorced."
"What?" shrieked Jessie. She turned to stare at her mom in horror.
"Your dad and Jade have never really…resolved their relationship. Jade showed up on our doorstep one day asking for help. Race felt obliged. Let's just say that your father isn't strong when it comes to something…or someone as tempting as Jade. Naturally I found out—it didn't take a genius to figure that out. I thought he needed some space…so I took you with me on a dig. A year went by and we still hadn't discussed what had happened."
"And then you divorced," muttered Jessie with a shake of her head.
"Well, Jade was still around. She answered the phone once when I tried calling. I figured that meant it was over. I filed for divorce and your dad took the job with the Quests. It was his way of showing that he was trying to give himself a steady life. Of course it was a little too late by then for us to let bygones be bygones. Honestly, I don't think we could ever have worked out with Jade in the picture. She's a part of his life that you and I will never belong."
Jessie studied her mother's face as Estella turned to gaze at the people passing them by. In the older woman's face Jessie could see hints of buried pain and love. "So does this mean you won't say anything if I cut Jade's hair while she sleeps?"
U.N. Council
"What does this mean then?" asked the U.N. General Assembly President. For the last two hours he had listened to Dr. Benton Quest and Dr. Grace Lin, as well as the Sultan of Bangalore talk about the Immortal Stone.
"It means, Mr. President," started Grace gently, "that we have in our hands one of the greatest treasures in the world. Every criminal in the world will be after the Stone as soon as we go public with our find."
Benton agreed. "It's dangerous, I won't deny it, but it does seem to have its own protective barriers preventing just anyone from walking away with it in their hands. Legend has it that only a virgin of pure heart will be able to activate the Immortal Stone."
The General Assembly President laughed dryly. "So if there happens to be an increase of virgin kidnappings I'll know why. Fantastic. What are you suggesting we do with the Stone in the meantime? Historians and archaeologists will throw a fit if the U.N. tries to keep the Stone hidden from the public."
Hadji spoke up to answer. "The Stone will have to be put in a museum under lock and key and twenty-four hour surveillance. The public has every right to see the gem—just as long as there is no chance whatsoever for someone to touch it. It is a dangerous and mystical stone."
"Then where do you want to put it?" The President glanced up only to see Grace and Benton eyeing each other with strained looks on their faces. "What?"
Benton sighed. "That's the problem. Every culture across the globe mentions the Immortal Stone in one way or another. Any museum—any country will have equal rights to this stone. I don't know how it's going to work."
Grace made a face. "I can gander a guess. The Immortal Stone might, possibly, be loaned back and forth from museum to museum. It's the only logical solution that will satisfy every curator and historian across the world."
"Perfect. You do know that by loaning this gem around it's going to open up every possible door for thieves everywhere, right?" groaned the President taking his eyeglasses off and rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"I know—which is why I'm asking that Dr. Quest and I be there for each loan. If we were to keep an eye on the Immortal Stone each time it goes to another museum…and if we have heavy guard…it might minimize the potential threat. I figure after one year of loaning the furor over the Immortal Stone will go away, and by then it may have a permanent home," suggested Grace.
"Done," said the President with a nod. Grace smiled gratefully and turned to Benton who nodded in agreement. Everything was settled. "Your first stop then can be London."
CIA New York Headquarters
Race sat back in his seat, frustration evident on his face. He and Corbin had been staring at the computer with one of the newer agents, going over the last known whereabouts of Jeremiah Surd. The man had seemed to vanish off the face of the planet.
"I thought you said you had a couple of undercover agents tailing him," muttered Race.
Corbin yawned. "We did. Two are still missing. If Surd doesn't want to be found then he won't be. That's how it's always been, Race. Look, we don't even know if he's the one who sent the men after Jonny and Jessie. We're only taking Jade's word for it—and you know how I fell about trusting that woman."
"There are times I wonder if Jessie isn't your daughter. She's just like you when it comes to Jade. Did you see her try and push Jade last night? It's all because Estella is here."
"Are you sure you're not just feeling the effects of having two former flames under one roof?" chuckled Corbin. The older agent tapped the rookie on the shoulder and said, "Look up Rage and Zin. We might as well see where those two windbags have holed up. Shit, Race, anyone could be after the damn Immortal Stone—but going after Jonny and Jessie? They're just teens, what use are they?"
Race groaned. "How the hell would I know? I just don't like it. Someone's going to a lot of trouble to kill us—I just wanna know what we're up against."
The rookie spoke up. "Sorry, sir, but there's nothing here on Rage—no one's seen him for three years. Dr. Zin even longer. But…one of his daughters was spotted in Bangalore…" the rookie frowned as he read the computer screen, "two days ago?"
Race sat up quickly. "That can't be right. We would have seen her. Unless…"
"Unless what?" demanded Corbin gruffly.
"One of the Zin girls wormed her way into Hadji's heart—but that was years ago. She wouldn't dare go near him."
"Would Hadji have said anything if she had?"
"Fuck if I know. He's been in Bangalore for years now. We only see him twice a year these days—and that's if we're lucky."
Corbin stood up. "Looks like we need to have a talk with the Sultan."
"Guess so," agreed Race getting to his feet as well. Both men turned to glance at the rookie agent as the younger man talked again.
"Uh, guys, I'm getting a reading that some known cohorts of Rage's are following Jonny and Jessie. It looks like a confrontation any moment now."
Somewhere in New York City
Jonny gave a giant yawn as he grabbed the two sodas from the vendor. With slow steps the teen made his way back towards Jade who was leaning back against a random brick wall. They had wandered all over New York City with Jade attached to Jonny's arm.
Jade took her drink and said, "Don't look now, but there are a couple of men following us."
"Huh?" Jonny was about to turn his head when Jade grabbed his face with one hand. She kept his head staring at her and leaned up close.
"I said not to look," she hissed. "They've been following us for a while. They don't know that I've seen them. They work for Rage every once in a while. It must mean the old man is back from the dead again. He's up to something—and I think it revolves around you."
"What makes you think he's not trailing you?" asked Jonny blinking as Jade's eyes bored into his.
The older woman smiled. "That's almost flattering, Jonny but trust me; Rage wouldn't have a bone to pick with me. I only work for money—not revenge. That man is one hell of a mental meltdown."
"Alright," conceded Jonny reluctantly. "So, what do we do?"
"Follow me, and don't look back." Jade gave Jonny a peck on the cheek and grabbed one of his hands in her own. With quick steps the two were headed down the sidewalk, barely avoiding people walking in the opposite direction. At the street corner Jade turned sharply and veered down another street. Midway down the sidewalk she pulled Jonny into an alley. At this point the pair began to jog down the littered area.
Jade stopped beneath a fire escape and pulled down the ladder just as three men came running down the alley. Without question Jonny climbed up the ladder after Jade and kept climbing. Towards the top of the building the two came across an open window. Jade pulled herself through, with Jonny tumbling after her. They were greeted by a woman's scream as she stepped out of her bathroom. But Jonny and Jade were already sprinting through the apartment.
They burst out of the front door and into the hallway, the woman's screams following them as their pursuers climbed through the window as well. Jonny shook his head and followed Jade down the main stairwell, taking the steps two at a time.
"Where are you going?" he demanded as Jade sprinted down another hallway instead of continuing down the staircase.
"They're gonna expect us to keep going down!" called back Jade. Jonny shook his head and turned to follow Jade. The dark haired woman tried a few doorknobs until a door opened up. She ushered Jonny to follow her as she disappeared into the apartment. Jonny shut the door behind him only to be greeted by an angry man gearing up for a punch. Ducking just in time, Jonny moved over to the window that Jade was pushing open. The man's fist went flying through the doorway, making more noise than Jonny had thought possible.
With wide eyes Jonny climbed out the window behind Jade and hopped back down to the fire escape. Jade was already halfway down before Jonny managed to get his feet moving again. She waited at the bottom until Jonny was down and then, grabbing his hand again, ran out of the alley way and back onto the street.
"We'll have to keep up our pace until we find Race or your dad," said Jade breathlessly.
"Oh sure, make it sound easy," grumbled Jonny, but he didn't protest as Jade tugged him to jog just a little bit faster.
Central Park
"Mom," started Jessie after a while, "what do you think dad would say if I told him I wanted to go to prom this year?"
"What, you have a date?" questioned Estella placing her arm on the back of the park bench.
"No…not yet…but, that's not the point. He didn't let me go last year—and this year I'm a senior. I'd kinda like to go."
"I'll talk to him. Who do you want to go with?"
Jessie shrugged, her fingers playing with the hem of her shirt. "I dunno. I haven't really thought about it."
"Uh-huh. Spill, Jessica—I'm not your mother for nothing, you know," replied Estella with a smirk on her face. Jessie was saved from answering as a man approached their bench.
"Excuse me, but I'm lost, do you think you could help me out?" he asked.
Estella frowned. "Well, we're not really from here—we're tourists."
"Oh, so you wouldn't know if there were any police around then?" continued the man with an evil glint in his eyes.
Jessie was already on her feet and pushing her mom off the bench as the man lunged at Estella with a knife drawn. Estella screamed as the man toppled on top of Jessie on the bench, but the teen girl was already throwing the attacker to the other side of the bench.
"Mom, run!" ordered Jessie hoarsely as the man scrambled back to his feet. Jessie slid off the bench and met the man's punch with an arm block as Estella got to her feet. The older woman grabbed her purse and hit the man squarely on the head.
Jessie watched in surprise as the man fell to the ground in a senseless heap. "What do you have in that thing?" she demanded.
"A brick—it's New York City—there are muggers here!"
"Oh dios mío, trust you to believe all the hype on T.V.," muttered Jessie. She grabbed her mom by the crook of the elbow intending on fleeing the park. The two women stopped in their tracks as three men stood blocking their paths.
"I don't think I have enough bricks for this," murmured Estella taking a step backwards. She tugged Jessie's arm, but the young teen brushed Estella away.
"I can handle these guys." With those words Jessie lunged at the trio of men with a powerful roundhouse kick. One man stopped her kick with his arms, grabbing hold of her leg. Jessie snorted and twisted her body around to kick the man with her other leg. The look on his face as he stumbled to the ground proved he hadn't quite expected that move. Jessie managed to land in a crouched position as another man stepped forward. She popped upwards, sending a fist into the man's gut. He doubled over in pain as the first man grabbed her around the waist.
Jessie gritted her teeth and quickly kneed the man in his privates, and brought her elbow down into the back of his neck. She jumped backwards and into the arms of the thirst man as the second wheezed in pain, heading her way. Jessie narrowed her eyes and leaned forward, pulling the man behind her up and over her back in a flip. The man went flying into his friend, knocking them both to the ground.
Out of nowhere Estella appeared, slamming her purse down on both heads of the men, knocking them out cold. "Ta-da," she announced wearily.
"Good job," said Jessie leaning over to catch her breath. "Man, those guys came outta nowhere."
"Jessie! Estella!" Race's voice sounded through the park as he, Corbin, and few other agents came flying down the path as fast as they could. Race pulled a shaky Estella in his arms, recognizing Jessie's need to pull herself together after the rush of adrenaline.
"Oh god," sobbed Estella. "Oh god."
"It's alright," soothed Race, smoothing the short red hair of his ex.
Corbin shook his head and motioned for his men to cuff the unconscious attackers. "You're starting to worry me, Miss Bannon—you do a better job then specially trained agents in bringing down thugs."
"No problem. You should probably start paying me for it too," replied Jessie finally straightening up.
"Not in this lifetime."
Jessie shrugged. "Your loss, not mine. How'd you guys know we were under attack, huh, dad?"
"I might have, kind of, sort of put trackers on you and Jonny this morning. You can't blame me for not being able to trust the two of you to stay out of trouble," remarked Race coolly.
"Right." Jessie shook her head just as Jonny and Jade came running down the path. They stopped short upon seeing four cuffed thugs lining the sidewalk.
"Nice work, Ace," said Jonny with a grin. The blonde teen walked over and pulled Jessie into a hug, reassuring himself that she was alright.
"You did this?" asked Jade incredulously. Jessie barely nodded as she wrapped her arms around Jonny tightly. The fight had shaken her up just a little—she hadn't been expecting to be attacked in public and in broad daylight at that. Jade's eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Jessie in Jonny's arms. Her glare broadened as her eyes fell on Race soothing Estella who was still shaking from the ordeal.
"Jonny! Are you guys alright?" Benton appeared with Hadji and Grace right behind him, followed by more agents. "We were picked up at the U.N.—they said you were being chased!"
Jonny pulled away from Jessie and gave her shoulder a squeeze before turning to his father. "I'm fine. Jade and I ran the entire time—we didn't engage in any physical contact. That's Jessie's department, not mine."
"God, what the hell is going on here, Corbin? I want answers. Who's after us?"
"I don't have a fuckin' clue right now, Dr. Quest. But whoever it is, they mean business. This time it was some of Rage's goons—but I don't think it was him the other day. We do have a lead though. It turns out one of the Zin girls was in Bangalore the other day. I was hoping Hadji could shed some light on that," replied Corbin turning to glance at the young Sultan.
Hadji shifted nervously under the man's scrutiny. "I can assure you that I have not seen either Anaya or Melana for years. If either one was in Bangalore I would be the last to know about it."
"I hope for your sake you're right, but it's definitely something. Either way I'm startin' to get worried. Zin, Rage, and Surd are missing. No one knows their whereabouts. With the Immortal Stone out I'm afraid that those three are going to be our top suspects for a while. Everyone's going to have to be doubly careful from now on."
Hours Later
Hotel
Hadji leaned over the balcony, staring glumly at what he could see of the setting sun. Corbin's words echoed through his mind—one of Dr. Zin's daughters had been in Bangalore. Part of him hoped that it was Melana. Hadji didn't want to consider Anaya to be mixed up in everything.
It had been years since he had last seen Anaya…but she still held a small piece of his heart. They had connected once upon a time, and despite whom her father was and what she had done before, Hadji knew there was more to Anaya then she let on. She was good inside, if only she would let it free.
"A tiger cannot change his stripes," murmured Hadji to himself, "but sometimes camouflage is the best defense against all around him—including family."
With a heavy sigh the Sultan of Bangalore stood tall and cast one last glance at the streets below. What he saw made him catch his breath. Staring back at him from across the street was Anaya Zin. He could tell her apart from Melana anytime. Her face was always the softer of the two, her eyes always sparkled, and she held herself proudly.
Hadji and Anaya seemed to lock eyes for an eternity. Then, suddenly, she was gone. Hadji blinked in surprise before turning to re-enter his room. Lying on the second bed was Jonny, flipping through the channels on T.V.
"Enjoy the sunset?" teased Jonny.
Hadji paused thoughtfully, the truth on his lips. "Yes," he answered, "I do believe that I did."
Jonny cast his friend a strange look as Hadji disappeared into the bathroom. "Jessie's right…he is growing a sense of humor."
A/N: Alright, I'm not sure how this chapter turned out, but hopefully the next one will be better.