Except while watching The Pretender and your writing I've never the characters behave so much like themselves. You wrote what you saw, the behaviors and you made it happen. I like Jarod's exaggeration, that he knew it would both boost Raines's ego and apall Parker. Raines would think of the early encounter and Parker needed to have an authentic reaction to avoid suspicion. I can imagine that even later all the evil characters would be thinking not of the possibility of his escaping but thinking "What the hell? Jarod was nuts!" and that's probably what Jarod wanted them to think. Parker played Cox perfectly. Epic chapter all around.

oh my gash.. this was the plan - no wonder parker was more than sceptical. or maybe her involvement to this extent was her idea? i am stoked!

Your first sentences always pull me in and refocus my concentration. I have to say now that the way you flesh out the characters is aweinspiring.

And now we know that Raines was present when Jarod was brought in as a child, very sublte.

The only fault I can find is that you need to add another chapter. And soon.

Not so bad? Compared to what? Jarod back in the Centre (and yes the title is very apropos). Not for long I trust. Nice to know the Grim Reaper is still around.

Jarod is quite the drama queen and Miss Parker is quite a pretender. I'm still in awe of how you are juggling three, four? stories at once. And very respectful of the fact that you update and don't leave us hanging. At least not for long...