Chapter 5:

Heart of Stone

Jade walked into Jerry's living room just in time to nearly get a shot of Lysol in the face. She marveled at how anal he was, before laughing. He frowned in his normal serious manner, before clearing his massive throat.

"So… are you ready to meet your new partner?"

Jade's playful smile quickly dissolved. "P-Partner?" she cried.

"Hiya!" chirped a particularly obnoxious voice. "I'm Zach Carter."

Jade slowly curled and uncurled her fist, before turning; fake smile intact. "Why hello, Zachary," she spoke shortly through clenched teeth.

"Actually it's Zachariah; but you can call me that if you like," he chirped; blushing profusely.

Jade was one of the prettiest women he had ever seen. And, not only that, she was powerful. Jerry recognized the look on her face and quickly stepped in.

"Uh, Jade- be nice, okay?" he whispered; smiling at the boy.

"Jerry… may I have a word with you in private… now?" she hissed. She stomped into his kitchen and, after a brief apology to Carter, Jerry followed her.

She stared at the boy who was waiting patiently on the couch. He couldn't be much younger than her. Maybe a year or two? He had sparkling grey eyes, shaggy black hair, and a medium-dark complexion. His face was sprinkled with freckles; as many as there was dust. He didn't look intimidating. He didn't look powerful. He looked like a kid.

"I know what you're thinking, Jade."

She raised an eyebrow. "Do you, Jeremiah?"

He once again shifted uncomfortably under her cold stare.

"Look; this kid came wandering into here when The Dark Riders killed off his parents about a year ago. He's proven himself a reliable messenger boy. He'll be great. We need you to mentor him… and you need a travel partner."

She glanced at the boy. "I was hoping for a more… you know, intimidating partner? One whom I didn't have to babysit?"

Jerry shook his head. "Look, Jade. Give him a chance…"

"And if I don't?" she growled, cutting him off. He sighed and glared back.

"Then you're off the case and out on your ass."

Jade took a step back; shocked at his resolve.

"Look, Jade. You're not going to get another Clint. Don't count him out because of who he isn't."

She grinded her teeth and refused an answer.

"Good day, Agent Stone. You leave for your first mission in two days."

He nodded curtly, and then strode out; leaving Jade to steam. She heard light footsteps, and then a voice.

"Do you uh… want to go to the shooting range?" asked Carter.

Jade mulled it over. They wouldn't have to talk that way; it would be too loud. Although she didn't need the practice.

"Fine," she said shortly, before briskly walking in the direction of the range; Carter having to jog to keep up.

He stopped and picked up his handgun from the coffee table. Jade never waited for him. When they arrived; the place was deserted.

"Where's your gun?" asked Carter.

"I got it," she growled.

Then, in one fluid movement, she grabbed the handgun than was located on her upper thigh and shot five times; scaring the crap out of her rookie partner. She finished, and he watched in amazement as she snatched the target up and waved it in front of him. Five perfect bull's-eyes in a row.

"Your turn," she goaded.

Carter; feeling the need to impress his new mentor, awkwardly gripped the handgun and shakily fired at the target.

First shot; miss.

Second; outer ring.

Third; bull's-eye.

Fourth; middle ring.

Fifth; another bull's-eye.

Although he had made two perfect shots; they had each taken about five minutes to set up.

"Guess you're a little rusty," Jade said rudely as she removed the paper target. But, to her surprise, Carter took it all in stride.

"Can't rust what you never had," he joked. Jade suppressed a slight smile. She decided she still hated him. Didn't she?

Jade was determined Jerry had it out for her. He sent her and Carter out on a picnic for dinner that night. Jade hated picnics; no matter who with. Carter only made her evening mood worsen. Considerably so.

"So Jade; what's your favorite thing to do?" asked the 20-year-old boy.

"My job," she stated; almost mechanically.

Carter sighed. "You know; that was meant to be a conversation starter."

"I'm aware of that," she snapped.

He quieted quickly, and picked at his food. He had been told great things about Jade Stone. Beautiful, cunning, good fighter; both with and without a weapon, courageous, brave, and kind-hearted deep down.

None of the endearing traits listed were adding up with her moodiness.

"Look; I don't know what I ever did to you, Jade, but let's just try to get along, okay? We're stuck together until one of us dies." She flinched.

"That could be arranged, Carter," she snapped; regaining what composure she had. Jade was miserable. She wanted to like him. She honestly did. But she still felt loyalty to Clint…

"Would you stop calling me by my last name? Please; just call me Zach." She sighed, before chewing on her tuna sandwich.

"Whatever you say, Carter."

Boring chapter- but it had to be written.