Mask Series by Apollos Girl aka AG, admin

1. Deal by Apollos Girl aka AG

2. Is it a crime by Apollos Girl aka AG

3. Revelation by Apollos Girl aka AG

4. Jealous Secrets by Apollos Girl aka AG

5. Fever by Apollos Girl aka AG

6. Over the Edge by Apollos Girl aka AG

Deal by Apollos Girl aka AG
Disclaimer: It all belongs to the creators and NBC and who ever else the credits on Pretender say it belongs to. I'm just writing for my personal enjoyment. I'm getting no money or anything.

Authors Note: This is my first fanfic series for Pretender and I just thought I would let you know. This is the Mask series, but this particular story is called Deal. There are four other stories in this series.



Mask Series:
1 - Deal

By Apollo’s Girl





Jarod walked into the alleyway and stepped inside to the bar. His figure was domineering in the black trench coat that covered his dark suit, his face with unshaven stubble and his eyes dark with a knowing. The bar was filled with smoke and the smell of alcohol. He walked up to the bar and sat down.

„What’ll it be?" The bartender asked.

„Vodka on the rocks."

„Heavy stuff." A man said as he sat down next to Jarod.

„That’s the way I like it." Jarod replied looking at the man.

„You Jarod Pela?"

„Depends on who’s asking."

„Tony de Costa."

„Yeah, I’m Jarod." Jarod replied as he took a swig of his drink.

„You got a good record, tell me how did you get into the business?" Tony asked as he ordered a drink.

„Needed some money when I was 18." Jarod said. „So I broke into the bank and got some. Beat getting a job."

Tony laughed and slapped Jarod on the back. „Sounds like my kind of man. I’m sure the boys will like you. So welcome to the family."

Jarod smiled as Tony walked away towards the pool tables. Jarod looked around at the place. It was an old bar, musty and dark. Basically a pool hall for the guys to hang out at to smoke and drink, not his two favorite things, but he really didn’t care. He pulled out a red notebook from his jacket and flipped it open.

„RICO killed in Brooklyn Warehouse for Selling Drugs." The heading read. Jarod read further and read that Anton Malano was in the gang as a RICO, but turned over and started to sell drugs. He was shot in the warehouse one night when he was selling the drugs. Jarod looked at the picture of a smiling young guy. He looked back up to Tony who was shooting a game with another guy. Tony smiled back.

„Was he really selling them?" Jarod quietly said out loud as he smiled back at Tony.

* * * * *

Miss Parker walked into her office and sat down in frustration. She had just gotten back from Cincinnati, where she thought she would catch Jarod, but she missed him again. She lighted her cigarette and deeply exhaled in the nicotine. She blew out three rings of smoke when the telephone rang.

„Oh this better be good." She thought.

„What?" She asked as she answered the phone.

„Nice to hear your voice Miss Parker." A familiar voice replied.

„Jarod! It’s so nice to hear yours too." She replied sarcastically. „Where are you?"

„On the street." Jarod replied as he continued to walk down the sidewalk to his apartment complex. „I have a deal for you."

„What kind of a deal?"

„You tell me what you can about my family and I tell you where I am."

„What makes you think I know anything about your family?" Miss Parker asked as she contemplated on this ‘deal.’

„Your choice." Jarod replied as he walked into his apartment.

„How about you just tell me where you are and we’ll forget everything you’ve put me through?" Miss Parker asked in a sweet voice, sarcasm filling in the edges.

„No don’t think so."

„Wait!" She said as she heard him try to hang up the phone.

„Yes?" He asked innocently.

„Why are you doing this?"

„Thought you needed a break since you’ve been missing me so much lately."

„Gee, how nice of you!" Miss Parker seethed.

„Well, if you don’t want to do it…" Jarod said as his voice trailed off.

„Jarod! Give me a week and I’ll have something for you." Miss Parker replied.

„I’ll give you two days." Jarod said.

„How in hell am I suppose to find out anything in a day?" She asked angrily.

„That’s for you to figure out." Jarod replied. She could almost see his annoying smile through the phone.

„Fine, I’ll see what I can get in a day. Just don’t expect too much."

„Sure. When I get the information then I’ll tell you where I am, Chow!" Jarod said as he hung up the phone, a triumphant smile on his face.

* * * * *

The Next Day

Miss Parker slammed the door shut as she walked into her house.

„Damned people." She cursed under her breath as she sat down on the couch. She rubbed her temples as she thought about that day’s events.

First it was trying to convince her father to give her some type of information on Jarod’s family and that the deal would work. When he did finally give her some information it was the same that Jarod already had.

„Goody!" She thought. „Now I have to convince him to tell me where he is with stuff he already knows."

Just then the phone rang.

„What?"

„Do you have what I want?" Jarod asked.

„Nothing that you already don’t know." Miss Parker replied. She closed her eyes as her headache grew bigger.

„Well, you tried." Jarod said. „I guess I should keep my part of the bargain."

„That would be nice." Miss Parker said, hope beginning to grow. „But why be so nice?"

„Maybe I don’t want to be a stranger anymore." Jarod said. „Look in the package." He hung up the phone.

Miss Parker opened her eyes in surprise. She searched the room and saw that the package was lying on the stand by the door. She got up and opened it up. She pulled out a big red apple.

„The Big Apple." She said with realization. Something caught her eye on the leaf. Miss Parker took a closer look and saw that it said Brooklyn, it had the name of a street on it. She smiled.

* * * * *

The warehouse was dark as the men walked in. Jarod walked slowly around looking at the crates in the building. Tony walked up beside him.

„Good job getting us in." He said to Jarod as he opened up a crate. It was full of pottery. Tony put his hand in one and pulled out a bag of white powder. „The purest you can ever get."

„Sounds good to me." Jarod said with a twinkle in his eye. „Say isn’t this the place where that guy was killed?"

„Yeah, Anton Malano. Was one of my men until we found out he was RICO. We set him up real good." Tony replied, pride on his face. „Joey and I sent him in to steal some of this and shot him. Didn’t even know what hit him. A real piece of work, especially when we made it look like he turned over."

„Yeah, a real piece of work." Jarod replied as he tried to hide his anger. Just then a light came on as a security guard came out.

„What do you think you guys are doing?" The guard yelled. As the men started to run out the building he yelled out „Freeze! I’m calling the cops!"

„Shoot him, Jarod!" Tony ordered. „Prove your worth. Shoot him! Shoot him!"

Jarod looked around in confusion, he couldn’t shoot the man. Tony kept yelling at him to shoot. When Jarod saw the guard pull out a gun on him, Jarod raised the gun and without thinking shot the guard. As the guard fell he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. He screamed in pain.

* * * * *

A While Later

Miss Parker walked into the bar. She had found out that Jarod visited this place frequently from a man at the newspaper stand. She looked around and walked over to the bar. The bartender came up.

„What’ll it be?" He asked.

„Nothing. Say have you seen this guy around?" Miss Parker asked in her usual attitude as she showed him a picture of Jarod. Just then another man came and sat down beside her. He had dark hair and had a snide smile on his face. He eyed her figure slowly with a leer.

„What do you want with Jarod?" He asked as he noticed the picture she was holding. The bartender poured out a drink for the man.

„He has a debt to pay." Replied Miss Parker. „Who are up?"

„Tony. What kind of a debt? Maybe I can pay you back for it?" Tony asked the leer never leaving his face.

„Nothing that you would be able to pay back." Miss Parker replied. Then demanding „Where is he?"

„He had something come up. So how about I take care of that little debt for him?"

„No thanks." Miss Parker replied as she turned towards the door. Uneasiness had settled into her stomach as this guy came towards her.

„Hey where do you think you are going sweet thing?" Tony asked.

„Away." Miss Parker replied as she stepped out into the alleyway. As soon as she stepped out Tony grabbed her and threw her against a wall. Quickly coming to her senses she threw a kick at him.

„Feisty aren’t you?" Tony replied as he wiped the blood away from his cut lip. „Won’t be when I’m done with you."

He threw her against the wall; her defenses quickly coming, she threw another kick at him in the stomach. His eyes held a look of frustration and determination. He wouldn’t let her get away.

Miss Parker continued to find some way to get away from him and to teach him a lesson for trying to go after her. Repeatedly they fought throwing punches at each other, as she tried to get away from him, but he kept blocking her way.

As Miss Parker was about to say something, Tony threw her against the wall again. She lost her balance and fell. When she regained consciousness a little while later, she found herself in the corner of the darken alleyway, her arms tied to the fence, her mouth gagged.

The leer was still on his face and a look of revenge in his eyes. Before she knew it he started to take off her clothes. She tried to scream but nothing came out. Instead her mind went deaf with the scream of her soul.

* * * * *

A few hours later Miss Parker walked into the dark hotel room, her whole body aching. She didn’t bother to turn on the lights. She slipped off her jacket on to the bed, sighing with pain at the memories of that night filtered through her mind. All she wanted to do was take a hot shower and crawl into bed forgetting about the pain and her violation. She knew a shower wasn’t the best thing to do, but she couldn’t let anyone at the Centre find out what happened. It would be a sign of weakness if they found out she was a rape victim. She cringed at the those words, ‘rape victim.’

„I hope I’m not interrupting anything." A voice said from across the room. Miss Parker looked up and saw Jarod’s frame sitting in one of the chairs by the table.

„Jarod? What are you doing here?" She asked moving for her gun.

„Don’t bother, I’m not going anywhere tonight." Jarod replied as he turned on the light. She gasped at the sight of him. His left shoulder was covered with blood; his eyes were dark with something she had never seen before. „I want you to take me back to the Centre."

„What? Jarod what happened?" Miss Parker asked with worry. She had never seen Jarod like this before. She walked over towards him. „Why do you want to go back to the Centre? Why after what happened?" She asked quietly as she knelt in front of him.

„I killed a man tonight. I never did before. I killed a man tonight." Jarod replied, anguish filling his eyes. „I killed an innocent man. I did it."

„What do you mean you killed a man? How?" Miss Parker asked as she moved his jacket off his shoulder. He winced and made a move to get up. She helped him over to the bed. She finished helping him to slip off his jacket and inspected the wound.

„I was pretending to be in the Mafia. Tonight during a heist a guard tried to stop it, I was ordered to fire. I didn’t know what to do, they kept yelling shoot, shoot, shoot! I pulled the trigger before I knew what I was doing." Jarod said his eyes looking past her, reliving that night’s event. „The guard shot at me before he fell. That’s how I got the wound." He looked down at her. After being shot Tony got him into the car and they drove off. Jarod asked to be left at his apartment. When he got there, he made his way to Miss Parker’s hotel.

Miss Parker looked up at him. Her eyes searching for him, she didn’t find him. She got up and went into the bathroom for some things to help clean the wound. She wondered if she should call Sydney. He would know how to help Jarod, but worry about the Centre told her she shouldn’t. Jarod was not in the right condition to be returned back to the Centre, no matter how much she wanted him back there. When she came back she found Jarod had taken off his shirt. She took the wet cloth to the wound and lightly began to clean it. Jarod clenched his fist at the pain.

„It wasn’t your fault Jarod." She said quietly. „You couldn’t have known that he would be there or that you would have to shoot him. It wasn’t your fault."

„He didn’t deserve to die. I should have done something." Jarod argued.

„No one is perfect, Jarod. Everyone makes mistakes."

„I shouldn’t have."

Miss Parker sighed. She continued to patch up the wound. It wasn’t as bad as it looked, as she finished with the patch she couldn’t help looking at him. His chin had stubble over it and his chest looked strong and sturdy. She wanted to run her hands down it, wondering how it would feel. Jarod noticed how she looked at him he placed his hand lightly on her neck so that she would look up at him. When their eyes met, an understanding between them was formed. The intensity of it caused Miss Parker to look away. Jarod noticed something as she turned away. He slowly moved his hand down the curve of her collar. When it reached the top button, he slowly undid it. Miss Parker moved her hand to stop him, but the look in his eyes made her stop. She didn’t want him to see it, her pain. As he slowly unbuttoned her blouse he slid it off her shoulders. He gasped. There over her soft skin, were bruises and cuts. He looked back at her and knew right away what happened.

„Who was it?"

„A guy named Tony." She replied quietly.

„He’ll pay for this!" Jarod said angrily. His voice dangerously low and even. It surprised Miss Parker and him. He didn’t think he could feel this much anger.

„Jarod." She whispered not knowing what else to say. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. She brought her arms around him holding him tight. Neither of them said anything. A little while later Jarod let go of her.

„Go take a shower." He said although he knew it wasn’t the best idea. He knew she wouldn’t go to the hospital or the police, it would be a sign of weakness to her. At least he knew who did it. She looked at him for a minute and then walked into the bathroom. She turned on the shower and as the water warmed up she stripped off her clothes. She stepped into the steaming water. She took the soap and scrubbed her entire body hard. Trying to get rid of dirtiness she felt. She scrubbed hard over and over again. Still she could feel the hands over her body. She scrubbed harder, tears pouring out of her eyes.

Jarod lay on the bed staring at the ceiling. Anger filling his being. How could they hurt her like that, they wouldn’t get away with this. He heard the water stop. A few minutes later Miss Parker came out with a towel wrapped around her damp body. His breath caught in his throat. He watched as she made her way to the dresser. He studied the curve of her shoulders, the softness of her skin. She pulled out some clothes and walked back to the bathroom. When she returned she was dressed in satin pajamas. He made room on the bed for her. She lay down next to him. He wrapped his arms around her and rocked her. She closed her eyes and felt safe. She almost laughed at that. The one person she felt safe with and she was trying to take his life away. She fell asleep in his arms, content filling her body. Jarod watched her sleep for the rest of the night, wanting nothing more than to keep her safe.

* * * * *

Miss Parker woke up to the soft filtered light of the sun. She looked to her side and found Jarod gone. Then she noticed that he was sitting at the edge of her bed. He was putting his shirt back on. She sat up to let him know that she was awake.

„Morning." He said as finished buttoning up his shirt. It still had the bloodstain on it.

„Morning." She replied as she got up and walked over to the bathroom. She noticed that Jarod had taken a shower earlier that morning. „Jarod?"

„Yes?"

„What are you going to do now?" She asked hesitantly.

„Finish what I came to do and then… then I will return to Centre with you." He replied quietly.

„Oh." Was all that Miss Parker could think of to say as she finished getting dressed and walked out towards Jarod, he was still sitting on the bed. He looked up at her neither of them said anything. „I’ll give you two days, Jarod."

„That’ll be enough.’ Jarod replied as he stood up. She continued to look at him, wanting to say so many things, but not having enough courage to say them. Jarod understood. He took her hands into his and brought it up to his lips. He kissed them lightly. „Chow!" He said as he made his way to the door, his usual playful look back in his eyes. Miss Parker smiled.

„Chow!"

* * * * *

Tony walked into the warehouse. He had gotten the message from Jarod about a new shipment of stuff coming in. It was dark but he didn’t mind. He liked it that way. Tony walked towards one of the crates and opened it up. It was the drugs. A smile formed on his face as he took a closer look at the stuff. Suddenly he heard a shot whiz pass his ear.

„What?" He yelled in shock, quickly pulling out his gun. He shot in the direction where the shot came from. Soon more gunshots fired around him from all directions. Tony shot around in confusion. Then it stopped.

„Scary isn’t it?" A low voice said from somewhere in the dark.

„Pela? What do you think you are doing? Show yourself Jarod." Tony yelled. He looked around to see where Jarod was.

„Now you know how it felt to have shots fired all around you." Jarod said as he stepped out of the shadows. He held a gun at Tony.

„Hey! Who are you?" Tony asked putting his hands up in surrender.

„Just a man who doesn’t like to see people hurt. Especially the ones I care about." Jarod said as he shot Tony. Tony fell back. „That was for Miss Parker." Jarod turned around and walked out of the building. He smiled as he watched the police pull in. He walked up to Miss Parker who was leaning against her car door.

„So?" She asked looking at him who had on an amused face.

„I’m just wondering how long it will take him to figure out that I hit him with a paint ball." Jarod replied looking back at the building. Miss Parker opened the car door and stepped aside.

„Time to go home Jarod." She said. „You remember our deal."

Jarod nodded back at her and stepped inside the car. „I said I would go back to the Centre didn’t I?"

Miss Parker closed the door and walked over to the drivers’ side. She got in and drove back to the Centre.

* * * * *

„Good job Angel. I knew you could do it!" Mr. Parker said as Miss Parker walked into his office. „Never doubted you for a second."

Miss Parker just smiled back. „What’s going to happen to him now?" She asked.

„Nothing that you need to worry about." He replied as he walked out of the door.

„Where are you going?"

„I have a lot of work now that he is back. I’ll talk to you later sweetheart."

Miss Parker sighed as she watched her father walk out the door. „Not for long." She said softly to the closed door. „He never said he would stay."

* * * * *

The Next Day

Miss Parker walked into her office the next morning finding Sydney sitting in one of the chairs.

„What?" She asked in her usual tone.

„Miss Parker, sorry to have tell you this but Jarod has escaped." Sydney told her. She made a frustrated sound while trying to hide her smile.

„Well what are you waiting for? Start finding out where he went!" Miss Parker ordered as she him out the office. He got up and did what he was told.

„He left you something." Sydney informed her before he left the office, pointing to her desk.

She sat down and looked at the white box. She wondered where he got it before he left. Miss Parker opened it up slowly. Inside was a pink rose. Attached to it was a note.

„Miss Parker
I’ll never forget that night. Thank You.
Catch me if you can.

Jarod"

Miss Parker held the rose up to her face, closing her eyes she thought of their one night spent together.

„Oh, I’ll catch you Jarod. Just you wait!"
Is it a crime by Apollos Girl aka AG
Disclaimer: It all belongs to the creators and NBC and whoever else the credits on Pretender say it belongs to. I'm just writing for my personal enjoyment. I'm getting no money or anything. Just to add the song "Is It a Crime" is by Sade, so that belongs to her.

Authors Note: This is the second part of the Mask Series. This story was inspired by the Sade's song "Is It a Crime." Actually the whole series was inspired by that one song. If anyone is interested Deal was a separate story that I decided to add to this one. It didn't really fit but I thought it should belong with this series.


Mask Series
2 - Is It a Crime

By Apollo’s Girl





Miss Parker looked at the message and hurried out the door. She was going to catch him this time and no one was going to stop her. She didn’t even bother to stop and tell Sydney or Broots where she was going. It was better if they didn’t come along. That way nothing could go wrong. When she was in her car driving out the gates of the Centre, she opened up her cell and made travel arrangements to get to Chicago.

As she drove into the city she kept her eyes peeled for any clue as to the whereabouts of Jarod. Then something in the corner of her eye caught her attention. She parked her rented car by the alleyway and made her way slowly into it. Her hand held the gun in front her and she made her way deeper into the alley. She heard a noise behind her as she quickly turned around. Her eyes opened in shock at who it was, but before she could say anything a shot pierced her body. She fell limply to the ground as the shadowy figure disappeared.

* * * * *

A Month Later

Jarod walked into the smoky club. Blues music filled the plush room. It was a recreation of a 1920’s nightclub called Age Era. He was shown to an empty table in the center by the stage floor. He took off his trench coat and placed it on the chair. He was wearing a dark black suit with a blue shirt underneath. His hair was slicked back and he noticed that some of the waitresses were giving him flirtatious glances. He ignored them. Tonight he just wasn’t in the mood for being friendly. He was still worried about Miss Parker, who has been missing for a month now.

“What would you like?” A waitress asked as she pulled out a pencil to write down his order.

“A scotch on the rocks.” Jarod replied. “Make it a double.”

The waitress nodded and walked away. Jarod looked on to the stage and listened to the music, although the sound of the music was soon engulfed by his thoughts of Miss Parker. She had disappeared about a month ago when she was on her way to catch him. The last anyone knew of her was that she had gotten into Chicago and rented a car. The police found the car in the parking lot of her hotel. Some of the people at the Centre had started to presume her dead. He wasn’t so sure. She wasn’t dead until he had solid proof. Although he knew that some people at the Centre wouldn’t mind having her out the way. His thoughts were interrupted by the presence of someone behind him.

“Hello Jarod!” A soft accented voice greeted.

“Hello Sydney.” Jarod replied turning around to see his old mentor. He saw that Broots was there with him. He did a quick glance around for sweepers and found none.

“You’re free tonight Jarod. We are here on vacation.” Sydney replied. “Are these seats taken?”

“No.” Jarod replied relaxing. The two men started to sit down. “What brings the two of you the Chicago?”

“Hoping we would find some clues on to Miss Parker’s whereabouts.” Sydney responded. “You?”

“Same.”

Broots looked at Jarod in stupefaction. It was strange to him that he was sitting across from the man that they had been trying to catch for the past year or two.

“We heard that this is a very good club.” Sydney said offering an explanation on why they were there. “There’s a wonderful singer performing here tonight.” Jarod nodded in agreement.

“That’s why I’m here too. This woman, Caitlin, is suppose to be a sensational singer.”

“I heard she’s a knock out.” Broots said as he looked around the room self-consciously.

“Always an added plus.” Jarod replied.

“Thinking about Miss Parker?” Sydney asked. Jarod didn’t say anything. “So are we.”

Jarod looked at the two. He could see that they worried and cared about Miss Parker as much as he did. He smiled slightly at that knowledge, that there were other people who shared his pain. The waitress came by then and asked for Broots and Sydney’s order. She placed Jarod’s drink on the table and soon returned with the other’s drink. Jarod looked worriedly at Sydney, who seemed to have aged in the past month. Jarod knew that Sydney always cared about Miss Parker as a daughter.

“She’ll turn up.” Jarod said as he took a big gulp of his drink. Sydney and Broots nodded in agreement.

The lights began to dim and whistles could be heard.

“Must be Caitlin.” Sydney whispered to the two men.

* * * * *

The sound of a saxophone and drums could be heard coming through the curtain. The piano and bass came in and they played a short intro. It started to slow down and a low seductive voice started to sing.

“It may come, it may come as some surprise
But I miss you
I could see through all of your lies
But still I miss you
He takes her love, but it doesn’t feel like mine
He tastes her kiss, her kisses are not wine, they’re not mine”

The men watched as the curtain parted revealing the figure of a woman. She was wearing a tight fitting black dress. She stood leaning against the piano, the slit in her dress revealing her long legs. Her dark hair hung loosely around her shoulders hiding her face. As she slowly turned around to face the audience her lips breathed out the song

“He takes, but surely she can’t give what I’m feeling now
She takes, but surely she doesn’t know how”

The men gasped as they saw her face.
“Miss Parker!” All three said in unison.

“Is it a crime
Is it a crime
That I still want you
And I want you to want me too”

The woman sang making her way slowly down the stage to the floor. She parted her way through the smoky room, her voice low and seductive. She moved her body in beat with the melody, her eyes flirting with the audience.

“My love is wider, wider than Victoria Lake
My love is taller, taller than the Empire State”

The three guys looked in surprise and were memorized by her soul full singing. She saw them and made her way towards their table.

“It divides and it jumps and it ripples like the deepest ocean
I can’t give you more than that, surely you want me back”

When she got to their table, she sang alluringly into Broots’ ear, then into Sydney’s. When she got to Jarod, she ran her fingers down his face making him look into her eyes. He got chills from the soft touch of her hands.

“Is it a crime
Is it a crime
That I still want you
And I want you to me too “

She sang. He felt his heart pound by the words, her voice low and seductive. She strutted back to the stage as the band played. Reaching the piano she sat on top of it. Leaning back on one arm she sang her heart out.

“My love is wider than Victoria Lake
Taller than the empire state
It dives and it jumps
I can’t give you more than that, surely you want me back”

Sydney watched in amusement as this woman, who looked so much like Miss Parker, sang. Also at the reaction that Broots and Jarod had. Broots was sitting with his mouth open twisting the napkin in his hands. Jarod had a similar look on his face although he wasn’t twisting his napkin. Sydney noticed how both of the men were very turned on by this Miss Parker.

“Is it a crime
Is it a crime
That I still want you
And I want you to want me too”

Jarod looked at Miss Parker, emotions filling his body. The words she sang seem to say so many things about their relationship. He felt that she was just singing to him. He watched as she turned her face towards him singing deeply, her eyes staring down his.

“It dives and it jumps
And it ripples like the deepest ocean
I can’t give you more than that
Surely you want it back”

“Tell me
Is it a crime.”

The music reached its climax and the curtain closed on the beautiful figure as applause and whistles filled the room. The men looked at each other and all got up. They were going to find out what Miss Parker was doing there.

* * * * *

Caitlin walked off the stage, adrenaline rushing through her body. She enjoyed the attention and the applause of the audience. She also felt chills as she remembered the three men she saw that night. Her mind flashed back to those past few minutes. She was walking on the stage floor when she saw them. At first she made nothing of them, but then a flash of familiarity went through her head. She had made her way over to them to see if she could remember anything else. Her thoughts were interrupted by a man’s voice.

“Great job, Caitlin!” A tall older man said as he stepped up to give her a hug.

“Thanks boss!” She replied with a smile on her face, looking at Jay Callo.

“Caitlin, you’re going to put us out of a job I hope you know!” Kayla exclaimed as she walked over to her friend.

Caitlin just smiled back in amusement. She heard the music of the band playing. She walked over to the side curtain and took a peek out of it. She sighed when she didn’t see the men sitting there anymore. She felt a chill come over her again as she thought of them. For some reason they seemed so familiar, yet that same feeling also made her uneasy.

“Caitlin you okay?” Kayla asked.

“Yeah I’m fine.” Caitlin replied as she made her way to her dressing room. Kayla followed behind her. “Just thought I saw some people I knew, I think.”

Kayla looked at her and nodded in understanding. She gave her friend a reassuring pat on the shoulder and walked towards the stage for her number. As she walked away she heard the dressing room door close. Worry filled her eyes as she thought about her friend, but it was interrupted when she saw three men making their way towards her.

“Excuse me but you three aren’t allowed back here.” Kayla said as she stepped in front of them.

“We didn’t mean to intrude.” The older man said with a Belgium accent. “We were looking for Caitlin.”

“You and ever other guy. What makes you guys so special that I should let you see her?” Kayla asked her hands at her hip.

“She looked liked someone we knew and we wanted to tell her how sensational she was tonight.”

Kayla looked over the three men. She wondered if she should let them see Caitlin. “Say who was your friend that she reminded you of?”

“A woman named Miss Parker.” The man replied.

“Do you have a picture of her?” Kayla inquired. The man with a balding spot on his head nodded. He looked at the other two in embarrassment. She looked at in amazement, this Miss Parker woman looked exactly like Caitlin.

“Who should I say is calling?” Kayla asked.

“Sydney, Jarod and Broots.” The older man replied pointing out whom was who.

“I’ll see if she’ll see you.” Kayla said as she walked towards Caitlin’s dressing room. She knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Caitlin yelled.

“Hey! There are three men wanting to see you, a Sydney, Broots and Jarod. Jarod was pretty cute.” Kayla said as she watched Caitlin brushing her hair.

“Tell them I don’t have time. I want to go home tonight and don’t want to stick around any later.” She replied.

“Maybe you should see them. They said that you liked some woman they knew and I saw the picture Caitlin. It looked like you.” Kayla said. Caitlin looked back at her from the mirror, her brush stopped in midair.

“What else did they say?” She asked as she put the brush down.

“Said her name was Miss Parker.”

Caitlin looked at herself in the mirror. That name sounded so familiar. “Do you think they really knew me?”

“Maybe, probably.” Kayla replied, well aware how Caitlin didn’t remember whom she really was. Kayla had met her at the hospital she worked at during the day a month ago. Caitlin had amnesia. She was brought in by a couple who found her in an alleyway half dead.

“Give me a few minutes to change and then send them in.” Caitlin said as she moved to get her regular clothes.

* * * * *

Jarod, Sydney and Broots walked into the dressing room. Not really sure what to expect, they were all still in some shock from seeing her. They had discussed out in the hall the possibility that this Caitlin woman was Miss Parker.

* * * * *

“You have a picture of Miss Parker?” Jarod asked in surprise.

“Oh, yeah you know… uh just since she was missing. I thought that it would come in handy you know!” Broots replied sheepishly.

Jarod and Sydney chuckled. Then turning serious.

“Obviously she must have amnesia, if she is Miss Parker.” Sydney said.

“What if she does, what do we do?” Broots asked.

“I think that we can’t decide anything until we’ve talked to her.” Jarod said deep in thought. He still couldn’t get his mind off of that nights’ performance. The small flirtatious touch she had given him.

* * * * *

Jarod looked around the dressing room. Dresses were hung in the closest and draped over a chair. Then he noticed Caitlin. She had changed into a pair of black jeans and a dark blue blouse. She gestured for them to sit down. Sydney and Broots sat down on the couch by the wall. He sat down on the plush chair by the couch. Caitlin sat down in her dressing chair.

“Kayla said you wanted to see me.” She said as she studied them. Jarod thought he saw a sign of recognition in her eyes.

“Uh, yes. I’m Sydney and this is Broots and Jarod.” Replied Sydney pointing out who was who. Caitlin just nodded. “We wanted to tell you how sensational you were tonight.”

“I’ll say!” Broots muttered. Caitlin smiled.

“Thanks! You said that I reminded you of someone?” Caitlin asked moving her chair so that she could have a better view of them. She looked at the three inquisitively as they nodded. “Who is she?”

“She was a colleague and friend of ours.” Sydney replied.

“Also an old childhood friend.” Jarod said. She turned to look at him. For a minute the two were lost in each other’s gaze. He couldn’t get over the feeling that she was really Miss Parker.

“What did you say her name was?” Caitlin asked breaking off the gaze.

“Miss Parker.” Broots replied hesitantly. “She’s been missing for a month now.”

Caitlin felt the familiarity of the name again, yet she could still not say it was hers. For some reason it bothered her that this woman was missing for a month. She sat in contemplative thought wondering if she should deny that she was this woman or not. She really didn’t even know if she was this woman. “Could I see a picture of her?”

Broots nodded and handed her the picture. She looked at it and was amazed at the resemblance. Maybe she really was this woman; she started to get uncomfortable at that thought. “I’m sorry but… I don’t…” She stuttered not knowing what to say. “It was nice meeting the three of you.”

She shook their hands, the three of them getting the message that they should leave. As they walked out the door Jarod stopped.

“I heard that they’re looking for a bartender here. Is that true?” He asked.

“As far as I know yes.” Caitlin replied eyeing him a bit suspiciously.

“Thanks. You might be seeing me around more.” Jarod said with a wink as he walked out the door. Caitlin watched the men leave and picked up her black leather jacket to go home. A smile formed on her lips at the thought of seeing Jarod again.

* * * * *

Caitlin walked into her dressing room the next day and found a bouquet of white roses sitting on her dressing table. She smiled and walked over to see whom it was from. She looked at the somewhat familiar handwriting.

“Caitlin,
Lovely concert last night and thanks for the job.
Jarod”

“I see you got my flowers.” A man said from behind.

She turned around and found Jarod leaning against the frame of her open door. She smiled.

“They’re lovely.” She replied thanking him. “So you got the bartending job?”

“Yes I did.” He said as he walked over to her handing her yet another white rose. “To complete the bouquet.” He explained. “There are only eleven in that one. I wanted to give you this one myself.”

Caitlin smiled and took the rose. “Thank you. This is really sweet of you, but I don’t deserve these.”

“I think you do.”

“Do you?” Caitlin asked laughing. She eyed him as he gave her a wink. He was wearing a black T-shirt and black jeans. His hair was slicked back and she couldn’t help but get lost in his eyes again.

“So tell me how did you get into show business?” He asked breaking off their stare.

“I was a waitress here and one night they needed someone to sing for one of the girls. Kayla convinced me to do it and since then I’ve been singing.” Caitlin replied placing the flower with the others.

“How long have you’ve been singing?” Jarod asked as he studied her frame. He noticed how her dress fit nicely over her curves. The light beige color bringing out the color in her hair. She looked back up at him from the mirror.

“You ask a lot of questions don’t you?” Caitlin asked.

“Part of my nature I guess.” Jarod replied shrugging his shoulders. “Say maybe after we both get off we could go grab a bite to eat. You know to get to know each other better.”

“You don’t waste anytime Jarod.” She said as she turned around shaking her finger at him.

“No, I feel that life is too precious to waste any time. So how about it? You can ask as many questions about me that you want.” Jarod said giving her a puppy dog look.

“Alright.” Caitlin said giving in. “What time do you get off?”

“Nine. You?”

“Same.”

“Then I’ll meet you here.” Jarod said walking out the door. He gave her wink and walked off.

Her lips curved up into a seductive smile as thoughts about what could happen that night filtered through her mind.

* * * * *

Jarod watched from the bar as Caitlin sang. Every now and then she would catch his eye and give him a flirtatious smile. He smiled back. His cell phone rang.

“Yes?” He asked into the phone.

“Jarod, its Sydney. How is she?” Sydney asked Jarod from the other line.

“She’s fine. I’m going to see if I can find out more about her.” Jarod replied as he prepared another drink for one of the customers. “Does the Centre know about her?”

“I hope not.” Sydney replied. “I’m not sure what they will do or most importantly what her father would do if he found out that his daughter was singing in a night club in a slinky dress.”

Jarod laughed at the thought of Mr. Parker walking in here and seeing Caitlin sing. “That would be interesting. Well do what you can to make sure they don’t find out about her.”

“Jarod be careful. If she is Miss Parker it might be better that she doesn’t remember. She might actually have a chance at a life.” Sydney said quietly. “Plus you do not know how the memories might effect her.”

“I know. First I’m just going to find out more about her and I think in the long run its going to be her choice. Bye.” Jarod said as he hung up.

Sydney hung up the pay phone. He looked around. Hopefully the Centre would forget about her. “Like that would happen.” He muttered as he walked away.

* * * * *

Later

A man and a woman walked along the street talking, enjoying each other’s company, not noticing the world around them.

“So let me get this straight.” Caitlin said. “You never had ice cream until last year?”

“Uh-huh!” Jarod said nodding his head.

“Where have you been all your life? Locked up in some room?” Caitlin asked teasingly.

“Yep!” Jarod replied, his eyes turning somewhat darker. Caitlin noticed that and didn’t say anything more about it. There was definitely something about this guy.

“So tell me a little bit about yourself.” Jarod said.

“There’s not much to tell. Hey, where are we going anyway?” Caitlin asked hoping to change the subject.

“There’s a small diner right across from where I live.” Jarod said gesturing at a diner. “Right there. Best burgers and ice cream!”

Caitlin laughed and followed him across the street. After they sat down and ordered they started talking again.

“I know you said that there wasn’t much to tell about yourself but I still want to here it.” Jarod said looking across the table at her.

“I really don’t know what to tell you.” Caitlin replied shifting a bit uncomfortably in her seat. She looked out the window hoping to find a way to change the subject.

“How about how you met Kayla?” Jarod suggested. He already knew about how they met, having done some research on his own, but he didn’t tell her that.

“Why are you so interested in knowing all this stuff about me?” Caitlin asked suspicion creeping into her voice.

“Because I want to get to know you.” Jarod replied his eyes staring into hers. She turned away. They sat in silence for awhile.

“We met at the hospital about a month ago.” She said. “I was a patient there and she was one of my nurses.” She continued on feeling this connection with him and the feeling that she should tell him.

“How come you were in the hospital?” Jarod asked concern on his face.

“I was found in an alleyway close to death by this couple. When I woke up I couldn’t remember my name or anything. I didn’t have any identification on me so that didn’t help. After I was well enough to get out of the hospital Kayla helped me get a place to stay and a job. That’s how I started working at Age Era. I first got a job as a waitress and well you know the rest. So that’s my life.” Caitlin said opening her hands like a book. “Not much is it?”

“It’s a lot to me.” Jarod replied taking her hands.

“So let me guess. Now you are going to tell me that I’m this Miss Parker woman, right?” Caitlin said pulling her hands away from him. She could still feel his warmth on them as she placed them in her lap. Jarod looked at her trying to figure out why she was so angry.

“I’m sorry Jarod, it’s just that I don’t want people to tell me how I should be. Its not that I don’t want to know who I was, but I-I don’t know.” Caitlin said in frustration.

“It’s okay, I understand.” Jarod said. “Trust me I know what you mean.”

“You do? Because I don’t, if you can explain it, please do. I want to know who I was, but something inside me tells me I don’t want to. Its all very confusing.” Caitlin said as she looked out the window again.

“Its not all that confusing from what I know about you.” Jarod replied. “The person you were before would have found it a blessing to have this second chance at a new life.”

Caitlin looked back at him. The waitress came back then holding a tray with their burger and fries on it. She placed them down and left. Caitlin picked up her burger and took a bite.

“Good!” She mumbled. Jarod smiled back as he began to eat his burger. “Tell me about who I use to be.”

Jarod looked at her not sure where to begin. Not even sure what or what he shouldn’t tell her. Caitlin noticed his facial expression.

“What was my name, my whole name?” Caitlin asked to help get the ball rolling.

“Well everyone would always call you Miss Parker. Very few people knew your first name.” Jarod said.

“Strange.” Caitlin replied. “So? What was my first name or do you not know that?”

“Oh, I know! It was one of our little secrets.” Jarod replied a smile forming on his face as he remembered when she told him her name and the kiss she gave him afterwards. “Its Mariam.”

“Mariam.” Caitlin said softly. A smile formed on her lips. “Mariam.”

Jarod smiled back. “Our little secret.”

“Our little secret.” Caitlin replied the smile wider on her face.

* * * * *

Later that Night

“Let me get this straight. There is this secret organization called the Centre. They have some project call the Pretender project and these Pretenders are geniuses who can become anyone they want to become. And thirty something years ago they isolated a pretender, which was you, and they kept you and had you do all these experiments. These experiments were used for bad causes, such as the assassination of JFK. Then one day their pretender, you, escaped. I was assigned to catch, so I have been chasing you around the states for the past year or two.” Caitlin said.

“Yep, you got it.” Jarod replied nodded his head.

“Now explain it again.” Caitlin said shaking her head in disbelief.

“Again?” Jarod asked.

“Yes I would like to know why one I’m the bad guy. Two, it sounds like the plot to a primetime TV show and three why if I’m trying to catch you, you are here sitting in my apartment?” Caitlin asked.

“Well, to answer your first question, they probably made you the bad guy because primetime TV doesn’t have enough good female villains. Two, the Centre probably invented primetime TV by modeling it after themselves and three for why I’m here with you, it’s because I knew who you used to be as a child and that you still have a heart.” Jarod said.

Caitlin laughed. “And how do you expect me to believe what you said after that explanation?”

“I guess I’ll just have to show you proof, don’t I?” Jarod replied. “Do you think you would be ready to see it?”

Caitlin thought about it for a minute as she saw the seriousness in his eyes. “So it’s true?”

Jarod nodded. “Maybe some other time.” Caitlin said as she started to feel uneasy.

* * * * *

Kayla walked into the dressing room, her hands on her hips.

“Since when did you and Jarod start dating?” Kayla demanded.

“Huh?” Caitlin asked as she turned to see her friend. “Oh, well we aren’t exactly dating, I mean sure we went out on a couple of dates together and have been hanging out.”

“Which would mean dating. So back to my first question, when did you start dating our cute bartender?” Kayla asked.

“A few days ago” she paused, “maybe its more like two or three weeks ago.”

“Two or three weeks ago and you didn’t tell me?” Kayla asked in a hurtful voice.

“Well it just sort of happened.” Caitlin said with a shrug. “Plus he knew me before.”

“He did?” Kayla asked dropping her act. “So who were you really?”

“Miss Parker. To tell you the truth though I didn’t sound like a very wonderful person.” Caitlin replied thinking about all of the things Jarod told her about her past and his. It still sounded like prime time TV show plot, but when she saw the DSA’s she knew it was real.

“So you’re going to stick to being Caitlin Pike?” Kayla asked sitting down in one of the chairs.

“Yeah.”

“Sounds good to me.” Kayla replied. “I would have missed you if you left. Plus I think the boss wouldn’t be too happy if his prized money maker left.” Kayla said teasingly as she got up to go rehearse for her number. Caitlin laughed.

“Hey I’ll see you later.” Caitlin said as she walked out the door behind her.

“Where are you going?” Kayla asked.

“Out with Jarod. He said he has something special planned tonight.” Caitlin said waving goodbye to her friend.

“Lucky!” Kayla said as she walked onto the stage. She could hear Caitlin laughing.

* * * * *

Caitlin stepped inside her apartment and saw that Jarod was already there. He smiled when he saw her walk in. He moved over on the couch to make a space for her to sit. She sat down and found Jarod’s arm around her.

“So what is this special thing that you have planned for me?” Caitlin asked looking up at him through her lashes.

“Well, first I want to show you a DSA and then you ‘might’ figure out what I have planned for you.” Jarod said mysteriously. Caitlin nodded and looked at the DSA screen. She never really liked the thing since it always seemed to show a dark and scary life. She relaxed her shoulders as she watched the DSA.

* * * * *

A young girl walked down the steps into the SIM lab. Jarod looked up and smiled as he saw Miss Parker. He moved over on the bench so that she could sit down. As she did the two were caught in each other’s eyes. She said she had a secret for him and leaned over to whisper her name in his ear. He smiled as she told him. As Miss Parker moved away she was taken impulse and she gave Jarod a sweet brief kiss. As their lips parted they both smiled. Soon afterwards she got up and left.

* * * * *

“Our first kiss.” Caitlin said quietly looking at the screen. As she watched it she could remember it like it was yesterday. Jarod nodded. “So what do you have planned for me?”

“This.” Jarod said as he leaned in and gave her the kiss that she once gave him. Caitlin smiled as their lips parted. Still a breath apart she leaned in and captured his lips with her. Their passion built as each second passed.

“Is this all you have planned?” She asked between kisses.

“No.” Jarod replied as he pulled her up and lead her towards the bedroom.

* * * * *

A Month Later

Caitlin walked outside pulling in her jacket closer around her body to block out the chilly air.

“Man Chicago is cold in the winter.” She thought.

She walked faster towards her apartment where Jarod was waiting for her. He had called yesterday saying he would be back tonight and that he had something special planned. He was always doing that for her, planning something special for her. Caitlin’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of seeing Jarod again. For the past few weeks he would go off on one of his adventures, but would always come back after each one. She worried that the Centre would catch him. She laughed out loud as she thought of how she used to be one of the people who tried to catch him, not that she remembered that time. She couldn’t blame herself though; she could see why she would try to catch him. He was cute, charming, can get a bit annoying at times in that loveable way, and well he was also wonderful in bed. That sent an extra set of chills down her back as she thought about the last time they had made love. It only made her walker faster.

When she reached her apartment complex she rushed up the stairs quickly. Caitlin unlocked her door. The scent of roses and burnt candles reached her nose, as well as soft music. She took of her jacket and hung it up in the closest. She noticed that there was a path of rose petals leading into the living room. She followed and found Jarod sitting on the couch with two glasses of champagne. He was wearing black slacks and a black velvet shirt that was half unbuttoned. She smiled as she came over and sat down on the couch besides him. Before she could say anything he gave her a long deep kiss.

“It’s so nice to have you back.” She said as she gave him another kiss.

“It’s good to be back.” He replied giving her another kiss. She giggled in delight.

“So what is this all for?” She asked looking around the room. Roses and lit candles were spread around. She also noticed that the dining room table was set up and that there was another path of roses leading into the bedroom.

“Our anniversary.” Jarod said as he stood up, pulling her up with him. “Happy Anniversary!” Giving yet another long deep kiss. Caitlin sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. After a minute she pushed him away.

“Let me change into something more comfortable.” She said with a flirtatious look as she walked into her bedroom. Jarod nodded and made his way over to kitchen to finish preparing the dinner.

A few minutes later she walked out. Jarod felt his breath catch in his throat. She was wearing a long black silk nightgown.

“Hope you like it. I got this as a surprise for you.” Caitlin said as she made her way to him.

“Oh, I do!” Jarod replied taking her into his arms, he gave her a small kiss on her neck. “I missed you Mariam.”

She smiled back up at him and gave him a quick kiss. “I missed you too. So what’s for dinner?” She asked as she made her way into the kitchen. Opening a pot to smell what was cooking.

“Casserole and macaroni salad. And for dessert you have your choice of chocolate cake, cheese cake, one of my personal favorites Twinkies, or my absolute favorite…” Jarod said eyeing her. She laughed shaking her finger at him. He led her to the table and got her settled. For the rest of the evening the two enjoyed each other filling the room with romance and love.

* * * * *

Later that Evening

Caitlin looked up at the ceiling sighing as she cuddled up to Jarod more. They just had made the most wonderful love and nothing could have made that night better. He moved his arm closer around her. Her head rested on his chest and she listened to his heart beat and the rising of his breaths.

“I wish every night could be like this.” She said.

“So do I.” Jarod responded. “Mariam?”

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

She smiled turning up to look at him, “I love you too.”

He kissed her and said “I have one more surprise for you.”

“You do?” Caitlin asked in surprise. “This is good enough for me I hope you know.”

“Nothing is too good for you.” Jarod said pulling out something from the nightstand. “Here this is for us.”

Caitlin looked at what he handed her and saw that they were airline tickets. “TO GREECE?”

“Uh-huh!”

“Jarod!” She said not knowing what else to say. She gave him a big kiss. “When?”

“Tomorrow morning. The flight leaves at 8, oh and don’t worry about packing that’s all been taken care of.” Jarod said with a big smile on his face.

“Jarod, I don’t know what to say or how to thank you.”

“Oh, I can think of a few things.” Jarod replied as he gave her a deep kiss pulling the sheets over their heads.

* * * * *

Greece

Jarod looked over the Mediterranean Sea from the balcony of their hotel room. Caitlin came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him.

“Thank you.” She whispered.

Jarod smiled and put his arms around her. She leaned her head against his chest and watched the wind blow the sailboats.

“Jarod are you alright?” She asked noticing his unusual silence.

“I’m fine.” He replied.

“No you’re not.” She said turning to look up at him. “What is it?”

“I guess I’m just wondering when this is all going to end.” Jarod said looking at her.

“It’s not going to.” Caitlin replied.

“What happens if you remember?” Jarod asked. “What happens when you become Miss Parker again.”

Caitlin looked at him for a minute. “Jarod, we may act differently, but she and I have the same heart. No matter what happens we are always going to be together, Miss Parker or not.”

Jarod stared hard at her and then pulled her into a kiss. “I love you Mariam.”

“I love you too.”

“Good because I have something to ask you.”

Caitlin looked up at him inquisitively. He knelt down on one knee, in one hand he had pulled out a rose that he had hid behind a plant on the balcony. She looked down and saw a diamond ring shaped in a heart lying nestled into the soft petals of the red rose.

“Will you marry me?” Even before all of the words came out of his mouth, she said yes. He pulled her into another long kiss.

* * * * *

Jarod stood on the beach by the local priest. He watched as Caitlin walked towards him holding a bouquet of white, pink, and red roses. She wore a long white lacy spaghetti-strapped dress. The skirt bellowed around her as the breeze blew across the ceremony. His breath caught in his throat as she came closer. A smile was on her face as she walked down the sandy beach towards her future husband. Caitlin felt that she was the happiest woman on earth. She felt breathless as she looked at Jarod. He was wearing a black suit with a white T-shirt underneath, much like the one she saw him in the first time they met. When she neared him, he took her arm. Lost in the moment the ceremony seemed like heaven.

As the sun set into the ocean behind the Grecian ruins, Jarod Russell and Mariam Parker were pronounced man and wife.

* * * * *

A Few Days Later

Sydney came home that night and found something lying on his bed. He opened up the package and found a note from Jarod.

“Sydney
We thought you should be the first to know. We got married in Greece a few days ago. Really wish you could have been there. I’ll talk to you later.
Jarod and Caitlin”

Sydney stood in shock for a few minutes. He smiled when he looked at the pictures of Jarod and Miss Parker. Although he knew she went by Caitlin, he still couldn’t help thinking of her as Miss Parker. On the back of one the pictures it said:

“Jarod Russell and Mariam Parker married December ‘99.
Thought we might as well make it so it can’t be changed.”

He noticed that it was Miss Parker’s handwriting. He smiled.
Revelation by Apollos Girl aka AG
Disclaimer: You all know the drill it belongs to the creators and NBC.

Authors Note: Third part of the series. No real note here.



Mask Series
3 - Revelation

By Apollo’s Girl




Jarod quickly hurried out the dark luminous building before anyone could catch him. He looked back with anger and pain. He had never thought that they would be able to catch him again, let alone by the one person he trusted most. He took one last look and then hurried into the trees that surrounded the building. His figure disappearing into the dark shadows of night.

* * * * *

Three Weeks Ago
Caitlin (a.k.a. Miss ‘Mariam’ Parker) and Jarod’s Apartment

Caitlin restlessly tried to fall asleep. As she tossed and turned her eyes fell on the picture by her bed. A smile formed on her lips. It was the picture of her and Jarod’s wedding day. The two were holding each other closely, their cheeks pressed gently against each other. Both were smiling at the camera like the happily newly married couple they were. They had been married for a month now.

She let her head rest comfortably on her pillow. She thought about where Jarod was. He had called earlier that night to say he would be back soon. The thought comforted her, but until he was home beside her, worry still danced at the edge of her thoughts. Although the Centre had not come close to catching him, she still worried.

As thoughts of Jarod played through her mind, she felt more peaceful. She could almost see his smile when he would return. Soon sleep finally came and she let it envelop her.

* * * * *

As she drove into the city she kept her eyes peeled for any clue as to the whereabouts of Jarod. Then something in the corner of her eye caught her attention. She parked her rented car by the alleyway and made her way slowly into it. Her hand held the gun in front her and she made her way deeper into the alley. She heard a noise behind her as she quickly turned around. Her eyes opened in shock at who it was, but before she could say anything a shot pierced her body. She fell limply to the ground as the shadowy figure disappeared.

* * * * *

Caitlin woke up with a start. She looked at her surroundings and shuddered. She smoothed her hands down her body trying to see if she was really shot. Seeing that it was only a dream she brought her arms around herself, trying to give some type of comfort for herself. Caitlin wished that Jarod were there with her, so that he could hold her. She got up and made her way into the kitchen to see if she could find something to help soothe her nerves. She looked at the clock on the kitchen wall.

“1:15.” She whispered.
It had been getting worse each night, the dreams. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t had this one before. When she was in the hospital she would constantly wake from it. The doctors had said that it was probably a memory of what happened to her. She still couldn’t figure out who the man was. Jarod had shown her pictures of different men at the Centre to see if it would help jog her memory, but after a few she couldn’t look at them anymore. Each seemed to hold some bad memory from her past. Most of which she didn’t want to remember. Jarod understood and didn’t push her.

As she raided the refrigerator she heard the front door open. She quietly closed the refrigerator door and looked to see who it was. Jarod walked in and a smile formed on her face. Jarod looked at her surprised.

“What are you doing up so late?” He asked as he made his way towards her. Before she answered she gave him a deep kiss. He smiled at her.

“I had that dream again.” She replied. He gave her worried glance. “It’s okay. I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, especially since you’re here.” She said as he wrapped his arms tighter around her. “You’re back early.”

“I did say I would be home soon.” Jarod replied. “Anyway I wanted to surprise you.”

“You’re always full of surprises aren’t you?”

“Uh-huh.” Jarod replied as he made his way to the bedroom. Caitlin followed behind him. She watched as he changed and washed up in the bathroom as he told her about his latest pretend.

“You know Jarod, I’m surprised no one has every died of fright from one of your set-ups.” Caitlin replied as he finished his story.

“Oh, they’re not that scary. Are they?” Jarod asked with a teasing gleam in his eyes. Caitlin rolled her eyes.

“Tired?” She asked. Knowing that he really didn’t sleep a lot.

“A little.” He replied as he made his way to the bed. He slid in beside her and again wrapped his arms around her.

“How long before your next pretend?” Caitlin inquired as she looked up at him.

“Not for a while, I hope.” Jarod answered.

“Good.” Jarod smiled as he watched her fall asleep.

* * * * *

Caitlin came into the bar and looked around. As she walked over to the bar, the bartender came up.

“What’ll it be?” He asked.

“Nothing. Say have you seen this guy around?” Caitlin asked with an attitude as she showed him a picture of Jarod. Just then another man came and sat down beside her. He had dark hair and a snide smile on his face. He eyed her figure slowly with a leer.

“What do you want with Jarod?” He asked as he noticed the picture she was holding. The bartender poured out a drink for the man.

“He has a debt to pay. Who are up?”

“Tony. What kind of a debt? Maybe I can pay you back for it?” Tony asked the leer never leaving his face.

“Nothing that you would be able to pay back.” Caitlin replied. Then demanding “Where is he?”

“He had something come up. So how about I take care of that little debt for him?”

“No thanks.” She replied as she turned towards the door. Uneasiness had settled into her stomach as this guy came towards her.

“Hey where do you think you are going sweet thing?” Tony asked.

“Away.” Caitlin replied as she stepped out into the alleyway. As soon as she stepped out Tony grabbed her and threw her against a wall. Quickly coming to her senses she threw a kick at him.

“Feisty aren’t you?” Tony replied as he wiped the blood away from his cut lip. “Won’t be when I’m done with you.”

He threw her against the wall; her defenses quickly coming, she threw another kick at him in the stomach. His eyes held a look of frustration and determination. He wouldn’t let her get away.

She continued to find some way to get away from him and to teach him a lesson for trying to go after her. Repeatedly they fought throwing punches at each other, as she tried to get away from him, but he kept blocking her way.

As Caitlin was about to say something, Tony threw her against the wall again. She lost her balance and fell. When she regained consciousness a little while later, she found herself in the corner of the darken alleyway, her arms tied to the fence, her mouth gagged.

The leer was still on his face and a look of revenge in his eyes. Before she knew it he started to take off her clothes. She tried to scream but nothing came out. Instead her mind went deaf with the scream of her soul.

* * * * *

Caitlin woke up with a scream. Jarod came over to her quickly and tried to calm her down.

“Its okay, it was just a dream, it’s okay.” He soothed as he held her.

“God, Jarod! What kind of hell did I live through?” She asked as her breathing slowed.

“What was it this time?” He asked concern filling his voice.

“A guy, Tony… He-he…” She took a deep breath. “He raped me.”

Jarod’s eyes got darker as memories from that night filtered through his mind. He had accidentally killed a man that same night. Tony, the guy he was trying to set up had also raped Miss Parker that same night. Every time he thought about what Tony did, anger welled up in him so deep that sometimes it scared him.

Caitlin looked at him and saw the anger filling his eyes. Quietly she asked, “It did happen didn’t it?”

Jarod nodded. “If I had known I would have stopped it from happening. Fortunately he’s in jail now.”

“Jarod? Do you think that this is a sign of my memories returning?”

“I don’t know. It could be.” Jarod replied. “In some cases for amnesia victims who haven’t remembered anything for months, like you, they don’t recover all of their memories, just some. In others they recover all, but that’s less likely. So I really don’t know if you will remember everything.”

“I’m not sure I want to.” Caitlin replied quietly, leaning her head against his chest.

“They’re not the happiest memories.” Jarod said as held her closer.

* * * * *

A Week Later
Age Era Nightclub

Caitlin walked off the stage from her rehearsal and went to the vending machine for a drink. Kayla walked in beside her.

“So how is the happily married couple?” She asked teasingly.

“Oh, happy.” Caitlin replied. “What’s new?”

“Nothing much, is Jarod away again?” Kayla asked, her voice turning serious. She was well aware of Jarod’s and Caitlin’s past. Caitlin felt that she should tell her about it. Sometimes she wished Caitlin didn’t. She already spent too much time worrying about her.

“Yeah.” Caitlin replied as she picked up her drink. “He said that he should be back in two days.”

“Worried?”

“A little, but he can take care of himself better than anyone.”

“Probably.” Kayla replied. “Hey, what do you say if we go out to dinner tonight, you know make it a girls night out?”

“Not tonight. I’m not feeling that great.”

“That sucks. How about tomorrow? I haven’t seen that much of you since you and Jarod got married.” Kayla said with a fake pout.

Caitlin laughed. “Sure.”

“Good.” Kayla said as she made her way to the stage for her rehearsal.

Caitlin watched as her friend disappeared behind the curtain and then made her way to her dressing room. She had a splitting headache. When she reached it she pulled out a bottle of aspirin and popped two of the pills in her mouth.

The dreams/memories had been coming more and more frequent. Just the other day she was walking back from the grocery and her mind had flashed back to her days at the Centre. At first she felt uncomfortable with them but as the days wore on and the memories coming more frequently she has become used to them.

She didn’t tell Jarod about them. She knew that he still wasn’t sure what to make out of her returning memories. Not that she blamed him. They scared her sometimes. She was such a different person before she had gotten amnesia. But she promised no matter what happened that she would stay true to Jarod.

“No matter what happens.” She promised.

* * * * *

Later Back at the Apartment

Caitlin stood in the hot shower letting the water wash away the soap. She closed her eyes thinking about Jarod’s phone call. She tried to savor his voice, low and heartwarming. He told her that he would be home a little late. The sting was taking a little more time than he thought, plus Brigitte and her posse were getting a little too close for comfort. He was going to divert them somehow and then he would be back.

She hated Brigitte. She knew she hated that woman before too, but then who could blame anyone for hating that Barbie/GI Joe/Spice Girl wannabe. Caitlin shook her head. She shouldn’t waste her time thinking about her.

As she got out of the shower and wrapped the towel around her, she felt a sharp pain in her head. Images and sounds flooded her mind.

“Mommy no. Mommy!” A woman was lying dead on the floor an elevator with blood surrounding her. “Mommy!” “Life goes on.” A tall domineering said as he stood by the dead woman. “It’s time for my angel to shine!” “I decide who lives or die!” “No more Timmy!” A man with an oxygen tank, Raines. Sydney and Broots. “You are going to get Jarod and bring him back.” Debbie. Ben. Children. Pretenders. Fenigor. Keys. “Red Files!”

They swirled around her mind like smoke. She fell to the ground clutching her head as they twisted and took shape. As they slowly resided she looked up at the ceiling. Sitting against the wall she let her breathing and heart calm down. Tears came down from her eyes.

“God, I need a cigarette.” She said quietly as she sat there with her towel around her naked body. The steam in the room forming beads on her skin.

* * * * *

Two Days Later

Jarod walked into the apartment glad to be back. He noticed it was pretty quiet. Looking at his watch he wondered where Caitlin was. His watch said it was 11:45. It was a little late for her to be out. Maybe she was filling in for one of the girls at the club.

He shrugged his shoulders and made his way into the bedroom. After changing and putting away the DSA’s he came out and sat on the couch. He picked up the remote and started to flip the channels for something to watch.

An hour passed and he heard the door open. Caitlin walked in. Jarod studied her figure with his dark eyes. She was wearing black jeans and a black lace camisole covered by the black leather jacket he had gotten for her. He almost chuckled at the fact that both of them were wearing the same thing, minus the camisole. She noticed him sitting on the couch and a small smile formed on her lips.

“Hi!” She said as she made her way over to him.

“Hey!” He replied as they gave each other a welcome home kiss. “Why were you out so late?”

“Had to fill in for one of the girls. Didn’t you get my note on the fridge?”

“No, but I figured that was why you were out.” Jarod replied as she took off her jacket. He couldn’t help noticing how the camisole fit tightly on her. Caitlin noticed how he was looking at her and flashed him a flirtatious glance. Returning the look Jarod kissed her lightly on the neck. He felt her body shiver as his kisses traveled further down her neck.

“I missed you.” Jarod said in between kisses.

“Me too.” Caitlin replied as she turned to face him. She kissed him deeply on the lips. Their tongues exploring each other. She slowly began to untuck his shirt and ran her hands up his chest. Jarod did the same.

“I love you Mariam.” He whispered into her ear. Caitlin’s eyes darkened as he said that. Jarod noticed it and asked “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing Jarod.” She replied her eyes changing back to the flirtatious gleam. “It’s just that I missed you so much.”

She kissed him again and started to lead him into the bedroom. He followed, not thinking anymore of that one moment.

* * * * *

Caitlin laid in bed listening to Jarod’s heartbeat. Her mind filled with a torrent of questions. She didn’t tell him that she had regained her memory. She didn’t know what to do. She wasn’t Caitlin any longer, content to be a nightclub singer and Jarod’s wife. She was Miss Parker again, a woman of power and of independence who only depended on herself.

She placed her hand lightly on Jarod’s hand, which laid across her waist. He didn’t stir, although she wasn’t sure if he was really asleep. She was just glad that she had some time to think. She was scared and confused.

If the Centre found out that she had regained her memory and that she was still with Jarod they would probably kill her. She knew that the Centre knew that she was still alive, but at the moment they still thought she still had amnesia. Why they left her alive she still hadn’t figured out yet and whether or not they knew she was married to Jarod was another question she had. Jarod had done all he could to keep her location a secret. Even Sydney and Broots didn’t know where she was except for where she worked. Although she could continue to pretend she had amnesia, she was after all a pretender too. But no, it wouldn’t work. Unlike Jarod, her skills for pretending were not very developed.

As more of these thoughts filtered through her mind, she finally came up with a solution. Her heart tightened at what she was going to do but ignored it. It was time to bring Miss Parker back.

* * * * *

One Week Later


Jarod walked into the bedroom and found Caitlin sitting on the bed. She seemed to have a far off distant look.

“Mariam?” He asked quietly. She turned around to look at him; her eyes like steal ice. Jarod felt a pain in his chest as realization dawned on him.

“I thought I told you never to call me that again.” Miss Parker said in her cold voice.

“You’re back.” Jarod said not bothering to hide his hurt.

“What did you expect Jarod?” She replied. He noticed that she hadn’t looked straight at him yet.

“So what are you going to do now?” Jarod asked trying to get her to look him in the eye.

“Take you back.” She said nonchalantly.

“After all we’ve been through?” Jarod asked as he knelt in front of her, his hand forcing her to look him in the eyes.

“You should have known better.” She said never once phasing underneath his gaze. Inside she was screaming, ‘Don’t do this!’ But she ignored it, like she used to.

“You promised that nothing would change between us remember?” Jarod asked as the memory of her promise filtered through both of their thoughts.

* * * * *

The two were standing on the balcony of their hotel room in Greece.

“Jarod are you alright?” She had asked noticing his unusual silence.

“I’m fine.” He replied.

“No you’re not.” She said turning to look up at him. “What is it?”

“I guess I’m just wondering when this is all going to end.” Jarod said looking at her.

“It’s not going to.” Caitlin replied.

“What happens if you remember?” Jarod asked. “What happens when you become Miss Parker again.”

Caitlin looked at him for a minute. “Jarod, we may act differently, but she and I have the same heart. No matter what happens we are always going to be together, Miss Parker or not.”

* * * * *

“I never promised anything Jarod.” Miss Parker said as she took both of his hands in hers. “That was Caitlin who promised it. Not me.”

“Isn’t it the same?” Jarod asked.

“No.” She answered simply. Jarod made a move to get up when he noticed that his hands were handcuffed, tightly. “I haven’t been married to you for so long and not learned anything.”

Jarod looked at her, anger and betrayal filled his eyes. Miss Parker didn’t even flinch from the look, although inside her heart was breaking.

“How can you do this? After everything?” Jarod asked his voice low and deep.

“Because I can. So be a good boy, we are going home!” Miss Parker said as she led him out the door.

* * * * *

Centre

“Angel it is so good to see you again!” Mr. Parker said as he enveloped his daughter in a hug. “I was worried that Jarod had you locked up someplace.”

“It’s good to be back, Daddy.” Miss Parker replied happy that her father had missed her.

“Bringing Jarod back with you is even better!” He said with a huge smile on his face. “I knew you could do it!”

“What’s going to happen to him?” Miss Parker asked slightly annoyed that her father spent more time talking about Jarod then about her.

“Oh, sweetie you don’t need to worry about that! I will take care of everything.” Mr. Parker said dismissively.

Miss Parker only nodded knowing that she wouldn’t get any answer out of her father. As she made her way back to her office she bumped into Sydney. He looked very angry.

“How could you do this to him?” He asked in his accented voice.

“Do what? Bring him back where he belongs?” She replied.

“No, betray him like you did.” Sydney said as his voice filled with anger.

“I didn’t do anything to him Sydney. I suggest you stop accusing me of anything, unless you want the Centre to know ‘exactly’ how you feel about him.” Miss Parker warned. She hated that Sydney was upset with her, but she had accepted that fact when she made the decision to bring Jarod back. She turned her back on him and made her way into her office.

* * * * *

Jarod sat in the holding cell, trying to control his rage. How could she do this to him? He felt his heart break even more every time he thought about her. He always worried that when she did regain her memory that this would happen. But he thought that with them being married and everything that she would stay with him. He was wrong and he hated being wrong. Jarod felt like the stupidest man on earth, he should have known that nothing would change Miss Parker’s heart of ice. He felt tears come down his face and all he could do was let them come. Jarod placed his face in his hands and sobbed.

* * * * *

Miss Parker stood by with Sydney as they watched the video screen. She turned her head away as she saw the tears come down Jarod’s face, trying to hide her own that slid from her eyes. She quickly wiped the tears away and put a cigarette in her mouth.

Sydney noticed the tears and knew that somewhere deep beneath her hard exterior that she still loved Jarod. He only wished that he could help the two. He knew that once Miss Parker made a decision that she wouldn’t turn back and that Jarod wouldn’t believe it even if he told him. Jarod would have to hear from Miss Parker’s own lips. He returned his gaze back on to the screen. Jarod was still crying. Sydney’s heart broke.

* * * * *

Three Days Later
Miss Parker’s Office

Miss Parker sat in her chair feeling the familiar coldness surround her. Her eyes staring into space. She hadn’t seen Jarod since she brought him back. She couldn’t bring herself to do it, although she would go and watch him on the security video. She was glad to see that he seemed to have returned to somewhat his normal self, but she could still see the betrayal in his eyes.

It hurt but she wouldn’t admit it to anyone. Although Sydney has been acting a bit nicer to her. She sighed and thought about the last four months. The month she began working at the club, then the month that she and Jarod dated. A smile came on her lips as she remembered the song she sang to him at the club, but it was all in the past.

Someone knocked on the door and Sydney came in. “Miss Parker?”

“What?” She asked somewhat relieved that someone interrupted her guilty thoughts.

“Miss Parker, Jarod wants to see you.”

“Tell him I’m busy.” Miss Parker replied. Sydney gave her a look.

“I really think you should go see him, Miss Parker.” He said with a little more authority in his voice. Miss Parker sighed and nodded that she would go. As she got up and made her way to the door, her eye caught the date on the calendar.

It was their two-month anniversary.

* * * * *

Jarod looked at the door when Miss Parker walked in. She had on one of her designer outfits and a cigarette in her mouth. The door closed behind her, leaving the two alone. She stood a good distance away from him.

“You know you can come closer, I won’t bite.” Jarod said. Miss Parker took a step or two closer, noticing the anger that tinged his voice.

“What do you want?” She asked her voice hard.

“Just thought we should say a proper good-bye.” Jarod replied.

“For what?” Miss Parker inquired. “Its not like you’re going anywhere.”

“I thought we should say a good-bye to our marriage. After all isn’t it our ‘two-month anniversary’?”

“What exactly do you have in mind?” She asked feeling somewhat uncomfortable now. She looked at him and noticed that he hadn’t shaved since he got here. His clothes were rumpled and his eyes were darker than usual. She felt that feeling of regret and guilt pull at her heart. All she really wanted to do was throw herself in his arms and ask forgiveness. On the outside she didn’t let that show. She kept her emotions in check.

Jarod made his way over to her. She stood watching him as he slowly came closer. “So what do you have in mind?” She repeated when they were only breaths apart.

“This.” He said quietly as he gave her a hard kiss on the lips. Surprise went through her body. Before she could respond his lips parted from hers and she felt a sharp stinging sensation on her cheek. She looked up at him.

“You slapped me!” She said quietly as the shock wore off.

Jarod looked at her with cold hard eyes. “What did you expect? I would say that just about summed up our whole time together!”

“You set yourself up for that fall, Jarod. So don’t blame me for anything!” She retorted although she didn’t really believe her own words.

“Tell me, what would your mother say about this?” Jarod asked knowing that it was a touchy subject for her.

“My mother has nothing to do with this!” Miss Parker replied. She knew her mother wouldn’t approve what she had done. “So don’t bring her up again!”

Jarod felt his anger start to simmer down a little as sadness flowed in. All he wanted to do was to shake some sense into her. Show her that they could still have a life together. But no, she was a company girl all the way around.

They looked at each other for a few more minutes, neither knowing what to say. Miss Parker wanted to say she was sorry but couldn’t find the words or courage to say them. Jarod took a step back.

“Good-bye Miss Parker!” He said as he made his way back over to the bed. She looked at him and then walked to the door.

“Good-bye Jarod!” She replied as she stepped through the doors, holding back the tears that threatened to fall.

* * * * *

Later that Night

Jarod quickly hurried out the dark luminous building before anyone could catch him. He looked back with anger and pain. He had never thought that they would be able to catch him again, let alone by the one person he trusted most. He took one last look and then hurried into the trees that surrounded the building. His figure disappearing into the dark shadows of night.

* * * * *

Next Morning

“What?” Miss Parker asked as she picked up the phone.
“Sorry to tell you this Miss Parker, but Jarod escaped.” Sydney informed over the phone.

“Well what are you waiting for Syd? You and Broots better start finding out where he went.” Miss Parker ordered as she hung up the phone.

She smiled a little, glad that Jarod had found someway to escape. The phone rang again. She picked it up while she lit a cigarette.

“What now?” She asked in her usual cold tone of voice.

“Is that how you always greet all of your calls?” Jarod asked into the phone.

“Jarod!” Miss Parker said her heart skipped a beat at his voice, although she kept her voice icy. “I heard you escaped again.”

“Did you really think I would stay?” Jarod asked traces of anger could still be heard.

“No.” Miss Parker replied. They stayed silent for a few minutes.

“The chase begins again, Parker.” Jarod said in a quiet sorrowful tone.

“Indeed it does.” Miss Parker replied in the same tone. She wanted to tell Jarod sorry and finally when she gathered enough courage to “Jarod?”

“What?”

“If it makes any difference, it was good while it lasted. Very good.” Miss Parker said quietly into the phone.

“I know.” Jarod replied as he hung up the phone.

Miss Parker held the phone to her heart then placing it back she got up.

“It’s time to get back to work.” She said determinedly as she took a long drag from her cigarette.
Jealous Secrets by Apollos Girl aka AG
Disclaimer: It all belongs to the creators and NBC and who ever else the credits on Pretender say it belongs to. I'm just writing for my personal enjoyment. I'm getting no money or anything. Please don't sue me!

Authors Note: This is part four of the Mask Series. If you have read this far into the series does it mean you like it? Anyway I really don't have much to say about this story except well I never saw the episode with Nia in it and so if she is out of character sorry. I'm only writing from what I've read about her.




Mask Series
4 - Jealous Secrets

By Apollo’s Girl





Miss Parker doubled over as another sharp pain went through her stomach. Sydney who was standing beside her caught her in his arms. Her head spun with the onslaught of the pain. She leaned against the older Belgium man as the pain slowly subsided.

“Damn Ulcer!” She muttered as she started to stand up.

“Are you alright Miss Parker?” Sydney asked with concern.

“I’m fine Syd. It’s just my ulcer that is acting up!” Miss Parker replied as she started to walk to the parking garage door.

“Are you sure?”

“Syd, don’t worry about it! I’ll see you tomorrow.” Miss Parker said as she walked through the door.

“Call me if you need anything, Miss Parker. And please get some rest tonight!” Sydney said as he watched her walk to her car.

Miss Parker got into her car and closed her eyes as her head rested on the headrest. It had been a long uneventful day, except for her ulcer acting up. They were no closer in finding out where Jarod was.

The thought of him sent another stab of pain through her. Although this time it wasn’t in her stomach, it was in her heart. It had been two months since she had regained her memory and brought him back. Neither of them have ever gotten over that. Though things seem to have returned to the way it used to be with their nitpicking.

As she pulled the car into her driveway she was seized again with another stab of pain. When she was able to get in the house she made a beeline for the bathroom. She just made it to the toilet as she vomited the contents from her stomach. A few minutes later she made up her mind to go the doctor.

* * * * *

Centre

“Sydney!” Miss Parker said as she came into his office.

“Yes?” The man inquired wondering the reason for Miss Parker’s visit.

“Have you found anything on Jarod?” She asked.

“No. Is something wrong?” Sydney asked worriedly. He had noticed that Miss Parker seemed to be looking worse and worse everyday.

“Nothing Syd.” She replied in her usual tone, although he could tell she seemed a bit tired.

“Is it your ulcer?”

“I’m fine Sydney.” She reemphasized but she was touched by Sydney’s concern. “I will be leaving a bit early today for an appointment with my doctor though.”

Sydney nodded. “Take care of yourself, Miss Parker.” He replied. He was glad that she told him where she was going. Usually she would just leave without saying anything.

“Will do.” Miss Parker replied as she walked out the door. “Oh, Syd? Please tell Broots that I want to have in my hands information about Jarod’s whereabouts tomorrow morning the minute I get in or I will have his hide!”

Sydney just smiled and nodded.

* * * * *

Doctors Office

Miss Parker looked at the doctor in shock. “Could you please repeat that?”

“I said, Miss Parker that you are pregnant. Congratulations!” The doctor replied with a big congratulatory smile on her face.

Miss Parker stared blankly at her for a minute, placing her hand on her stomach. As realization hit her worry began to form.

“Daddy’s gonna kill me.” She whispered to herself.

“Excuse me?”

“Umm, I was wondering how long I am.” Miss Parker replied.

“According to the tests about two and a half months.” Dr. Lewis replied as she looked at her charts.

Miss Parker quickly went back in her mind and realized that was the last time she and Jarod had made love.

“Damn it!” She muttered.

“Is something wrong?” Dr. Lewis asked concerned as she saw her patient’s face.

“Nothing. I… Thank you Dr. Lewis.” Miss Parker said as she made her way to the door.

“Um, Miss Parker I would like you to come in again for more check ups. I want to see how your ulcer might affect the baby.”

“Sure. I’ll set up an appointment when it fits in my schedule.” Miss Parker said as she walked out the door.

“Make that soon, Miss Parker!” Dr. Lewis replied to the disappearing figure.

* * * * *

Miss Parker’s Home

“I can not be pregnant!” Miss Parker said to herself as she looked in the mirror. She studied her stomach trying to see if it was noticeable that she was pregnant.

“God, what am I suppose to do?” She whispered wondering what the Centre would do if they found out she was pregnant. Further more if they found out that Jarod was the father.

“I can not have this baby!” She said as tears started to come down from her eyes. “I can not have this baby!”

She leaned against the bathroom door and slid down to the floor. Sobs shaking her frame.

* * * * *

Later that night

Miss Parker laid in bed wondering what to do. Although she knew she couldn’t have the baby, she couldn’t bring herself to have an abortion. Thoughts of how to get through this went through her head, each one ending in no solution and causing her headache to grow more. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of knocking at her door.

She slowly got up wondering who would come to her house this late at night. Miss Parker looked through the peephole and was surprised to see Sydney standing at her door. She opened the door and allowed Sydney to come in.

“What?” She asked as Sydney stepped in through the door.

“I was wondering how it went with the doctors today.” Sydney said as he watched her close the door, her back was facing him.

Miss Parker wondered if she should tell Sydney about the baby. He could help her get through this. “It was fine Sydney.”

“Are you sure Parker?” Sydney asked not really believing her answer. He noticed that she more tired than before and her eyes were red as if she had been crying.

“Yes, Sydney!” Miss Parker replied annoyed. “Look I’m fine, so you can go home now.”

“You aren’t pregnant are you?” Sydney asked. He saw the look in Miss Parker’s eyes and knew his suspicions were right.

“What are you talking about?” She asked as she regained her composure.

“Miss Parker, you do not need to lie to me about this. I can be here to help you get through this.” Sydney said placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Miss Parker walked passed him and sat on the couch. He came over and sat down besides her.

“How did you know?” She asked quietly. Then with more worry “Does the Centre know?”

“No, I don’t think the Centre knows yet. I know because I recognize the symptoms.” Sydney replied reassuringly.

“Jesus Sydney, I don’t know what to do.” Miss Parker confided hugging tightly one of the throw pillows.

“You need to tell Jarod!” Sydney said.

“Are you crazy?” She asked incredulously.

“He is the father and has a right to know Parker.” Sydney replied, emphasizing the word father.

Miss Parker just sat in silence, knowing full well that Sydney was right. She didn’t want to tell Jarod, though.

“Miss Parker?”

“Sydney, if Jarod finds out I want it to be from me.” Miss Parker said as she looked at him. Sydney nodded in agreement. “Does Broots know?”

“No.” Sydney said with a smile. “But I’m sure he would be thrilled if he found out.”

“What? So we can exchange child raising techniques?” Miss Parker asked sarcastically.

“He is a good father you know.” Sydney said coming in defense for Broots.

“I know Syd.” Miss Parker said. She knew Broots would do anything for his daughter, which was very unlike her father. “Daddy’s going to kill me.”

“I don’t think he will kill you Parker.” Sydney replied placing a comforting arm around her shoulder. “Although I think it would be a good idea if you didn’t inform him about your pregnancy right now.”

Miss Parker agreed. Sydney looked at Miss Parker worriedly. He knew she was still going through a lot of emotional pain from what happened with Jarod. Now that she was pregnant he knew it was going to be even tougher for her. He brought his arm around tighter hoping that he could give some comfort to the woman he loved as if she were his own daughter.

For once Miss Parker didn’t push him away and let herself be comforted by the older man. Tears started to fall again as she thought about what would happen to the life that was growing inside of her. She would do anything to protect it.

* * * * *

Centre

Broots sat at his workstation, his fingers flying over the key broad. Just then he heard the familiar clicks of high heels heading in his direction. Without even looking up he said “Miss Parker I think I have a solid lead on Jarod!”

“You think?” Miss Parker asked in her husky voice as she came behind him, Sydney besides her.

“I know.” Broots answered. “He’s in Utah, near Salt Lake City. He had rented a cabin near one of the ski resorts.”

“What is he doing renting a cabin at a ski resort in the middle of June?” Miss Parker asked.

“I wouldn’t know.” Sydney replied. “This seems a bit to easy.”

“Everyone makes mistakes Syd.” Miss Parker retorted.

“Just don’t get your hopes up to high, Parker.”

“I don’t know the name he’s going under or where he is staying.” Broots replied. “But I have an idea in what area of Salt Lake City he’s in.”

“Well what are we doing standing around here for?” Miss Parker asked as she walked out of the room.

Broots and Sydney looked at each other and followed her out.

“Sydney is she alright?” Broots asked as they left the office, he had noticed that she didn’t seem to be feeling that well the last few days.

“Nothing that you have to worry about right now.” Sydney replied as the two followed Miss Parker.

* * * * *
Salt Lake City, Utah

Miss Parker sat in the passenger seat feeling very nauseated. The flight from Blue Clove was very bumpy and the altitude of the mountains weren’t helping either. As another wave of nausea swept over her she yelled to Sydney to pull over. When the car stopped she quickly got out and vomited.

Sydney looked at her worriedly. Broots looked at Sydney from the rearview mirror with a questioning look.

“Are you alright Miss Parker?” Broots asked as she came back into the car.

“Just fine and dandy, Broots.” Miss Parker said as she leaned her head against the headrest. “Drive on Sydney.”

“Miss Parker I think maybe you should have stayed at the hotel.” Sydney said as he pulled the car back onto the road. The three found out where Jarod was staying from one of the travel agencies in the area.

“And let you go get Jarod by yourselves?” Miss Parker asked with disgust. She placed her hand on her stomach and wondered how something so small could make her feel so sick and tired.

“Miss Parker?” Broots asked hesitantly.

“What?” She snapped back.

“I was just wondering, uh, what was, uh, wrong?” Broots stammered.

Miss Parker softened a bit and replied quietly “Nothing.”

“You aren’t, you know… pregnant?” Broots asked.

“What?” She asked as she spun her head around to look at him. “What makes you think I’m pregnant?”

“Well, it’s just that-that when my ex-wife was pregnant she went through the sa-same thing. Morning sickness and stuff, just well, maybe not as bad as yours.” Broots replied.

“Settle down Miss Parker.” Sydney warned as he noticed the stress building up in her. She regained her composure and settled back into her seat.

“Broots, yes I am pregnant.” She replied quietly. “But you are not to tell anyone, ANYONE, about it. Not the Centre, my father or Jarod. Understand?”

“Yes-yes!” Broots said with surprise, she never confided in him about stuff like this. “Congratulations!”

“Uhm. Thanks.” Miss Parker said as she closed her eyes again, wishing the nausea away.

* * * * *
Jarod’s Cabin

Jarod sat couch in the living room area of the cabin. It was a two-story cabin that he had rented for the next few days. He looked around and wished that he could get his mind off of Miss Parker, but he couldn’t. He was still hurt by what she did, never really understanding what had happened between them. Jarod thought that with all that they have been through it would have been enough to keep them together even when she did remember. He was wrong, dead wrong. The only comfort he had from the whole experience was that Miss Parker had said that it was good while it lasted. The only thing that they seem to be agreeing on these days.

Just then Nia came into the room. He looked at her and smiled. She smiled back and took a seat next to him.

“Are you alright?” She asked.

“I’m fine.” Jarod replied. He had asked her to come visit him and she was more than happy too.

“Are you sure, Jarod?” Nia asked again, she knew that Jarod was still hurting from Miss Parker’s betrayal. When she came to visit she never expected all the things that had happened to him. She was upset with Miss Parker; she didn’t know how anyone could hurt Jarod like she did.

“Nia?” Jarod asked.

“Yes?”

“Thanks for coming.” Jarod said. He took her hands in his and kissed them lightly. She smiled and leaned in to kiss him. She stopped a few inches away not sure if he was ready for this. Jarod only took a few seconds to decide and closed the gab between them.

Jarod slowly brought his arms around her, kissing her through his hurt. Nia kissed him back wanting to help undo all of the pain and suffering he had went through. As the kiss got deeper, they heard a click of a gun. They looked up to see who it was.

“Miss Parker!” Jarod said in surprise.

* * * * *

Sydney had parked the car in front of the cabin. The three got out and quietly made their way into the house. Miss Parker pulled out her gun and almost went into shock when she walked in the room. There sitting on the couch was Jarod and Nia. The two were kissing. She felt a sharp pain of jealousy and betrayal, go through her heart. She pulled her gun in front of her and clicked off the safety. That got their attention.

“Miss Parker!” Jarod said in surprise.

“Hello Jarod!” She replied in her cold voice. “Hope I wasn’t interrupting anything?”

“Nothing that ‘you’ would care about.” Jarod retorted. Miss Parker still maintained her cold composure, but inside she was hurting.

“Come on we are leaving.” Miss Parker said as she put handcuffs on him. “You too.” She said to Nia.

As she got the two in handcuffs she led them out to the car. Sydney and Broots trailed behind her. When they got the two in the car, Miss Parker turned to them and hissed. “You breathe a word of the baby to Jarod or Nia I will kill you both!”

The two men nodded in understanding. The other three filed into the car. Broots in the driver’s seat, Sydney in the back with Jarod and Nia and Miss Parker in the passenger seat. She had her gun trained on Jarod and Nia.

As Broots started the car it began to rain. Miss Parker looked annoyed at Broots.

“Come on we don’t have all day, Broots!” She said as Broots tried to start the engine. He looked at her sheepishly as the engine died out.

“Um, the engines dead, Miss-Miss Parker.” Broots replied praying that she wouldn’t shoot him for it. She made a disgusted noise and threw her hands in the air.

“Damn IT!” She yelled. Of course this would happen to her, why shouldn’t it. “I should have never gotten out of bed this morning!” She muttered underneath her breath.

“Bad day?” Jarod asked dryly. Miss Parker looked at him peeved.

“Get out we’re going back inside!” She said as she got of the car. When the others were out she gestured to them with her gun to get inside. They didn’t complain, by now the rain was coming down hard and big puddles of mud started form everywhere. Unfortunately Miss Parker stepped in one. She yelled out a couple of lines of crude remarks.

“Miss Parker, now you shouldn’t be using such foul language!” Jarod scolded with an amused grin on his face. Miss Parker raised her gun at him.

“Children!” Sydney yelled exasperated. “Could you two please stop with this stupid nitpicking and let us get inside?”

Everyone nodded and made their way inside. As they got in, Miss Parker directed Broots to start a fire. She made Jarod and Nia sit on the couch. Sydney looked at her worriedly, he was afraid that if she didn’t get out of her wet clothes soon she would get sick. Miss Parker seemed to have noticed his glance and she gave him a slight nod of understanding.

“You wouldn’t by any chance have any spare clothes now would you Wonder Boy?” She asked in a very fake sweet voice.

“Don’t think you would want to wear anything that isn’t designer.” Jarod replied. He looked at Nia to make sure she was all right. She nodded to him to indicate she was. Nia wondered what Miss Parker and the Centre would do to her. She turned her attention back to Miss Parker who still had her gun trained on them.

“Miss Parker don’t you think you should just let us go?” Jarod asked. Miss Parker looked at him annoyed. “I mean we are just as trapped as you are!”

“Why, so you can tie us up and leave? Don’t think so Jarod, I’m not that stupid!” Miss Parker retorted through clenched teeth. The pain and nausea was starting to come back. She felt very cold even though she was starting to sweat.
Everyone in the room seemed to have noticed that Miss Parker had turned a shade or two paler. Sydney and Broots exchanged a look of worry.

“Miss Parker, I think that maybe you should sit down.” Sydney said gently. “I’ll find you some dry clothes.”

Miss Parker looked at him with a mixture of annoyance and gratitude. Jarod noticed that there was something going on between the three. They were defiantly keeping something from him. Nia seemed to have noticed the same thing. Although she only met them once she knew the attitude that Sydney and Broots were treating Miss Parker with was a little different.

Miss Parker looked at her two captives uneasily for a minute. She walked over to a chair, her gun never leaving Jarod and Nia. She fought the dizziness that was taking over her mind.

As Sydney made his way to find some dry clothes for all of them he saw Miss Parker sway. He quickly made his way over to her. He heard a soft moan escape from her lips before she toppled over. Broots who was standing next to her caught her. Jarod and Nia looked in surprise. Sydney placed a hand on her forehead and looked at Broots with worry.

“Get some ice Broots, she has a high fever!” Sydney said. Broots nodded in understanding.

“What about the baby?” Broots asked, then realizing what he said. “I mean… uh.” The damage was done.

“What baby?” Jarod demanded.

Sydney looked at him and then replied in a quiet serious tone “Jarod, Miss Parker is pregnant with your child.”

Jarod looked at him in shock. “She’s what?!?”

“She’s pregnant, Jarod.” Sydney said.

Jarod fell back onto the couch as realization hit him. “I’m going to be a dad!”

* * * * *

Later

Sydney looked in worry at the sleeping Miss Parker. She was tossing and turning with fever and pain. Jarod came in with a bowl of cold water and placed the wet cloth on her forehead.

Sydney had undone Nia and Jarod’s handcuffs while Broots had brought Miss Parker into Jarod’s room. After getting her out of her wet clothes and into some dry ones, Sydney and Jarod had tried to get Miss Parker’s fever down.

“It’s pretty high.” Jarod said as he looked at the thermometer. “103.7”

Sydney nodded in understanding. He placed one of Miss Parker’s feverish hands in his, quietly praying that everything would turn out alright.

“How long have you known?” Jarod asked looking straight at Jarod.

“A couple of days, Jarod.” Sydney responded reaching out to place a hand on Jarod’s shoulders. “She wanted to tell you herself.”

Jarod looked in appreciation at the older man, knowing that Sydney understood that this was hard on him. Sydney got up so that Jarod could have some time alone.

Jarod looked at Miss Parker as another moan escaped her lips. He rewet the cloth and placed it on her head. He took her hand in his and kissed them lightly. Then gently he placed his hand on her stomach and kissed the womb that held his baby.

“I won’t let anything happen to either of you.” He silently promised.


The End until Next Time
Fever by Apollos Girl aka AG
Disclaimer: It all belongs to the creators and NBC and who ever else the credits on Pretender say it belongs to. I'm just writing for my personal enjoyment. I'm getting no money or anything. Please don't sue me!

Authors Note: This is part five of the Mask Series. If you have read this far into the series does it mean you like it? Anyway I really don't have much to say about this story except well I never saw the episode with Nia in it and so if she is out of character sorry. I'm only writing from what I've read about her.





Mask Series
5 - Fever

By Apollo’s Girl




“Stop following me!” a voice yelled. A scream shortly followed as shots rang out. “No!”

“Mommy, no! Mommy!” a little girl yelled as she ran towards the still figure. Men grabbed her by the arms dragging her away from her dead mother.

“Mommy!” Miss Parker screamed. Her body moving in jerky motions as the fever rampaged her mind.

Jarod came over, his arms trying to restrain her. He placed a cool cloth on her head as her body relaxed.

Sydney came and sat beside her, worry filled his eyes. It had been two days now since Miss Parker fell into the fever. They were stuck in Jarod’s cabin and couldn’t bring her to the hospital. What worried Sydney most was the baby Miss Parker was carrying. He didn’t know what kind of effect this would have on the baby or her.

Nia walked into the room with Broots, who was holding a bowl of water and ice. Jarod dipped the cloth into the bowl and placed it on her head to help cool the fever. Sydney could see that Jarod was battling with many emotions. He worried too what kind of effect Miss Parker’s fever was going to have on Jarod.

Jarod looked tenderly at Miss Parker as he tried to bring down her fever. He had just found out that Miss Parker was carrying his child when she fell into the fever. Sydney did not know how Jarod would take it if Miss Parker lost the child. Sydney watched as Jarod slowly brought his hand to her face and brushed away her hair, as a soft moan escaped her lips.

* * * * *

Miss Parker walked down the hospital corridor, stopping at a partially closed door. She slowly pushed it open and walked inside. Machines beeped and pumped around the figure lying in the bed.

“Broots!” She exclaimed softly. A small figure rushed past her.

“Daddy!” Debbie cried as she flung herself along side him. “No!”
Miss Parker felt her heart go out to the young girl and placed a hand on her shoulder. Debbie shoved the hand away as she turned around. Hatred cooling her eyes.

“Its all your fault! You killed my Daddy! YOU killed him! I’ll never forgive you!” Debbie accused.

“You killed him! You killed him!” You killed him!” Her voice echoed around Miss Parker, swirling and twisting. Miss Parker brought her hands to her ears, her body falling towards the ground to block out the young girl’s accusation.

* * * * *

“No!” Miss Parker cried out. “No!”

Sydney held on to her hand to help her relax. Since she contracted the fever she had been yelling out from her dreams. He wondered what dreams plagued her mind. Worry still embedded his thoughts as he looked at the feverish figure of a woman he loved as his own daughter. He looked up when he heard Jarod coming back into the room. He was carrying a bag of ice.

“How is she?” He asked placing it on her forehead.

“Alright, the fever does not seem to have progressed, but it hasn’t lessened either.” Sydney said with a sigh. “She was dreaming again though.”

“She’s troubled by a lot of things.” Jarod said as he looked at Miss Parker. Many thoughts and emotions filled his mind. He was hurt and confused by what happened two months ago and scared and worried by what was happening now. Miss Parker was lying close to death, carrying a child he just found out about.

“Are you alright?” Sydney asked. “Please talk to me.”

“I’m… I really don’t know what I am Sydney.” Jarod replied sitting down.

“Why don’t you start with what you’re feeling. I know you must be feeling a lot of emotions right now.”

“I am, but I don’t even know where to start.” Jarod said with a pause. “At first when I saw her the other day I felt angry and hurt for what she did, but now I don’t know.” Jarod looked away from Sydney and back down to Miss Parker. He brushed her hair away and thought about the time they were married and how happy they both were.

“You know Jarod, she never stopped loving you.” Sydney said quietly, placing a hand on Jarod’s shoulder.

“Then why did she turn me back in? Why did she pretend that she didn’t?” Jarod asked frustrated.

“She had her reasons Jarod, but I know that she loves you. I saw it in her eyes when she saw you and Nia together. She was hurt.”

“Why couldn’t she have stayed with me? Why put both of us through this pain?”

“Jarod, you have to understand, when Miss Parker regained her memory it changed a lot of things. She was scared and didn’t know what to do. So she did the only thing she could think of to do and that was to bring you back.” Sydney explained. “She realized later that it wasn’t the right thing, but by then she felt it was to late to turn back.”

Jarod sat in silence and thinking about what Sydney had just said.

“Are you alright?” Jarod asked looking at Sydney.

“I’m fine Jarod.” Sydney replied in his accented voice as he got up to leave the room. “Just worried about the two of you.”

As Jarod watched the door close he noticed that the fever was still rampaging Miss Parker’s body. She turned her head in a fitful manner as her dreams and memories plagued her mind.

* * * * *

Her father stood in front of her, his figure dark and unforgiving.

“Angel, you’ve really disappointed me!”

“But Daddy I tried!”

“Trying isn’t good enough. A Parker doesn’t try, they do it!”

“You’re a failure, that’s what you are! You’re not a Parker, you’re a Failure!”

“I’ll get him Daddy. I’ll get him! But please-”

“Please what?! You’re a failure, I don’t listen to failures!”

“I’m not a failure Daddy, I’m not a failure and I’ll prove it! I’m not a failure!” She screamed beggingly. “I’m not a failure!”

* * * * *

Nia watched from the doorway as Jarod took care of Miss Parker. She felt a sharp pain go through her heart, but let it pass. She could tell that Jarod was still very much in love with Miss Parker. It didn’t surprise her much, she knew it for a long time, since the day they first met. Still it hurt even though she knew Jarod loved her in his own way, just not as much as Miss Parker.

She couldn’t help feeling sorry for Miss Parker. She knew Miss Parker was still in love with Jarod. She saw it in her eyes when she caught her and Jarod together. She also knew of her past. In some ways she could understand Miss Parker because of it. She turned from the door and walked towards the kitchen. She bumped into Broots who was sitting at the kitchen table.

“Hey Nia!” He greeted quietly.

“Hi Broots. What are you doing?” She replied.

“Working on dinner.” He said as he peeled the potatoes. “How’s Miss Parker?”

“Still has the fever. It looks like its getting worse.”

“Poor Miss Parker.” The two looked at each other and fell into a silence.

“Let me help you with that.” Nia said as she took up a potato and began to peel it.

* * * * *

Jarod stood outside on the front porch watching the rainfall. Miss Parker’s fever had lowered down to 101 but she still hadn’t woken up. He heard the front door open and turned to see who it was.

“Nia.” He said in greeting.

“Jarod you alright?” She asked coming to stand beside him.

“I’ll be alright.” Jarod replied turning his attention back to the falling rain.

“Sydney told me to tell you that Miss Parker’s fever just went down another degree.” Nia informed.

“Is she awake yet?”

“Sorry, but no.” Nia replied. “Jarod?”

“Yes?”

“I’m here if you need someone to talk to.” Nia said.

“Thank you.” Jarod said as he smiled at her in appreciation. “I’m sorry, Nia.”

“What for?”

“Well, for…” Jarod said hesitantly not knowing how to put what he was feeling into words.

“I understand Jarod and you don’t need to apologize.” Nia replied. “I know that you are still in love with Miss Parker, I’ve known that for a long time.”

“When I asked you here, I…” Jarod said still at a lost for words.

“You just needed someone to comfort you, I know.”

“Thank you.” Jarod said glad that she understood him. He gave her big hug. He didn’t understand why he was having such a hard time expressing what he felt, but wasn’t surprised that Nia understood.

“Come on inside, Jarod.” Nia said with a smile. “Dinner’s ready.”

Jarod nodded and followed her in.

* * * * *

Miss Parker woke up in a dark room. She looked around wondering where she was. As she sat up, she felt a presence beside her.

“Hello angel.” Mr. Parker said with smile.

“Daddy!” Miss Parker replied with surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to take my grandchild.” He said.

“What?” Miss Parker said with alarm. “You can’t do that!”

“Watch me.” Mr. Parker said as he nodded for Raines to come in. He held a syringe and a medical knife in his hands.

“It won’t hurt a bit!” Raines said evilly.

“NOOO!” Miss Parker screamed, then waking up. She ran her hands down her sweaty body. Her hands stopped at her stomach. She felt no stitches or any other mark that would indicate her baby was gone. As she looked around the room again her eyes fell on a shadowy figure. She couldn’t make out who it was.

“Who’s there?” She demanded. The figure didn’t reply. Then she saw the glint of metal. Before she could react, she felt a bullet pierce through her stomach. A painful scream erupted from her mouth as her hands went to protect her bleeding stomach.

Sydney rushed over to the screaming Miss Parker. Tears were streaming down her face as she curled herself into a protective ball.

“It’s alright Miss Parker.” Sydney said as he tried to comfort her. He wrapped her in his arms rocking her back and forth.

“It was just a dream!” He whispered as she sobbed.

* * * * *

Broots stood in the doorway with Nia and Jarod. They all stood there watching as Sydney tried to comfort the crying Miss Parker. He had never seen Miss Parker like this and he wanted to do whatever he could to help comfort her, to make it all go away. But he stood there feeling helpless.

He stepped away from the door and made his way into the kitchen trying to find something to do. Nia followed in behind him. She started to do the dishes as he cleaned the dinner table. Neither of them said anything.

Jarod stayed at the door feeling just as helpless as everyone else did. He searched through his encyclopedic mind to find some way to help her, but nothing came up. So he just stood in the doorway watching as Miss Parker’s sobs slowly subsided as Sydney rocked her whispering words of comfort to her.

* * * * *

The little girl made her way down slowly on the stairs, her hand lightly trailing on the rail. She saw the boy and he smiled. She walked over to him and sat down beside him. He moved closer to her; the smile faded somewhat with a feeling of awkwardness. Her smile only brightened more. She came closer to him whispering her secret name in his ear. Then slowly she gave him a sweet kiss. He looked in shock at the gift she gave him and smiled. She smiled back and left by the same stairs she had just descended. Little Jarod looked longingly as little Miss Parker disappeared from sight.

Little Miss Parker stopped when she got to the elevator as memories of her mother flashed through her mind. Miss Parker looked up as the elevator doors swooshed open. Jarod stood there tall in his black leather jacket, his eyes cold and hard.

“Freeze Jarod!” Miss Parker yelled as she pulled out her gun. He moved and she shot. A scream emerged from him. She stepped up to his fallen body and looked down into his face. His eyes stared back, cold, heartless, filled with hate.

“This is what you have become!” Jarod said as she realized it was herself she was looking at lying on a cold floor, blood slowly oozing across.

“How could you Miss Parker?” Sydney yelled, his eyes filled with hatred. “How could you shoot him?”

Miss Parker looked down again and saw that Jarod was lying dead on the floor. She shook her head in confusion.

“No, he can’t be dead!” Her mind screamed. “I didn’t do this!”

Her whole body shook at the thought of him being dead. “No!”

Then with a blink she was again lying on the cold floor, surrounded by blood. It trickled down her skin and soaked her clothes.

“It wasn’t any big loss!” Mr. Parker replied looking at her unemotionally. “Life goes on!”

“She’s finally gone.” Sydney said as Broots nodded in agreement with him.

“Too bad Miss Parker!” Jarod replied as he laughed at her dying body. “Too bad you’re dead like your mother!”

Miss Parker screamed, “NOO!”

She opened her eyes, sweat soaking her skin. She felt two hands on her shoulders supporting her. She looked up and found Jarod’s eyes looking at her with worried concern.

“It’s all right Miss Parker. You’re safe!”

“No!” She whispered again as the memories of her dream still plagued her mind.

“No!” She broke out in a sob and her body convulsed with each fear that had taken over her mind. Jarod brought his arms around her as she cried. Rocking her until exhaustion came over her.

* * * * *

The rain had lessened in the past few days and now fell lightly over the forested land. Miss Parker laid in bed watching the rainfall outside her window. She was still exhausted from the fever that had plagued her the last few days. She heard the door open quietly and saw Broots pop his head in. Seeing that she was awake he smiled and brought over a tray of food for her.

“Here’s some lunch!” Broots said with a bright cheery smile.

“I’m not that hungry!” Miss Parker replied, although she did smile a bit to show her appreciation at his gesture.

“You should eat to help regain your strength for you and the baby.” Broots replied helping her to sit up. “Doctor’s orders!”

“Which one would that be?” She asked as she took a sip of tea.

“Both!” Jarod said as he came into the room. He smiled at her as Broots made his way out the door.

Miss Parker looked at him and back at her food. She really didn’t know what to say to him. She knew that he knew about the baby, but she felt awkward and vulnerable around him. Jarod seemed to understand and didn’t say anything only sat beside her quietly.

“Do you think the baby will be alright?” She asked quietly in between sips of her soup.

“I really don’t know.” Jarod replied. “You’ll need to go to a doctor to run some tests.”

Silence again filled the room, neither of them knowing what to say.

“How long have I had the fever?” Miss Parker asked feeling even more uncomfortable with the silence.

“Five days.” Jarod said. “You should eat some more.” He said as he noticed that she still left half of the soup unfinished.

“I’ll finish it later.” Miss Parker replied. “Jarod?”

Jarod looked at her. “Yes?”

“I-I… Jarod, I don’t know what the Centre will do with the baby.” Miss Parker confided.

“Then stay with me.” Jarod said. “I can protect you and the baby.”

Miss Parker looked at him in surprise. “You would still take me in even after all the things I put you through?”

“Yes.” Jarod said his eyes shining with honesty.

“Why?”

“Do you even have to ask?” Jarod replied taking her hand in his. “Its because I love you.”

Miss Parker looked at him in wonderment. “How can you still?” She asked her voice soft.

“Because you still do. Don’t you?” Jarod asked a bit of his confidence slipping from his voice.

Miss Parker didn’t answer him. She just placed her hand on his. “I’m sorry.” She said quietly.

Jarod looked away dejected, but was taken by surprise when he felt her soft lips on his.

“I’m sorry I hurt you so much.” Miss Parker said as tears came down her face. Jarod cupped her face in his hands and wiped away the tears. He kissed her again, the kiss deepening with each passing second. Miss Parker lost herself in him, so happy that he still loved her.

“Jarod, if you still loved me then what were you and Nia doing?” She asked as their kiss broke. Jarod looked at her sheepishly.

“Well, I didn’t think you still loved me.” Jarod explained. Miss Parker nodded that she understood and kissed him again. Jarod’s hands moved down to her stomach. She smiled at him.

“I told them that I wanted to tell you myself.” Miss Parker complained. “Should of known they wouldn’t listen.”

Jarod smiled back at her, but it soon faded when she keeled over. Miss Parker cried out in pain.

“What’s wrong?” He asked worriedly.

“Jarod, something is wrong wi-with the baby.” She said through clenched teeth and tears. The pain in her abdomen was sharp and she felt something wet between her legs. “Oh my God. Jarod!”

Jarod had his arms wrapped around her and was picking her up. Sydney, Broots and Nia rushed into the room, hearing Miss Parker’s cry.

“What’s wrong?” Sydney asked as he saw Jarod pick Miss Parker up. He noticed that blood was trickling down her legs.

“Oh Jesus!” Broots said.

“We have to get her to a hospital now!” Jarod said. Nia went to grab a blanket to help protect Miss Parker from the rain.

“Its to late.” Miss Parker cried as the pain slowly subsided. “Its to late!”

“No it’s not!” Jarod said as he held her. She dropped her head down in sob. He dropped down to the floor as his own tears fell. The two cried as realization of their lost unborn child hit them.

Nia stood by the bed as her own tears fell watching the two crying in their grief. Broots stood beside her. Anguish filling his face, he could understand their pain. Sydney looked at Miss Parker and Jarod feeling very helpless. He wanted nothing more than to comfort them, but knowing full well that there was nothing he could do about it.

The rain outside had stopped falling, but no one noticed. They were drowning in their own.
Over the Edge by Apollos Girl aka AG
Disclaimer: Pretender and all things related belong to NBC and its creators. I'm not making money off of them, I'm not stealing them (just borrowing), I'm not ruining them (I don't think I am) and I'm not going to give them a bad name! Is anyone else tired of always having to put on a disclaimer? I am…


Authors Note: This is the sixth part of the Mask Series. I suggest if you haven't read any of the other parts to read them. Here's the order if you are not sure: Deal, Is It a Crime, Revelation, Fever and Jealous Secrets. This will most likely be the last part of this series. But that's not written in stone. I guess if you want another part you'll need to send me a note, all right here's the story. And maybe an idea… I would also like to add I wrote this with some helpful mood music from the “Pure Moods” CD. Just a warning some of this is slightly heart wrenching.

Another quick note (alright so my notes are never quick, sue me. Well, don’t cause I have no money! Anyway…): The man who shot Miss Parker in the “Is It a Crime” story was a former Centre employee. He was once a lover of hers’ and was quite upset when she broke up with him. He ended up working for Raines and was ordered to kill her. However since I was short of ideas on how to work it into the story, I’m telling you now. If anyone is interested in writing a story, based on mine on how Jarod and Miss Parker get rid of James (her attempted murderer) just send me a note and tell me your idea.




Mask Series
6 - Over the Edge

By Apollo’s Girl




April 13, 1999
The Centre

“What is going on?” Mr. Lyle demanded as he walked down the hall that was buzzing with hectic agitation.

“Uh, Mr. Lyle.” Broots stuttered as he saw Mr. Lyle. “Miss-miss Par- Uh, your sis-sister is uh…”

“What?” As the question flew out of his mouth, he heard a loud crash coming out of Miss Parker’s office. He quickly walked towards it, he vaguely heard Broots say that Sydney was already in there. When he opened the door his head barely missed coming into contact with the book.

“Parker?” He questioned, perplexed.

“Miss Parker please calm down.” Sydney said in his usual controlled manner, although Lyle thought he heard a slight sound of despair in the older man’s voice.

“Calm down?” Miss Parker asked, almost hysterical. “Calm down?! That’s what I have been doing all of my life. I was trained not to feel, not to show any emotion. Just be as cold as ice. I’m tired of IT!”

“Parker, I think you might want to take Syd’s advice.” Mr. Lyle advised as he took a good look around her office. Office furniture was knocked down, one of her pictures was shattered, her desk had things knocked off of it onto the floor and it was just a mess. He also took a good look at his sister. She was wearing a black suit, not surprising since it was the anniversary of their mother’s death. Her hair was in a slightly tangled mess and her eyes. He couldn’t get over how her steel blue eyes held such a look of despair.

“What are you staring at?” Miss Parker demanded, her breath short and catching. Lyle made his way slowly towards her, for once concern in his eyes.

“Sis, please calm down, you’re making a scene.”

“So?” She asked somewhat tiredly.

“Look, I know that it being Mom’s anniversary is hard, but…”

“But what?” She asked cutting him off.

“I think maybe you should go home.” Lyle said, placing a hand on her shoulder. She backed up against the wall.

“He lied.” She whispered as she fell to the floor, all of her energy gone. As if his touching her had made him absorb all of her energy. “He said she committed suicide, she didn’t. She was killed, killed by the Centre, by him.”

Lyle looked at her, figuring out that the ‘him’ was their father. As she spoke he saw the tears that pooled out of her eyes. He knelt down and wiped them away with his good hand.

“I’m sure he-“ He started to say but decided against it. “I’ll take you home.”

“I think that would be wise.” Sydney said quietly. Parker nodded as she let Lyle help her up. When she was standing he placed an arm around her waist, holding her protectively. He may be a creep and psychotic, but he didn’t think it was fair for a woman as strong as Miss Parker to go off the deep end. He could see that she was dealing with more than she had let on. He made his way with out of the office, throwing dirty looks at the people gathered by her office. They all moved away back to their offices and departments. Only Broots stayed, looking at Sydney who shook his head slightly.

“What is going on here?” Mr. Parker demanded as he came towards them, coming to a complete halt when he saw his daughter. Raines was right behind him. “Angel?”

Miss Parker looked up at him and as he came towards her, she backed up against Lyle as if he was a shield.

“Angel what’s wrong?” He asked, concerned, never having seen his daughter like this before.

“You lied.” She said quietly, like a little girl who had everything taken away from her.

“Angel,” was all that Mr. Parker could say, “Angel.”

“I’m taking her home Dad.” Lyle said. Mr. Parker nodded as he came towards her. Placing a tentative hand on her cheek.

“I love you Angel.” He said quietly, that one gesture of love almost threw Miss Parker even further off the edge.

“Do you?” She demanded, throwing his hand away from her face. Lyle tried to hold her back, but she pushed him away.

“Of course I do!” Mr. Parker responded.

“Since when?” Parker asked, almost crying. “All you have ever done was tell me lies, forced me into becoming a shell, a person who could never feel. You took everything away! My mother, my soul, the love of my life.”

Mr. Parker looked in shock at her outburst. “The love of your life?”

“Yes Daddy! Jarod, you remember him? Yes, he’s the love of my life.”

“He’s a lab rat!”

“He was the only one who ever made me feel human, who made me feel loved. “ Miss Parker paused. “I tried Daddy, I tried to make you proud, but nothing I ever did made you proud that I was your daughter. I’m just a big failure to you.”

“Angel.” Mr. Parker said trying to comfort his daughter. “You’ve always made me proud. Fathers make mistakes and well, after your mother died, I guess a part of me died too. I’m sorry I- I guess just was never good at showing how much I love you.”

Miss Parker looked at him with wide eyes, wanting to trust him, wanting to throw herself in his arms, but she didn’t. She just stood there. Lyle came towards her.

“Come on I’ll take you home.” He said quietly.

“No.” She replied. “I’m sorry, Daddy.” She apologized as she ran towards the elevator, her gun pulled out. The men stood in shock.

“Angel don’t!” Mr. Parker pleaded as he ran after her.

“I’m sorry! I can’t do this anymore!” Miss Parker said as tears streamed down her face.

“Sis!” Mr. Lyle said, running behind his father, concern in his eyes. He had never believed that she would do this. Sydney and Broots were right behind him.

Miss Parker stared at them, trying to blink away her stream of tears. She clutched the gun and placed it by the temple of her forehead. She saw all of them standing there in front of her. Her father, the only parent she had, all the lies that he represented, yet she still loved him. Her brother, Lyle, a brother she could never trust. Broots, one of her only loyal friends; Mr. Raines, the ghoul that just wouldn’t die, the living corpse of the devil; and Sydney, her friend, who was more of a father than her own. ‘Oh, god I’m sorry Sydney.’ She thought. All of them moved towards her as if in slow motion, the men who played the incisive roles in her life. She saw them clearly for the first time.

“I can’t, I’m sorry.” She whispered as the tears finally stopped. She pulled the trigger. The shot rang throughout the hall. All of the men stopped, as they watched her body fall limply to the elevator floor. They stood in shock, not believing that she would take her own life. Sydney leaned against the wall and shut his eyes. He then looked up heavenwards and prayed, “Take care of her, Catherine.”

“She…” Broots stuttered.

“She’s dead.” Raines stated as he felt for her pulse. Mr. Parker nodded as his hand clutched his heart. Mr. Lyle went to help support his father.

“She went over the edge.” Mr. Parker whispered, as he was lead away for the last time from the sight of a Parker woman he loved dead in the elevator.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Two weeks earlier

The plane was filled with the noise of the food carts moving down the aisle. Sydney looked ahead to where the stewardess stood passing out the drinks and trays of food. He then gently shook the dark hair woman who sat beside him.

“Miss Parker.” He quietly said in his heavily accented voice. “Its time to wake up, the food is almost here.”

She opened her eyes, a bit confused but that was instantly replaced with a look of annoyance.

“Miss Parker.” Sydney said again as he gently nudged her with his hand.

“I’m awake.” She replied, annoyed. Sydney only nodded as he removed his hand. When they received their trays of food, they both studied what was before them. Miss Parker looked slightly repulsed by the display. She wasn’t all too happy that they had to take a commercial flight, but the Centre’s planes were either not working or being used. However they were in First class.

They were on a plane to San Diego to find Jarod. Jarod had left a clue that indicated that he was at some company there. However they knew he had already left. Sydney hoped for Miss Parker’s sake that he was there. It has been four months since Miss Parker lost the baby. Although she acted as if it never happened, he knew that she was still suffering the pain from the loss. Jarod seemed to be the only who could get her to open up about what she felt.

An hour or so later the stewardess came by and took the trays away. Miss Parker was silent for most of the flight, which worried Sydney. She never spoke of the loss and neither did Jarod. Sydney wished that they would. From what he knew the two had parted on equal and mutual terms. Miss Parker had said that in the world they were in it was an impossible situation. Sydney disagreed, but he stood by her decision.

Miss Parker could tell that Sydney was watching her most of the flight but chose to ignore it. She knew that he was still worried about her. Although she was annoyed on the outside, inside she was comforted by the thought. It had been four months since she lost the baby. Her heart still ached from the lost not just of her baby, but of Jarod too. Soon after she lost the baby, she took a week off from the Centre. A vacation that her father was not all too happy about, but she told him she needed it in order to catch Jarod. She never once told him about the pregnancy.

“Oh he would be happy about that!” She thought. She could just see her father’s reaction. Her father wasn’t exactly thrilled that she was married to Jarod. Miss Parker did not bother to tell him that she still was. She and Jarod never signed the divorce papers. A small smile crept over her face as the memory came to her.

It was soon after Jarod escaped, she played with the idea of divorce. They had just gotten a lead on him. When she, Sydney and Broots arrived at his lair, Jarod was some how able to get her alone for a while. Although they never talked about it before, they knew that divorce was something they had to do. She had handed him the papers, which were unsigned. She never saw them again after that.

Miss Parker was glad that they were never signed. Even though they decided a life together was impossible right now, she was glad that he was still her husband. “Talk about a messed up marriage.” She thought, a small chuckle escaping her lips. Sydney turned to look at her to see what she was laughing at. Miss Parker just ignored him.

Sydney noticed that her hand was playing with the ring on her necklace, her wedding ring. He smiled. To this day she never went anywhere without it on. He also knew that Jarod still wore his. Although both of them always pretended it wasn’t there. He always found their relationship interesting.

"Please prepare for landing." The pilot said over the speaker. The stewardesses came by and made sure the seats were in place.

Sydney and Miss Parker got ready for the landing, both wishing for Jarod to be there, although for two entirely different reasons.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Jarod's Latest Lair

Miss Parker walked around the room disgusted, yet another dead end. Inside though she was relieved. Although they had agreed to be separated she didn't want him to be taken by the Centre. On the outside she kept her hard core and pretended to want Jarod back at the Centre, going through all the motions. But really she just did that to help protect him. As long as she was on the case no one could bring him in but her.

"Syd I'm going for a walk. You can take the rest of the day off too. We are not going to find him today." She replied as she walked out of the apartment.

Sydney watched her leave, wondering what he would do for the afternoon. "Sleep." He muttered thankfully.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Miss Parker strolled through the streets of San Diego, wanting nothing more than to be with Jarod. As if on cue, she felt two strong arms wrap around her and pulled her into the alleyway. Looking up at her captor she found two smiling eyes staring back down at her. Jarod had a cocky grin on his face that made her want to hit him and kiss him at the same time.

"Hello Miss Parker!" Jarod said as she turned herself around in his arms.

"Jarod, what are you trying to do? Scare me to death?" Miss Parker scolded as she brought her arms around his neck.

"No. Just kidnapping you." Jarod replied as he brought his head down to her ear. "I missed you."

"I did too." She said quietly as she brought her lips to his in a passionate kiss. As there kiss broke Jarod smiled down at her.

"Where's Sydney? I thought he would be with you."

"I told him to take the rest of the day off. I said I didn't think we would find you today."

"Were you wrong!"

"I'm glad I was." Parker replied smiling. "So where are you really staying?" She asked knowing that whenever Jarod decided to 'kidnap' her, he was staying in a different place and that the lair they were sent to be just a cover-up.

"I have a place about two miles out of town in a valley."

"Will this be just a one day kidnapping or a couple day kidnapping?"

"I was thinking a couple of days."

"What are you going to tell Sydney and the Centre?" Miss Parker asked as she nuzzled her face in his neck.

"That I'm taking you for a much needed vacation and for the Centre, that I'm using you as a bargaining chip."

"Fun, I get to be someone's property!" Parker sarcastically said.

"Parker, it's the only way I can think of getting you out of the Centre for a while." Jarod replied apologetically.

"I know, but didn't we decide that we stay separated?"

"After that kiss do you really think that I believe what you said about it not going to work?"

"Jarod! Us being together is not going to work no matter what we do! Even if we do love each other."

"It did before. You know we were living together for a couple of months. The Centre didn't find us then!" Jarod said pointedly.

"They thought I had amnesia or was dead." Parker retorted.

"Did you say that you loved me?"

"Yes but you knew that!"

"I still like hearing it from you!" Jarod replied. "I love you too."

"Jarod. Well if you are going to take me on a vacation why don't we go now. I really hate fighting with you." Parker said as she gave Jarod a tighter hug.

"Alright let’s go." Jarod replied, agreeing. "My motorcycle is over here."

"What about my stuff?" Miss Parker asked as she followed him to the bike.

"I have that taken care of and well I really don't think you'll need that much." Jarod replied kissing her on the neck as he handed her a helmet. Parker smiled back at him seductively.

"I don't think I will be needing any of it."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Somewhere in the Californian valleys

Jarod woke up in the warm bed after hours of love making. He rolled over and found that it was empty. He looked up and found Parker gone. Wondering where she was he got up and found her sitting at the bay window. His breath caught in his throat at how beautiful she was in the moonlight. He slowly made his way over to her. She turned around to look at him, he was surprised to see tear stains on her cheeks.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." She replied softly, turning her head back towards the window. Jarod went and sat by her, bringing her face around towards him.

"What's wrong?" Jarod asked, wiping away her tears.

"It's just that, I really wanted the baby so much! We are never going to have a family Jarod." She said looking up at him.

"I know, I wanted the baby too. And we are going to have a family. Maybe not now, but we will." Jarod said hopefully.

"No we won't." Parker replied. "Jarod, I can't have children."

"What?"

"I didn't want to tell you, but… I went to the doctors and they said that for me to have gotten pregnant was a miracle. The ulcer had infected my uterus making it almost impossible to have children. The likelyhood of me getting pregnant again is slim and if I did they said that I would most likely have a miscarriage."

Jarod sat there in stunned silence. "Did you get another opinion?"

"I went and saw three other doctors, Jarod. They all said the same thing." Parker replied as more tears welled up in her eyes. "That's all I ever wanted and now I can't have them."

"Mariam, we will find a way. There is always adoption. Don't cry please. I promise we will find a way." He said as he held her tight.

"How? This isn't fair for you! You should be married to someone who can be with you, who can have children, who hasn't hurt you so much and who isn't a damn bitch!" Parker said through her sobs.

"But how can I? I love you! Not anyone else, I love you for who you are. No one can ever take your place." Jarod said. "And I am married to someone who can be with me, I mean aren't you here with me right now?"

"You know what I mean, Jarod. You should be with someone a hell of a lot more deserving than me!"

"I think it should be you who should be with someone more deserving. I'm the reason you have such a depressing life, I'm the reason why you can't have kids-"

"What do you mean you're the reason why I can't have kids?" Parker asked interrupting.

"You said it was because of your ulcer that you couldn't have kids, that's my fault! And when you got sick with the fever, that was my fault. If I hadn't been so careless about covering my tracks you wouldn't have come to cabin. "

"Jarod, none of that was your fault! Please don't blame yourself! See, this is exactly why you shouldn't be with me, I make you feel guilty about things that you shouldn't feel guilty about."

"Parker, listen to us." Jarod said with a smile. "We are blaming each other for things that neither of us are at fault for. How about we stop giving reasons to each other about not staying together and just love each other?"

"Jarod." Was all that Miss Parker could say before she felt his lips on hers. She smiled into his lips and whispered "I love you."

"I love you too!" Jarod said as he ran his fingers through her hair, trying to bring her closer. She moved so that she could wrap her legs around his waist. They kissed deeply and began to make love again.

"Maybe we should move back to the bed?" Jarod suggested as she kissed him on his neck.

"Hmm, I'm quite comfortable right here." Was Parker's muffled reply.

"Umm…" Jarod mumbled trying to figure out a way to say that he was uncomfortable without insulting Parker. "The bench is a bit hard and well, I'm… not that comfortable, uh…"

Parker looked up at him and asked "Are you sure you want to move? I mean what if I only feel like doing this here?"

"I well, umm…" Jarod said, swallowing. "Well I want to make love to you but it's a bit uncomfortable here and…" Jarod stopped and noticed the mischievous smile on her face. "Parker."

"You are such a sucker, you know that?" Miss Parker teased. Jarod raised his eyebrow at the word sucker.

"Well yeah I-"

"Jarod! Don't even go there!" Parker scolded. "Come on!" She said as she disentangled herself from him. She took his hand and led him back to the bed. As she got near it, Jarod tripped her and she fell on her back onto the bed. He smiled down at her and kissed her deeply. She brought her arms tightly around his neck and they made love for the rest of the night.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Jarod walked into the kitchen the next morning and was surprised to find Parker cooking breakfast. He went up behind her and gave her a good morning kiss.

“Morning.” He mumbled into her neck.

“Morning. Do you mind scrambled eggs?” Parker asked as she turned off the stove and put the eggs on the plates.

“Nope. I’ll go fix some toast.” Jarod replied as he went to find the bread. “Parker?”

“Yes?”

“I didn’t know you could cook.”

“Jarod! When we were married I cooked!”

“Yeah but I thought that you only knew how because you were Caitlin.”

“Well you’re wrong.”

“Okay.” Jarod agreed. “Toast is ready.”

The two sat down at the table and began to eat their breakfast. Jarod studied Parker as she ate. She was wearing a white tank top with one of his black button up shirts over it and a pair of blue jeans. Her hair was half held up by a barrette and looked nothing like the usual flip she wore. Noticing that he wasn’t eating Parker gave him an inquisitive look.

“What?”

“Nothing, just can’t help but stare at how beautiful you are.” Jarod replied.

“Well could you stop? It’s making it hard for me to eat.” She replied. Jarod gave her an apologetic look and ate his breakfast.

“Home cooking, I like that.” He said as he finished the last bite off his plate.

“Wish I could do it for you more often.” She replied as she put the plate in the sink. Parker started to wash the dishes and wished wistfully that she really could do it more often for him. ‘Ha! Me a house wife, with kids running around.’ She thought sarcastically, but knew deep in her heart that’s what she wanted. “Impossible.” She whispered to herself.

“Nothing’s impossible.” Jarod said as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

“Us being together is.” Parker said as she put the last dish on the drying rack.

“Not anymore it’s not.” Jarod firmly said, causing Parker to turn around with raised eyebrows.

“What do you have planned?” She asked suspiciously.

“Well, this is only if you want to do it.” Jarod paused as she nodded her head. “I want you to commit suicide.”

Parker’s jaw dropped in astonishment. Before her ‘What?’ could be spoken Jarod continued.

“I mean fake it. They won’t look for you if you are dead.”

As Parker got over her shock, she asked, “Why would I commit suicide?”

“Because you’ve gone crazy, crazy in love with me.” Jarod added cockily.

“I am?” She asked teasingly, but then turning serious. “Really why have I gone off the deep end?”

“Think about it, Parker. You just went through rape, a murder attempt, amnesia, and the loss of a child. Who could blame you with going off the deep end, especially since your mother’s anniversary is coming up.”

“Don’t you think that’s a bit morbid? Me killing myself on the anniversary of my mother’s death?” Parker asked as she looked up at Jarod.

“I know, but it also might stop some of the questions that might have been asked.”

“Her anniversary is two weeks away, how in the world do you expect me to pull this off? I’m not a pretender.” As Jarod was about to object, she added “A trained Pretender.”

“You can pretend, I’ve seen you do it. I don’t see why you can’t do it now. Pretending to go crazy is not hard at all. Hey you can do almost anything you want and blame it on how you’ve gone over the edge.”

“But how am I going to pretend to shoot myself? It’s kind of hard to fake shooting yourself.” Parker pointed out.

“Well, just use a rubber bullet. I can design a bullet that would explode with blood, your blood to make it more authentic. Also you would need to take a pill that would make you appear to be dead. Almost no pulse, no breathing, a lowering of body temperature. It’ll take some coordination, but with Sydney and Angelo’s help we should make this work. You’ll wake up as if from some long nap.”

Parker thought about what Jarod just said. “Are you sure about this?”

“I promise I’ll be there if something should go wrong.” Jarod promised.

“How?” Parker asked. “Wouldn’t someone see you?”

“No. I’ll be in the vents.” Jarod informed her.

“Are sure that this will work?”

“Positive!” Jarod said as he pulled Parker into his arms. She looked up at him.

“You better be!” She replied as she kissed him. He kissed her back, but she suddenly pulled away. “How are you going to explain my missing body?”

“I’ll just steal it from the grave.”

“Uh, no! There is no way I’m going to buried alive!” Parker exclaimed.

“Okay, then I’ll steal you right before you are put in the grave or while you are in the Centre morgue.” Jarod replied. “I can easily switch your body with a mannequin that looks like you.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” Jarod said, smiling down at her, Parker returned the smile.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

April 13, 1999
The Centre

Miss Parker walked down the hall in her black suit. She knew Jarod was around, but she still felt nervous. How she was suppose to fool everyone into thinking she needed to be committed was still beyond her. She had practiced with Jarod the pretend, but she was still unsure. She was glad that Sydney knew about this, she wouldn’t have been able to do this to him. He didn’t deserve it. As if knowing that she was thinking of him, Sydney came walking down the hall towards her.

“Are you alright Parker?” He asked, his eyes shining with concern.

“As fine as I can be today.” Parker replied in her usual ice-cold voice, but Sydney could read her eyes.

“You’ll be fine, Parker. You’ll survive today, just like you did every year.” Sydney said. His choice of words wanted to make Parker laugh but she kept it in. Sydney nodded as he made his way back to his office, his eyes showing that he knew exactly what he was saying. She made her way towards her office and stepped in.

‘Time to get the show on the road.’ She thought and that she did.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

She stood in the elevator where her mother was killed, a gun placed at the temple of her forehead.

“I can’t, I’m sorry.” She whispered. Then she pulled. She felt the bullet hit her head and then nothing but blackness.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

“Parker, love, wake up.”

“Hmm? What?” She murmured.

“Wake up.” Jarod whispered quietly to her, brushing her hair away from her face and giving her a kiss.

“Where?” Parker asked.

“In our new home, I got you out of the Centre you’re safe.” Jarod replied. Miss Parker looked at him and around the room.

“It’s all over?” She asked in disbelief. Jarod nodded.

“Angelo is here, as well as Sydney, Broots and Debbie.” Jarod said and continued before she could ask anymore questions. “Sydney told the Centre that he needed to retire and Broots just quit. Told them that he couldn’t take it anymore. And Angelo, I just kidnapped.” Jarod said with a sly smile.

“My father?” Parker asked hesitantly.

“Continuing with his life as Chairman and Lyle following him.”

“Oh.”

“He really did love you, Parker.” Jarod told her. “No one could fake loving you.”

“He’s alright though?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, Jarod, I’m so glad that this is all over, I didn’t think I could do it to him.” Miss Parker cried as she remembered the look on her father’s face when she pulled the trigger.

“You’ll never have to feel this pain again, I promise.” Jarod replied as he held her. “You’ll never have to hide who you really are behind a mask anymore.”

“I love you Jarod.”

“I love you too.” Jarod replied as he held her closer, as she cried harder.



The End


This story archived at http://www.pretendercentre.com/missingpieces/viewstory.php?sid=4488