Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: The Pretender and all its characters are not mine. They
belong to NBC, MTM, TNT, and its Producers. I'm just borrowing them to write
this story for entertainment. No infringement intended.

Author's Note: Thanks to my Beta Reader, Jaccione for all her wonderful
help. To all the readers, I hope that you like my story and I'm looking forward
to reading your reviews. Thanks and enjoy.

"It's Choice not chance that determines your destiny." Jean
Nidetch.

The waves gently washed over his feet as he walked along the deserted beach.
This was his favorite time of the day. The Florida sun was just beginning to
rise over the horizon and its warm rays displayed a magnificent reflection over
the crystalline blue waters. Once again, he had found himself running from
another lonely hotel room to escape the demons that lived in his dreams and
terrorized his few hours of sleep. Here at the ocean's edge he would try to find
some refuge from his tormentors. The soft rhythmic murmur of the waves and the
cries of the sea birds above helped to ease his nerves and allowed his mind to
focus on the events to come. Remembering some of the breathing exercises Sydney
had taught him as a boy, he closed his eyes and inhaled the cool salty air. He
focused all his senses on the world around him and savored these few moments of
peace. Soon the beach would be invaded with sunbathing teenagers and families
trying to get away from their busy monotonous lives to enjoy a few hours of
peace and relaxation.

Peace was something he could indulge in as well on this glorious morning, but
his was never complete. He was always wary of his surroundings and relaxing for
him was a luxury that could carry a high price, his freedom. This was his life,
a constant race for survival just to stay one step ahead of those who pursued
him tirelessly day and night.

He stopped and observed the white foamy waves as they washed the sand and
tugged at his feet. The current was strong and he had to fight against its pull
to keep his balance. Here before him was the perfect metaphor of his life. The
powerful ocean waves pulled him in like the people that had controlled his life
since childhood, preventing him from finding his identity, his family and home.
Standing here all alone on this desolate beach, he had come to a decision. The
time had come to pull away from these forces of evil and make a life of his own,
and even though it troubled him to leave his friends behind, he had no
choice.

After his return from the Island of Carthis four months ago, he had cut all
communications with his hunters. He stopped leaving clues for them, and he had
ceased to call Sydney and Miss Parker. He could not deny that he missed the
talks with his mentor, but on the other hand, he was certain that Miss Parker
was enjoying more restful nights without his midnight wake-up calls. This hiatus
was needed to sort out his troubled thoughts and to help him come to the
decision he had finally taken.

He closed his eyes and remembered Sydney's words, "It's better to have loved
and lost than never to have loved at all." True, he had loved her since they
were young, but... "No fool, you still love her, but you finally had to accept
your defeat and her rejection; Stop punishing yourself." Jarod scolded himself
and shook his head in an effort to erase her image from his mind, but he knew
that was impossible. It was like telling his lungs not to take in oxygen or to
ask the sun not to rise. Parker always had that power over him and his heart
ached with sadness and guilt at the prospect of leaving his friend behind. Her
memories would always haunt him no matter where he went. She was his life and
his nemesis.

Since their first meeting in that cold Sim Lab, she had captivated his heart
and soul, like a bright light that brought a little happiness and hope into his
lonely world. Unfortunately, she too was a prisoner of that Hell and all those
years of betrayal, lies and pain had carved deep wounds that shattered the sweet
little girl he once knew. More than anything in the world, he wanted to stop her
pain and free her, but the powers that be had stolen her remote possibility at
happiness and twisted her reality to a point where she saw no escape from that
abyss. He could only hope that someday she would find the truth she was seeking
and free herself to find the love she truly deserved. With a heavy heart he made
his choice. Starting today, he would focus all his energy and thoughts to the
task of finding his family and leave his past behind forever. Maybe someday he
too would find someone who could love him and help him forget and heal. But for
now, it was time to end the game, cut all ties and vanish.

The Centre

The aging psychologist walked slowly down the hall towards the Sim Lab,
carrying his usual load of files and his morning cup of coffee. This was his
daily ritual, stop by the cafeteria to get a freshly brewed cup of coffee and
then prepare the material for the daily tests at the Sim Lab, but today his
stride seemed slower than usual and fragile. He felt drained of energy and
distracted. The last few weeks he had noticed this change. He was getting
exhausted easier and he was having trouble focusing.

Sydney sighted and thought to himself, "Looks like age and constant stress is
finally catching up with me, maybe I should start thinking about my
retirement."

This last few weeks the atmosphere at the Centre had been very stressful to
all those involved in the Pretender retrieval project. The Triumvirate was
growing impatient and was demanding results in the hunt for the elusive
pretender. There were rumors that Miss Parker's team was going to be dissolved
and new players were going to take over the hunt for Jarod. Sydney dreaded to
think about the possibility of Mr. Lyle and his associates taking control of the
Pretender retrieval assignment. He knew the hatred this mad man had towards
Jarod and combined with his hunger to reach the chairmanship at the Centre would
make him capable of anything. All these factors could easily dictate a death
sentence for Jarod and Miss Parker's team.

In the past, he had begged Jarod to just vanish and forget about them and the
Centre, but his stubborn pupil continued the cat and mouse game and his search
for the truth. Now this long period of silence from the Pretender had started a
chain reaction of events that could only spell disaster to all those involved.
Sydney felt helpless and frustrated not being able to give Jarod some kind of
warning. In desperation, he had sent numerous e-mails to his Refuge account, but
had no response. He could only pray that maybe this time Jarod had finally taken
his advice and had chosen to disappear for good.

Sydney sighed and scolded himself for thinking so negatively. Jarod was a
genius and if he had managed to avoid the Centre's clutches for over five years,
a change in the retrieval team was not going to affect him a great deal;
furthermore, Miss Parker would not allow Mr. Lyle to take over her assignment in
order to assure his ascent in the Centre hierarchy.

Sydney smiled as a new thought invaded his mind. No matter how well she hid
her feelings from others, behind that Ice queen mask, she could not fool this
old man. His years had made him wise and he knew that, like her mother, she had
a kind soul. She would never allow any harm to come to Jarod as long as she was
in the Centre. Jarod and Parker had been inseparable during their isolated
childhood and even though circumstances had torn them apart, they still shared a
bond the Centre could never understand or break. He remembered Catherine's
wishes to raise them together and to protect them, for she knew that one day
these two special children would abolish the evil that was germinating at The
Centre.

Sydney entered his small office in the Sim lab and threw all his test
material on top of his desk. He dropped heavily on his chair and brought the
warm cup of coffee to his lips once more, enjoying its aroma while he glanced
through the morning paper. He knew it was going to be another long day, so he
might as well take advantage of these few minutes of peace and quiet before the
lab technicians and test subjects started to arrive.

Sydney looked at the clock on the wall as he heard the lab doors opening and
the whispered voices of the first lab technicians. He folded his newspaper and
rubbed his tired eyes. It was the beginning of another day bringing him closer
to his damnation. As long as he remained within these cursed walls and worked
for the devil, he condemned himself to an eternity in the fires of hell, but he
had no choice. Sydney sighted with sadness and resignation for he understood
that as long as Jarod and Parker were considered Centre property, he would
remain here to protect them. As he stood from his chair and reached for his cup
of coffee, Sydney's world became a blur and the room started to spin
uncontrollably. Stricken with confusion and panic, he franticly reached for the
desk to steady himself but his clouded vision betrayed him and he crashed to the
floor. The last thing Sydney saw were distorted white covered figures running
toward him before his world descended into darkness.

TBC

Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Author's Note: Thanks to Pretender fan, Nans, Elisa, NYT, Protender, ICD,
phi4858, Sirus183, bloodmary2, Maggy and Airam4u for the very encouraging
reviews. They mean a world to me since I'm pretty new at this and English is not
my native language. Thanks again, and I hope you will like the rest of my
story.

"The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous
formation through choice of action." John Dewey (1859-1952)

The Centre

Miss Parker sat at her desk going over the morning reports when the
glass doors to her office flew open and Broots dashed in coming to a sudden stop
in front of her desk.

"Well, Good Morning Mr. Broots, would you come in please." Miss Parker
greeted her techie with sarcasm.

"M...Miss Parker...some...something happen to... to Syd...Sydney."
Broots stuttered while trying to catch his breath.

"Broots, What are you talking about?" Miss Parker's undivided attention
was instantly on the man before her.

"Uh...My friend Manny, down in Communication, you know the one without
a tongue, the one I lend my Karaoke..."

"BROOTS!"

"OH yes, I'm sorry Miss Parker. Well, Manny told me that Sydney fainted
in the Sim Lab office about half an hour ago and he was rushed
to..."

Before Broots had completed the sentence, Miss Parker sprang from her
seat and ran past Broots out of her office.

"M...Miss Parker wait for me." Broots' screeching voice echoed down the
hall as he hurried behind the tall brunette towards the elevator.

The elevator ride to the infirmary on SL-20 seemed endless. Miss Parker
stared straight ahead at the numbers as they marked their descent to the lower
levels. She felt as if her world was spinning out of control again, but she had
to remain calm and focused. She was a Parker and panic was not part of her
vocabulary. To panic at the Centre meant weakness, failure and doom. A flash of
emotions and images of past events invaded her thoughts in an
instant.

Since her return from Carthis she felt confused and empty, and the
latest revelations about her bloodlines had further darkened her existence. She
knew that she would never accept that emphysema ridden corpse as her father. The
only father she had ever known and loved had jumped into the Atlantic Ocean from
that doomed flight. But now, looking back and facing the truth, that father
never really loved her. Mr. Parker had only shown her betrayal, control,
manipulation and lies. Her whole life had been filled with lies, pain and
disappointments. Even her own mother had lied to her about her death.

For as long as she could remember, the only two people that always
stood by her side and protected her were Jarod and Sydney. She had finally
accepted that Jarod was out of her life. He too had abandoned her, but Sydney
was still at her side and this old friend was her only family. Well there were
others, like Angelo, Broots, Debbie and Sam. These were special friends, who
also had shown her loyalty, respect and kindness. This little group of people
had formed a special alliance and they would protect each other against anything
or anyone. Miss Parker felt the tears welling in her eyes as she remembered all
the frustration and pain she had caused Sydney over the years, but he never gave
up on her. Sydney had to be alright. She could not lose anyone else at this
point in her life.

"Miss Parker, are you alright?" Broots asked nervously, bringing Parker
out of her reverie.

"I'm fine Broots." She hissed as she wiped a stray tear.

"OH, Miss Parker, I almost forgot." Broots fidgeted searching for
something in his pockets. "Here it is. I found Sydney's cell phone on the floor
in his office. Do you want to keep it for him?"

"Do I look like Sydney's personal secretary?" Parker snapped
back.

"OH no...of course not. I'll keep it for him." The nervous little man
placed the device back in his pocket and after a few seconds of tense silence he
asked, "What if...Jarod calls?"

Miss Parker shot Broots a venomous glare, "Don't worry about him. I
think Sydney's little monkey has finally decided to end the game and
vanish."

She looked away trying to control the anger, but Broots could hear the
hurt in her voice. When she looked at him again, he could see the concern and
pain in her eyes.

"Sydney is the only one we should worry about at the moment." Parker
stated as she bit her lower lip nervously.

When the elevator finally reached SL-20, Miss Parker sprang into action
and rushed towards the infirmary with Broots trailing behind. As they entered
the Infirmary wing, they were stopped by an old feeble nurse.

"You cannot enter without a doctor's permission. May I help you?" The
nurse stated with authority.

Miss Parker stared angrily at the old woman but remained calm. She
needed answers from the old hag and diplomacy was the best course of action at
the moment. Parker looked at the woman's name tag and addressed her with a big
fake smile.

"Nurse...Anderson, we are looking for Dr. Sydney Green. We were
informed that he was brought here about half an hour ago. Could you be so kind
and check your records about the status of this patient?"

The old woman put her glasses on and typed the name in question into
her computer. She kept a watchful eye on the two people as she waited for a
response. When the computer beeped with an answer, she looked at her screen and
spoke with a frigid tone, "We have no patient with that name here."

"There must be some mistake." Miss Parker stated with surprise and
concern. "Dr. Green fainted in the Sim Lab on SL-5 and was rushed to the
Infirmary, according to the other technicians."

Parker looked over at Broots for reassurance.

"Yeah, that right. That's what happened...That...that's what they told
me." Broots looked at the nurse timidly.

"Wait here. I'll go ask the doctor on duty." The nurse said with
annoyance as she left her station and walked without haste towards the infirmary
doors. She looked over her shoulder at the two strangers and entered her code on
the security panel before disappearing into infirmary.

"My God, she reminds me of my third grade English teacher, Mrs.
McKinley." Broots whispered. "That woman hated me. One time she threw me out of
her class because I forgot my homework, and another time..."

"BROOTS, this is not the time to go down memory lane with you."

"I... I'm sorry Miss Parker, is just that...I'm really nervous. I mean,
I'm really worried about Sydney."

"I Know Broots, I'm also worried about the old guy, but we have to keep
our heads and think positive. Sydney has to be here and he's going to be
fine."

Parker reached over and squeezed Broots' arm to give him some
reassurance. Surprised by her gesture, Broots looked up into a pair of beautiful
but very sad eyes. She held his eyes for a moment and then gave him a sad smile.
She never ceased to amaze him. Here she was trying to give him some support,
when her own world was in such turmoil.

"Don't worry Miss Parker, I'm sure that this is just a mistake on the
registration or something, and since they just brought him in, he's probably not
in the records yet."

"I hope you're right Broots." Parker said in a somber mood.

At that precise moment, a tall doctor and two sweepers exited the
infirmary and approached a very surprised Miss Parker and Broots. She had never
seen this man before and she knew most of the staff at The Centre. The doctor
was middle-aged, very thin and partly bald. He walked with a limp and his face
was cold and emotionless. The gauntly looking man stopped a few feet from the
awaiting couple and looked at them with scrutiny without saying a single word.

Miss Parker extended her hand and smiled, "I believe we haven't had the
pleasure Dr...?"

Ignoring her extended hand, the man just stared at her and growled,
"WHY ARE YOU HARASSING MY STAFF?"

"We are not harassing anyone." Miss Parker said dryly. "We simply
inquired about a patient, Dr. Sydney Green. We were told he was brought
here."

"Well, you were obviously misinformed Miss Parker." The doctor paused
for a moment enjoying the fury growing in the woman's eyes. "Maybe your shrink
friend decided to go home early and made an excuse about being ill. If you
excuse me, I have more important manners to attend now."

Before Miss Parker was able to object, the man turned his back on them
and walked back into the infirmary followed by the sweepers.

"Miss Parker, who was that creepy guy?" Broots asked shaking.
"What...what about Sydney?"

"I don't know Broots, but I don't like this." She frowned and then
looked at Broots narrowing her eyes. "I didn't tell them that Sydney was my
friend or a shrink."

"Lets go Broots, we have work to do." The techie was taken by surprise
and almost stumbled to the floor when Miss Parker pulled him by the arm and
rushed towards the elevators, while giving him more orders. "Call Sam, tell him
to meet us in my office."

By the time they reached Parker's office, Sam was waiting by the door.
Once inside her office, Sam received all the details about their latest
predicament.

"Sam, I want you to check all the sublevels and I want all the sign out
sheets. If Sydney walked out of here on his own, I want to see the roster with
his signature."

"Right away Miss Parker." Saying that, Sam turned and hurried out of
the office.

"Broots, I want all surveillance tapes for the Sim Lab and the
Infirmary, plus the files on that nurse and the scarecrow we just met." Parker
walked over to her desk and sat down heavily.

"Miss Parker, do you think they had something to do with Sydney's
disappearance?" Broots asked all spooked. "Remember what happen to Mr.
Fenigor."

Miss Parker gave Broots a piercing look. "Lets hope that's not the case
with Sydney."

Parker stood from her desk and walked to where Broots was standing. "I
don't know Broots, but I have a gut feeling that they're hiding something." She
looked at Broots with uncertainty. "Now go and call me if you find something.
I'll go have a little talk with baby brother."

Mr. Lyle's office.

"Mr. Lyle, there is a call for you on line two." The humble accented
voice came across the intercom.

"Thank you Lucy."

"This is Lyle."

There was no response on the other end, but Lyle could hear clicking
sounds on the background.

"Hello, hello... LOOK, I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR STUPID GAMES." Lyle
growled.

"Has the transfer been made?" An electronically distorted voice came
through the earpiece.

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME HERE." Lyle spat back fuming. After a few
seconds of silence, he regained his composure and continued. "The transfer is
taking place as we speak."

"Good, you will receive another call within 2 hours with further
instructions."

"What about the DSA's and..." The line went dead before Lyle completed
his sentence.

"Damn." Lyle smashed the receiver back on its cradle enraged. Like a
caged animal he began pacing around his office. He hated the idea of following
orders from a Lab rat. Slowly, he removed his black glove and started massaging
his phantom thumb. Somehow, this odd habit always seemed to calm his nerves.

"Patience, soon the Centre will be under a new leadership and things
are going to be very different." He murmured to himself as an evil smile grew on
his lips.

TBC

Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 3

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Author's Note: Thanks for the wonderful reviews to pretender fan, phi4858,
Elisa, Nans, Joel-Gomes and leochick. Hope that you will like this chapter.
Enjoy. Also thanks to my Beta reader, Jacionne for all her help.

Author's Note II: To Nans. I'm sorry that I was not able to update in time
for your birthday, but I hope you had a Wonderful day.

"Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds."
Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Vibrations and the continuous humming of an engine slowly brought Sydney
out of his troubled slumber. He felt as if he was floating but he had no
sensation in his arms or legs. Desperately, he wanted to open his eyes to make
some sense of what was happening, but the shooting pain in the back of his head
prevented him from doing just that. Finally, he took a deep breath and ignoring
the pain, forced himself to open his eyes. The blackness that greeted him only
hurled him into further disorientation and panic. When he moved his head trying
to clear his vision, his face came in contact with the dark material covering
his head. Realization assaulted him like bucket of ice water. He was wearing
some kind of hood. Instinctively, Sydney tried to raise his numbed hands to
remove the dark cloth but he quickly realized that his hands were bound behind
his back.

"Well, well, it looks like our good doctor is awake." A mocking voice
startled Sydney.

"Where are you taking me?" Sydney voice was trembling and hoarse. "Who are
you people?"

His captors completely ignored his question and continued to talk among
themselves. His fogged mind tried to recognize the voices, but they were all
unfamiliar and masked by the surrounding sounds.

He was so thirsty that the simple effort to speak was painful. His throat
felt as if it was on fire, his mouth felt like sandpaper and he could feel the
cracks on his lips from the lack of fluids. He thought of asking for some water,
but he knew his abductors would not remove the blindfold until they reached
their destination. He wondered how long he had been unconscious and what they
were planning to do with him.

In an instant, a flood of emotions and questions ravaged his mind. 'Why
are they doing this to me?' He felt confused and lost. 'Who were these people?
And who had ordered his abduction?' The whole ordeal was unbearable; he could
feel the panic creeping from within. All his years of psychological studies and
knowledge on survival techniques had failed to prepare him to deal with this
unpredictable and terrifying situation. Suddenly, a new emotion struck him with
pain a deep regret. He was overwhelmed with a feeling of Guilt. The image of a
little boy sitting behind a desk crying while hiding his face behind his hands
assaulted him. "Jarod", he murmured softly. That little boy had been submitted
to this same horrifying experience when he was only a child. "My God, why didn't
I help him when I had the chance?" Sydney asked himself with remorse. Maybe this
was his punishment for allowing that evil to flourish for so many years. Others
like Catherine, Fenigor and even Jacob had tried to save the children, but he
never did. He always refused to see the truth and instead he hid behind his
scientific studies, his logic and his pristine view of the world. He was a
coward and if this was some kind of payback, he deserved it. Consumed with guilt
and sadness, Sydney curled up in a fetal position and wept for the lost
children, the lost years and loss of innocence. He had betrayed them all and he
didn't deserve their forgiveness. He had become a Monster and it was time for
him to pay for his sins.

"Sorry Doc, time to take a little nap. Boss' orders." The voice said
teasingly.

Sydney didn't hear the footsteps of the approaching man nor did he try to
resist when he felt the prick of a needle penetrate the skin of his forearm. He
didn't care anymore and unconsciousness was a welcome state to rest his troubled
and weary mind.

The Centre

Broots' fingers tapped frantically over his keyboard searching the
mainframe for any sign of the missing doctor. His search of the surveillance
tapes had come up empty. Whoever was behind this operation knew how to cover
their tracks. The idea of telling Miss Parker he had nothing made him feel sick
to his stomach. He ran his shaky hand over the few strands of hair for the
hundredth time. At this rate he was going to be as bald as Mr. Raines in no
time. The unexpected ringing of Sydney's phone in his pocket nearly sent him
flying off his chair.

"He...llo" Broots whispered into the device.

"Mr. Broots?" The deep voice of the pretender came on the other end.
"Where is Sydney?"

"I...I don't know." Broots answered while glancing over his shoulder
nervously. "He's...missing."

"What do you mean he's missing?" The pretender sounded annoyed.

Trying to make himself as small as possible in his cubicle space he
continued, "This morning, Sydney passed out in the Sim Lab and was rushed to the
Infirmary. When Miss Parker and I went to see him, he was gone. He never made it
to the Infirmary.

There was only silence on the line and for a moment Broots thought that
the pretender had just hung up. "Jarod, are you still there?"

"I'll call you later Mr. Broots." He said dryly.

"Jarod wait!" Broots' voice shrieked with panic. "What about
Sydney?"

"I don't know where he is Mr. Broots." His voice was
detached.

"Should I... tell Miss Parker about your call?" Broots asked with
apprehension.

"NO." Jarod growled. "I'll be in touch."

"Wait!...What if you...call me when she...she's around?" Broots was now
shaking like a leaf. "I...I won't be able to answer your call."

"Have you ever heard of vibrate mode Mr. Broots?" With that said, the
line went dead.

Broots dropped the phone on his desk and covered his face with his
shaking hands. He could swear he was getting an ulcer already. If Miss Parker
found out he was in contact with Jarod secretly, she was going to have him
skinned alive. On the other hand, maybe Jarod would uncover something about
Sydney's disappearance. After all, Jarod was the genius and an expert when it
came to digging up secrets and ghosts at the Centre.

Broots picked up the cell phone and switched it to vibrate as
instructed by the pretender. As he played with the device in his hand, a thought
kept nagging at the back of his mind. Something was different about the
pretender. His reaction to Sydney's disappearance was very strange, almost cold.
Even though he didn't know Jarod very well, he knew that his relationship with
his mentor was unique. Sydney had always protected Jarod the best he could
during his years of captivity at the Centre and in more than one occasion Jarod
had returned the favor by helping Sydney. Something was definitely wrong. "Maybe
Jarod knows something we don't." Broots said to himself with suspicion, but that
feeling was quickly pushed aside by one of frustration. "Great, and now I can't
even discuss this with Miss Parker."

Again, Broots scanned the Tech room nervously to make sure no one was
watching him. Already he felt like a basket case and now he had to lie to Miss
Parker about his contact with Jarod. "Things can't get any worse or could they?"
He thought out loud and then shook his head trying to erase that feeling of
doom. He returned the small phone to his pant's pocket and quickly gathered the
limited files he had found on the mysterious doctor and nurse. Miss Parker was
waiting for this information and making her angry on top of everything could be
extremely hazardous to his health.

Mr. Lyle's office

Lyle could hear the familiar commotion just outside the glass panel
doors. He had been expecting her arrival for the last hour; his dear sister was
so predictable. He picked up a file and sat back in his executive chair. He
slowly swiveled the chair around, turning his back on her entrance in order to
whip up her fury and hide the wicked smile that was pasted on his face. He just
loved to play with her emotions.

"LYLE, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?" Parker growled as she stormed
into his office.

"Sorry Mr. Lyle, I tried to stop her but... she just..." The small
woman behind Miss Parker trembled in fear as she tried to explain. "I'm so sorry
Mr. Lyle, she would not listen to..."

Leisurely, Lyle turned his chair around and faced the two women before
him.

"It's alright Lucy." Lyle raised a hand to stop the secretary's
hysterical pleas. "Please leave us."

"Yes Mr. Lyle." Lucy answered softly with her head lowered and swiftly
exited the office.

When Lyle's eyes finally met Parker's, he was greeted with a look
filled with hatred. 'God, she truly is beautiful when she gets angry.' Lyle
thought to himself as his predatory instinct started to surface. 'It's too bad
that we might be related, but then again that fact really doesn't bother me.' He
continued to stare mesmerized by her beauty and power.

"Lyle, what is going on at the Infirmary?" Parker's question shook Lyle
back to reality. "Sydney was taken to the infirmary a few hours ago and now he
is missing."

"I don't know what you're talking about Sis."

Parker moved forward aggressively and slammed both hands on Lyle's
desk. "I swear Lyle, if I find out that you are behind this little plot, you're
going to be missing more parts and they are not going to be your remaining
digits."

"Why should I know Dr. Frankenstein's whereabouts?" Lyle remarked
calmly as he moved around the desk and stood by his sister. "And why every time
someone goes missing, you pull out the conspiracy card and vote me the main
suspect?"

"Because I'm usually RIGHT." Parker's eyes bored into
Lyle's.

"Well Sis, this time you are WRONG. I have no idea where the good
Doctor is." Lyle shot back at Parker; turned his back on her venomous glare and
walked back to his chair. At that precise moment his phone rang saving him from
a counterattack. Lyle picked up the receiver and stared at Parker
impatiently.

"If you don't mind Miss Parker, I would like to answer this call." Lyle
uttered with a sneer.

"This discussion is not over Lyle." Parker hissed.

Smiling at Parker's threatening words, he waited until she was at the
door and then added, "Oh Miss Parker, please keep me inform on the search for
Sydney will you?"

Parker ignored his remark and stalked off in a huff. She reminded
herself that she had to remain in control for Sydney's sake. Lyle knew something
and sooner or later he would lead her to the answers. Furthermore, if she stayed
there another minute she was going to put a bullet in that psychotic brain of
his.

"This is Lyle." He answered and then listened to the voice
attentively.

"You created HIM, so find a way to stop HIM." Lyle spat
back.

"If it was up to me, he would have been dead a long time ago. You and
Mr. Parker are responsible for his escape and attacks." Lyle growled. "This time
I will deal with him swiftly and permanently."

"I have a meeting with him in two hours." Lyle looked at his watch. It
was 2:00p.m.

"Yes, he promised to give me the files and DSA's." Lyle stood from his
desk and walked to the window.

"I have no other choice. If that information falls into the WRONG
HANDS..."Lyle shouted into the small device and then listened as the person on
the other end spoke. Lyle eyes became dark with repulsion.

"Just remember this; if I go down I'm taking YOU down with ME." Lyle
replied with hatred.

"Meet me at my apartment at 6:00p.m. We will discuss the next step to
put an end to this problem." Lyle growled and disconnected the call slamming the
receiver down.

Lyle's eyes reflected the madness and fury burning within. He opened
his desk drawer and retrieved his gun. He checked the clip and then placed the
weapon back in his holster. "It's time to go meet with the Lab Rat and put an
end to his little game." Lyle thought aloud as the desire for revenge boiled in
his veins.

Completely unaware of the curious eyes watching him from the air vent,
Lyle bolted from his chair and exited his office like an enraged animal.
Meanwhile, the shadowy figure hidden in the vents typed furiously on his laptop.
With unmatched skills, the sheltered prodigy proceeded to transmit the
conversation between Lyle and his caller. His friend needed this information
immediately. Lives were in danger.

Miss Parker's office

Miss Parker arrived at her office with fire in her eyes. To her
surprise and annoyance, she found Broots sitting at her desk and working on her
computer.

"Well, well, it is true. When the cat's away the mice will play." She
replied angrily and gave Broots a stern look that nearly made him jump out of
his skin.

"OH...No...No...Miss Parker...uh...I was looking for some...something
that...that might help us find...Syd...Sydney." Broots stuttered uncontrollably.

"Okay Broots, never mind. What do you have on Dr. Frankenstein and the
old ogress?"

"OH yeah, right away."

Broots jumped from the chair and walked towards Miss Parker while
searching through the files in his hand. "Here it is. It says that Dr. Warren
and Nurse Anderson were transferred here from Africa one week ago." Broots
looked at Parker carefully and then continued. "Their transfer was requested
by...Mr. Lyle."

"That bastard. I knew he was behind this." Parker growled and began to
pace the room angrily. "Was there anything else?"

"I also checked all the surveillance tapes and found Nothing. It's like
Sydney just vanished. It's really strange." Broots said nervously.

"Broots by now you should know that disappearances have never been
strange at the Centre." Parker replied with a grim smile.

"OH yeah, I almost forgot. Just before you came in, I found a memo that
was send to Mr. Raines, but I didn't have the chance to read it."

"Well, don't just stand there. Show me this memo." Parker said
frustrated.

Broots hurried back to the computer and started typing commands to
access the document. Miss Parker stood behind him and leant over his shoulder to
look at the screen. Her close proximity made it even harder for him to focus on
the task and the scent of her perfume was driving him crazy. 'Wow, she smells
like spring flowers.' Broots thought to himself mesmerized by the fragrance.
'She's is so stunning and yet so strong.'

"COME ON BROOTS, WHERE IS THE MEMO?" Her remark jolted him from his
daydream.

"OH...yes, M...Miss Parker." Broots fumble for words and after a few
minutes of silence he almost jumped out of his chair. "I FOUND IT!" Broots
exclaimed and began reading. "The survival of the Centre is in your hands.
Exchange will take place tomorrow evening at previously agreed
location."

Parker and Broots stared at each other in silence for a few seconds,
trying to decipher the meaning behind the cryptic message.

"Who sent the message?" Parker broke the silence suddenly.

"It doesn't say, but the memo is dated May 15th, yesterday. That means
they are meeting...Tonight." Broots whispered.

"Who is meeting Raines tonight? And where?" Parker asked herself.

"Miss Parker do you think this exchange have something to do
with...Sydney?" Broots asked trembling.

"Lets hope not, but I think is time to have a little talk with that
oxygenated bag of bones." Parker stated with repugnance. Before Broots had a
chance to refuse, he was jerked from his chair and dragged out of the office by
Miss Parker.

Jarod's latest lair

Being so close to that hideous place again made him feel edgy and
vindictive but now it was time to make things right one last time before
disappearing. Jarod was just settling in after his rushed trip from Florida,
when his laptop signaled the incoming message. He quickly dropped his duffle bag
on the floor, sat at his desk and began to access the two messages awaiting
him.

As Jarod read the first message, a smile began to appear on his lips,
"Good Job Angelo." His laughter echoed through the empty room, but his spirit
was quickly darkened by the next anonymous message. He needed to contact Broots
immediately and warn him. Time was running out.

Jarod retrieved his cell phone from his jacket and pushed the
pre-recorded number. After ringing continuously for a few minutes, a shaky voice
finally answered.

"He...llo?" Broots' spooked voice came across the line.
"Ja...Jarod?"

"Mr. Broots, listen carefully." Jarod was serious and direct. "You and
Miss Parker need to leave The Centre NOW."

"Jarod, what about Sydney?" Broots objected. "Have you found
anything?"

"Mr. Broots, You and Miss Parker are in grave danger." Jarod continued
ignoring the techie's questions. "Leave NOW and don't TRUST anyone."

"But...but Miss Parker is on her way to talk to... Mr. Raines." Broots
stopped for a moment and stuck his head out of the bathroom stall he was hiding
in to make sure no one was listening before continuing. "We found a memo that
was send to Mr. Raines. It talks about a meeting and an exchange taking place
tonight."

There was no reply from the pretender. Broots just hated when Jarod
played his little disappearing game. "Jarod are you still there?" Broots shouted
as frustration and panic took control.

"Yes Mr. Broots I'm here." There was silence again but Broots could
hear the tapping of a keyboard in the background. "Mr. Raines and Mr. Lyle are
gone. DO NOT FOLLOW THEM, if you do you'll endanger Sydney's life as well as
your own." Saying that, Jarod terminated the call.

"Jarod wait!" Broots called out, but all he heard was the dial
tone.

TBC

Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 4

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Author's Note: Thank you, Elisa, ICD, pretender fan, airam4u, bloodymary2,
Nans, Sirus183, phi4858, a reader, and Katt. for all the wonderful reviews. I'm
glad that all of you are enjoying my story and I promise the future chapters
will be worth the wait, but not too long of a wait. I promise. Thank you and
enjoy. Mercy

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the
strong." Mahatma Gandhi

On the Road to Dover

The weather had turned for the worst all of a sudden and the downpour
made it almost impossible to even see the road at times. Jarod raised one hand
away from the steering wheel and looked at his watch again. Frustrated he
slammed the steering wheel with his fist. It was 3:15 p.m. and he was still
about 40 miles outside of Dover. "At this speed I'm not going to arrive on
time." Jarod thought aloud. With blind determination, he pressed down harder on
the accelerator and hoped that he would not run into any accidents or end up in
one himself. He just had to make it to that meeting on time.

It was 3:50 p.m. when Jarod finally arrived at the warehouse district
on the outskirts of Dover. The torrential rain had not let up all afternoon, but
now this horrible weather was working to his advantage. Under the shroud of the
heavy rain and fog, Jarod was able to conceal his car behind the abandoned
building and make his way up the fire escape to the roof undetected. By the time
he reached the roof, he was drenched and shaking uncontrollably. Ignoring the
bone chilling cold biting his face and hands, Jarod focused on his plan and
quickly searched the rooftop for an opened skylight or air vent. A sudden flash
of lightning illuminated the entire rooftop making him dive for cover to avoid
being struck or detected. When he re-opened his eyes again, he saw an opening
about twenty feet ahead. Crouching like a cat, he slowly moved toward the
opening. Once he was over the dilapidated window, he cautiously pulled it open
as far as he could and peeked inside. Jarod sighed, relieved when emptiness and
silence was all that greeted him. As he was about to squeeze through the narrow
opening of the skylight, he saw the headlights of an approaching car in the
distance. Jarod looked at his watch and smiled. "Right on time."

Once inside the building, Jarod found himself crawling on an elevated
walkway that encircled the entire building about one hundred feet above the
ground. Concealed by the darkness, the pretender cautiously started looking for
a good vantage point where he could observe and hear the exchange between the
mysterious guest and Mr. Lyle. He was still shivering and he felt like a drowned
rat, but at the moment all he could do was rub his hands vigorously to try to
give his numb fingers some warmth and circulation.

Just as he was about to climb down to hide behind some crates, the huge
sliding door at the south end of the building opened slightly and Mr. Lyle
walked in holding some kind of folder in his hand. "Damn" Jarod swore annoyed
for not having enough time to reach the crates and be closer to this meeting.
Instead he quickly dropped on his stomach and froze. From his place of
surveillance up on the catwalk he really could not see Lyle's face clearly, but
the gloved hand confirmed his identity. A few minutes later another figure, all
dressed in black, moved out of the shadows and walked toward the center of the
floor where Mr. Lyle was standing. The mystery man had his back towards Jarod
and from the platform he neither could see his face nor hear their exchange, but
there was something very familiar about this person and this exchange. It was
like a strange Deja Vu.

The smaller man kept looking around nervously as he exchanged words
with Mr. Lyle. After a few tense minutes, Lyle gave the folder to the dark
figure and in return the other man handed over his briefcase and walked away
swiftly. Immediately after the other man left, Lyle extracted his cell phone
from his pocket and dialed a number. Terminating the very short conversation,
Lyle put away his phone, looked at his watch and started to inspect the content
of the briefcase leisurely.

Jarod wanted to follow the mysterious visitor but apparently Mr. Lyle
had been instructed to stay put while the other man made his getaway safely.
"Damn" Jarod hissed to himself. "Why doesn't he leave?" He really wanted to
follow this guy to find out who was behind this exchange and what was in that
folder. Unfortunately, he had no other choice but to stay hidden until Lyle was
out of there. The last thing he needed right now was to be re-captured by the
Centre.

After about fifteen minutes, Lyle finally moved from his spot and
exited the warehouse the same way he came in. As soon as Lyle was out of sight,
Jarod jumped to his feet and climbed down from the platform as quickly as
possible. The only alternative he had at the moment was to follow Lyle and maybe
get some answers from him. He knew he was taking a big risk, but his gut told
him Lyle had the answers to solve this little puzzle. Besides Lyle was long
overdue for some payback, after what he had done to Kyle and Emily.

The Centre

For the past thirty minutes, Broots had been hiding in the bathroom
stall trying to think of a way to persuade Miss Parker to leave the Centre like
Jarod had advised. This was not going to be easy. Miss Parker was on the warpath
today and Lyle and Mr. Raines were on the top of her list. She was determined to
get to the bottom of Sydney's disappearance. "Maybe I could slip her a sedative
and when she passes out..." Broots thought aloud. "Yeah right, and when she
wakes up, I'm a dead man." He knew that sooner or later he would have to tell
her about Jarod's call and then she was going to go ballistic. "I wish I could
disappear like Sydney."

"BROOTS, ARE YOU STILL IN HERE?" Miss parker's infuriated tone snapped
Broots back to reality.

"OH...yes Miss Parker, I'm here." Broots stumbled out of the bathroom
stall. "I'm sorry Miss Parker, I...I wasn't feeling very good." Broots could
almost feel her piercing stare, but avoided her eyes and hurried to the sink to
wash his hands. "I think it was that breakfast burrito I ate this morning."
Broots smiled nervously as their eyes met in the mirror. "I should have known
better; every time I eat them I get sick as a dog."

"Okay, okay never mind." Parker raised one hand in the air to stop
Broots' rambling. "That's way too much information."

"Sorry Miss Parker."

"Lets go Broots. We need to find Raines." Parker blurted out as she
moved toward the door. "I went to his office and he's gone. His secretary said
that he went home an hour ago."

"MISS PARKER WAIT!" Broots ran and blocked her exit. "You...you can't
do that."

"And why NOT?" Parker glared at the nervously little man.

"Because...uh...Jarod called." The techie whispered.

"WHAT?" "What do you mean Jarod called?" Parker asked slowly as she
approached Broots with a menacing look in her eyes.

"Well...he...he really didn't call me.
He...uh...called...Syd...Sydney's number, and since I have Sydney's phone I...I
spoke..."

"STOP!" Parker snapped at him angrily. Parker was standing so close; he
could feel her breath on his face. "What did Jarod say?"

"Jarod said that you and I were in grave danger and that we should
leave the Centre right away." Broots stopped and moved back a few inches to
regain some control. "He also said that Raines and Lyle were gone and that if we
followed them, Sydney's life would be in danger."

Broots stared at Miss Parker in silence while she took in all this
information. He could see the anger rising in her, but for an instant he also
had seen sadness in her eyes when he mentioned Jarod's name.

"Miss parker, I really think we should listen to Jarod." Broots said
with dread.

"Since when do we listen to what the Lab Rat says?" Parker growled; the
ice queen mask back in place.

"Miss Parker, I don't think Jarod would lie to us about this,
especially if Sydney's life is in danger."

"I don't care what Jarod thinks, I'm going to find Raines and get some
answers out of that ghoul." Parker said as she pushed Broots out of her way.
"Are you coming?"

Broots nodded in defeat and followed Miss Parker out of the bathroom.
All he could do now was to pray and hope that their actions might not cost
Sydney's life or their own. Miss Parker knew Jarod better than anybody else, and
even though he was a pain in the ass, he would never allow any harm to come to
Sydney or her. "Why wouldn't she listen to Jarod?" Broots asked himself
frustrated.

"Man, Sydney must have had his hands full with the two of you when you
were kids." Broots mumbled behind Parker.

"What did you say?" Parker turned around and gave him a stern
look.

"Uh...Nothing...M...Miss Parker." Broots stammered as he halted with
panic written all over his face.

Narrowing her eyes she glared at the techie for an instant, but decided
against scaring him any further. Broots was already a nervous wreck and she
needed him with a clear mind to do his job. Besides, even though she had never
told him, she really respected him and treasured his friendship. He was one of
the few people she could truly trust in this snake pit.

"Lets go Broots, we don't have all day." Parker ordered as she turned
to hide the smile that started to form in her lips.

The halls were almost deserted as Miss Parker stalked towards her
office with Broots hurrying behind. As she pushed past the etched glass doors,
Parker retrieved her cell phone from her jacket and dialed Sam's extension.
While she waited for her sweeper to answer, Parker inspected the clip of her gun
and then tucked it back in the holster at the small of her back.

"Sam, what do you have for me?" For the next few minutes Parker
listened closely to Sam's report on his findings, while she paced the length of
her office nervously. "I was afraid of that." Parker said more to
herself than to the man at the other end.

After a few seconds of silence she continued. "Wait a minute Sam."
Parker moved to her desk and started searching frantically through her address
book. "Okay Sam, I have a new assignment for you. Write down this address. I
need you to track Lyle's movements. Go to his apartment and wait there for me,
but stay out of sight. Thanks Sam."

"Yes, call me immediately if he makes any move." Parker confirmed and
then disconnected the call.

"Did Sam find anything?" Broots asked cautiously.

"Nothing." Parker replied with concern.

"Miss Parker, what are we going to do now?"

"We are going to Raines' home to have a little talk with that eel and
he better have some answers." Parker cried out angrily and rushed out of her
office with Broots at her heels.

Outside Lyle's apartment

The heavy clouds had dimmed the daylight significantly, but at least
the rain had slowed down to a drizzle by the time Lyle reached his apartment. He
parked his little sport car in his private garage and looked at his watch as he
stepped out of his car. It was already 5:00p.m. Raines would be arriving in
about an hour, but due to the new developments he needed to move up the meeting.
Lyle leaned against the stairs that lead to his apartment and looked at the
threatening clouds above as he pulled out his cell phone from his pocket. As he
slowly climbed the stairs to his apartment, Lyle dialed a number and listen
impatiently for a few seconds before the call was transferred to an answering
service.

"Damn, where are you now?" Lyle curse annoyed, but decided to leave a
short message. "Raines, we have a problem. Your Lab Rat has found himself a
private assassin and I have a feeling he's up to something." He looked at his
watch again. "It's 5:05 already, come over as soon as you can."

From the safety of his car across the street, the pretender waited
until Lyle entered his apartment and the lights were switched on. While driving
from the warehouse, he already had simmed the best way to gain access to the
apartment. Breaking in would not be a problem, since he had memorized the layout
of Lyle's apartment from one of his previous visits.

Jarod rubbed his tired eyes and rested his head on the steering wheel.
He hated the thoughts that were rushing through his mind on what he might have
to do in this confrontation with Lyle. "I've spared your life in the past, but
this time you have gone too far Lyle and nothing is going to save you now."
Jarod thought aloud. "Sydney, I hope you can forgive me, but I have no other
option." After a few minutes, he raised his head again and fixed his eyes on the
illuminated apartment as his mind worked the final details of his plan. The time
had come to take action and his feelings of guilt and doubt gave away to anger
and determination.

Before exiting his car, Jarod looked up and down the street once more
to make sure Lyle's apartment was not under surveillance by the Centre or any of
the other criminal organization that had dealings with the notorious Mr. Lyle.
When he felt confident that there was no danger, he quickly exited his car and
approached the apartment building.

As he reached the foot of the stairs, Jarod stopped and glanced around
at the garage area. Everything was still, except for the sounds of the raindrops
in the surrounding plants and the rainspouts. Daylight was slowly disappearing,
veiled by the dark clouds above, and the street lights were already flickering
to life. Jarod took a deep breath and started climbing the steps leading to the
Lyle's apartment. Just as he was about to reach the midpoint of the stairs, he
was suddenly blinded by a bright flash and the force of a huge explosion threw
him over the rail to the driveway below.

When Jarod finally came to, he was surrounded by debris and smoke. His
mind was in a fog. He had no idea how long he had been unconscious or what he
was doing in front of Lyle's apartment, but it was dark and it was raining
again. He blinked the rain from his eyes and looked up to where Lyle's apartment
once stood. It was gone and in its place there was only rubble and fire. "Oh My
God!" Jarod said stunned. Staggering and in shock, Jarod stood very slowly and
looked around at all the destruction. By some miracle he didn't have any broken
bones, except maybe for some bruised ribs, but the pain in his head was
unbearable and his ears were ringing very loudly.

"Son, are you alright?" Said a concerned voice from behind
him.

"I don't know." Jarod said confused. "What happened?"

Still kind of light-headed, Jarod felt someone taking him by the arm
and leading him away from the building. When he looked down, he saw an old man
smiling at him. The old man guided him carefully across the street and sat him
down on the sidewalk right next to his car.

"Son, you better wait here for the ambulance. You have a very nasty cut
on your head." The old man said softly. "I'll try to get you a blanket. Wait
here and don't move."

With his vision still in a blur, Jarod saw the old man walking away
rapidly towards the demolished apartment. By now the scene was of total chaos.
People were running out of other neighboring apartments and the sounds of fire
trucks and ambulances were approaching from all directions. Jarod pushed himself
up by leaning against the bumper of his car and gasped in pain as the movement
put pressure on his ribs. He closed his eyes and leaned heavily on the trunk of
his car as a wave of dizziness overtook him. He had to get away from there
before the authorities and the Centre arrived to investigate. He looked up and
saw Ambulances and fire engines approaching. Soon the street would be blocked to
all traffic.

When the dizziness subsided a little, Jarod started to move towards his
car door. He had to try to leave as discreetly as possible, but the way he was
swaying it was going to be very difficult. As he was about to open the car door,
he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"And where do you think you're going?" A voice said firmly.

Jarod froze in sudden panic and then slowly turned to face a paramedic
and the kind old man that had helped him earlier. He was left speechless and the
pounding headache was making matters worse. He just couldn't think of any good
excuse.

"UH...I was going home." Jarod said sheepishly. "I feel
fine."

"Son, I told you to wait here." The old man scolded him as he placed a
blanket over his shoulder. "Now let these nice paramedics take care of that cut
on your head."

"Young people, they never listen." The old man shook his head in
disbelief as the paramedics escorted the pretender to the ambulance.

Since he could walk, Jarod was slowly guided to the back of the
ambulance and once inside, the paramedics immediately started to treat
him.

The street was now overflowing with spectators and the police had
placed several barricades to keep the curious away and out of danger. Among the
crowd, a suited man watched vigilantly as the pretender was taken into the
ambulance. He moved through the crowd and walked back to his car. Once inside
the car, he pulled the cell phone from his breast pocket and dialed a number.
Shortly after, a female voice answered.

"Miss Parker, we have a problem." Sam said eagerly.

"I'm sorry to inform you, but there was an explosion in Mr. Lyle's
apartment." He listened carefully to Miss Parker's reply before continuing. "It
looks pretty bad Miss Parker." Sam stopped and listened again.

"I think he was home because his car is in the garage. Well, what's
left of it."

"I don't know Miss Parker, but if Mr. Lyle was in there, I don't think
they are going to find all the pieces to put him back together again." Sam said
with a smile as he listened to his boss again.

"Yes Miss Parker, I'll try to find out right away."

"Miss Parker, there is something else." Sam paused for dramatic effect
before breaking the news about the pretender. "Jarod is here and apparently he
was pretty close to the explosion when it occurred, because he got himself all
banged up. The paramedics are working on him right now." Sam stopped and waited
a moment for his boss' next orders.

"Yes Miss Parker, I'll watch him closely. Don't worry he's not going
anywhere in his present condition." Sam replied coldly.

Grinning and very confident, Sam closed his cell phone and returned it
to his breast pocket. "This time the sly pretender is not going to get away. I'm
not going to let Miss Parker down." Sam said to himself with determination.
"It's time to put an end to this ridiculous man hunt." The big man exited his
car and walked back to the crowd as he thought of a plan to snatch the pretender
away from the paramedics without too much commotion.

TBC

Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 5

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Glad that everyone is enjoying this little adventure,
and I hope future chapters will be as intriguing. Thanks for the wonderful
reviews to: ICD, pretender fan, phi4858, bloodymary2, and Elisa. Your words are
very encouraging.

"Without forgiveness life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment
and retaliation." Roberto Assagioli

Mr. Raines' home

"Miss Parker, what happened?" Broots asked with concern while
staring at the dazedwoman sitting next to him. "Did something happen to
Sydney?"

"Lyle is dead." Parker said emotionlessly.

"What?...How?" Broots said almost inaudibly.

"There was an explosion." Parker paused for a moment still
processing the news. "And Sam found Jarod." Parker looked stunned. She
tried to avoid Broots' eyes, but for a moment he had seen the emotional struggle
in those deep blue orbs.

"J...Jarod?" Broots gasped. "Is he...dead?"

"NO, I'm not that lucky."Parker cursed, bringing her ice queen back
in place. Noticeably annoyed she stepped out of the car and spat at Broots,
"Lets go Shaggy, we still need to have our little talk with
Beelzebub."

"I'll be right there Miss Parker." Broots said embarrassed as he
struggled with his seatbelt. "It's stuck."

Miss Parker rolled her eyes annoyed and started walking towards Raines'
house, leavingthe nervous techie fighting with the seatbelt. By the time Broots
freed himself and caughtup with Miss Parker, she was already at the door ringing
the bell.

"Sorry Miss Parker." Broots said almost out of breath. "I think
there is no one home Miss Parker."

"Good observation Sherlock." Parker said sarcastically.

When there was no answer, Miss Parker walked to the window and tried to
look inside, but the curtains were drawn. Not wanting to waste any more time,
Miss Parker walked to the side of the house and opened the fence leading to the
backyard.

"Miss Parker, where are you going?" Broots cried in panic.

"Looking for a way in."

"But...but what if a neighbor sees us and calls the police?" Broots
whispered as he hurried behind his determined boss. "Miss Parker this is not
right. I have a real bad feeling about this."

"Broots, SHUT UP!" Parker snarled.

Parker made her way to the backyard and when she tried the back entrance,
fortune smiled upon her. The door was unlocked. Without hesitation, she turned
the knob, slowly pushed the door open and drew her gun as she entered the house.
Broots could feel his heart racing inside his chest and he felt sick to his
stomach, but he could not leave Miss Parker alone now, especially after what
Jarod had told him. He owed her and Jarod that much. He tried his best to
swallow his fear and followed Miss Parker closely, although he still wished he
was invisible or a hundred miles away from Satan's home. 'IF Raines
finds us breaking into his home, we will probably spend the rest of our life in
renewal wing or worse.' Broots thought to himself as he nervously
wiped his sweaty hands on his pants and tried to stop the uncontrollable shaking
of his knees.

"Miss Parker, we really could get in big trouble for doing this."
Broots pleaded but nothing could persuade his boss to change her plans. The
tall brunette just ignored his pleas and continued her search through the house.

"I hope we won't regret this. Wait, I'm already regretting it."
Broots muttered to himself. "Am I the only sane person who thinks this is
wrong?"

"Calm down Scooby, I don't think the Boogie man is home...yet."

Parker walked agilely past the empty kitchen and proceeded to the
connecting dinning room. The house was shrouded in darkness and an eerie
silence. The only sound they could hear was the ticking of a huge grandfather
clock against the far wall of the dinning room. Beyond the dinning room, there
was a spacious living room and a long hallway leading to numerous rooms. Miss
Parker walked ahead into the living room and switched on the light on an elegant
Tiffany lamp that sat on an end table. The lighting was low but sufficient for
them see their surroundings. The room was elegantly decorated with a large
Persian rug, antiques and priceless paintings, but it looked uninhabited and
cold. At the back of the living room, Miss Parker noticed another door, possibly
a den or office.

Before continuing towards the hallway, Parker turned around and grabbed
Broots by the arm, making the distracted and paranoid techie jump to attention.

"Yes, Miss Parker?"

"Broots, I'll go check the rooms down the hall. You go check that room
at the back of the living room." Miss Parker released his arm and started
walking away, but Broots stood frozen on the spot. "NOW!"

"OH...Yes M...Miss Parker." Broots answered, his voice
shaking.

As if walking on eggshells, Broots crossed the living room with his eyes
fixed on the door of the room in question. As he neared the door, Broots darted
his eyes around nervously and called out whispering, "M...Miss Parker, Miss
Parker." But silence was all he heard in that vast room. Miss Parker was
gone.

"Man, I hate this." Broots complained silently as his trembling
hand reached for the doorknob. Slowly he pushed the door open a few inches and
peeked in, but the room was in total darkness. Closing his eyes, he reached in
with his arm and started to feel the wall for a light switch. "Where is the
darn switch?" Broots cursed as he realizes he had no choice but to enter the
room now. Finally crossing the threshold, Broots moved cautiously towards the
middle of the room and the silhouette of a huge desk, hoping to find some source
of light.

Once his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he noticed a small table lamp on
the corner of the desk. With a shaky hand he pulled on the small metal chain,
and blinked when the brightness assaulted his eyes. The huge mahogany desk
before him was covered with files, DSA's, toys, newspapers and red notebooks,
like the ones Jarod left behind for them about his pretends. Broots frowned at
the strange display and muttered, "What is Mr. Raines doing with all of these
things from Jarod's pursuit? Maybe he's planning to put together a new retrieval
team? And that means that we are...Oh My God, Miss Parker needs to see
this."

Distracted by all the pretender paraphernalia on top of the desk, Broots
had overlooked the elegant leather chair behind the desk. When he looked up, he
noticed for the first time that the chair was turned facing the wall.
Impulsively, Broots reached forward with one hand and rotated the chair around.
When the chair completed its turn, Broots looked up and he was petrified. The
scene before him was something out of a horror movie and as much as he wanted to
run from that room and scream, his legs were rooted in place and his mouth just
didn't seem to work at that moment. Broots felt as if his heart had stopped and
he wasn't sure if he was still breathing. There before him, sitting on his
elegant chair was Mr. Raines. A very dead Mr. Raines. The old ghoul's shirt was
covered with blood, and from where he stood, which was too close, he could see
at least three gunshot holes. Raines mouth was slightly open as if he was about
to speak and his eyes held a cold sickening stare. He could almost feel his dead
eyes reaching out for his soul.

"Broots...Broots did you find something?" Parker's voice made the
terrified techie snapped out of his trance. Finally able to move his legs,
Broots dashed out the door and almost into Miss Parker's arm.

"M...M...Miss...P...Pa...Parker." Gasping for breath and his face
livid with shock, Broots tried to speak, but all he could do was stutter
uncontrollably, "Blood...Ja...Jarod's...b...books."

"Broots calm down." Parker demanded as she grabbed the spooked man
by the arms. "What happened?"

"He...He's...D...Dead." Broots answered, his voice shaking.

"Who's dead?" Parker asked concerned.

"There." Broots pointed to the room, unable to elaborate any
further.

Leaving the distraught man standing alone in the middle of the living
room, Parker hurried to the room Broots had indicated. When she approached the
door and saw the scene inside, Parker gasped as her hand flew to her mouth to
stop her scream. Immediately, her professional persona assumed control. She
closed her eyes momentarily, slowed her breathing and switched off her emotions.
The Centre had trained her well, and she had seen her share of corpses and
murder scenes, especially some that would haunt her dreams forever, like her
mother's and Thomas. This was just another casualty of the Centre and another
job for the cleaners. The dead man before her might have been her fa...; she
found it impossible to complete the word, but to her he was nothing more than a
monster and the previous ruler of Hell.

"Looks like the Reaper was busy today." Parker said as she looked
over her shoulder "First, Lyle's apartment and now this."

"BROOTS PUT YOURSELF TOGETHER AND GET IN HERE." Parker called out
angrily.

"Sorry Miss Parker, is just that...finding...Mr. Raines
like...that." Broots whispered as he avoided looking at the man behind the
desk. "I almost had a heart attack."

"Calm down Shaggy. He can't hurt you anymore." Parker said with a
sickly smile. "What were you mumbling about Jarod and the books?"

"All of these things from Jarod's pretend?" Broots pointed at the
items on top of the desk. "Do you think Mr. Raines was assembling another
retrieval team to remove...us?"

"That's a good question." Parker concurred as she moved around the
desk. When she was behind Mr. Raines, she looked down, and her eyebrows rose in
surprise. "Well, well what do we have here?" Parker reached down and
picked up something from the floor.

"What is it?" Broots asked curiously.

"Looks like someone left us a clue." Parker rose holding an origami
figure in her hand.

"What is that?" Broots frowned.

"It's Onisius, the Greek god of retribution." Parker's face turned
serious. "Sydney and I found one just like this in Jarod's room at the
beginning of the pursuit."

"Do you think Jarod killed Raines and...Lyle?"

Parker and Broots stared at each other in disbelief, as the same questions
invaded their thoughts. 'Could Jarod had gone on a rampage and decided to
take revenge against all the people who had stolen his life and made his
existence a living hell?'

"No, Jarod can be many things, but he is not a cold-blooded murderer."
Parker said almost inaudibly. "Besides, Raines and Lyle knew things about
his family. Killing them would mean that he has given up and that's not Jarod.
He will never give up. Not until he finds his family and the truth."

"Yeah, I don't believe Jarod did this." Broots said
cautiously.

"Okay Sherlock, lets get out of here." Parker said annoyed and
exhausted, as she ran her hand through her hair. "Sydney is still missing,
our two main suspects are dead and I need to call Sam and find out if he got
Jarod."

"Wait Miss Parker!" Broots cried out. "Don't we have to call the
police or something?"

"NO, I'll call a clean-up team. With Sydney's life on the line, I don't
want the police involved right now." Parker gave Broots a stern look and
exited the room. Broots glanced once more in the direction of the gruesome scene
and then ran after Miss Parker and out of the house.

Outside of Dover

The distinct sound of rain drops spattering on some kind of metal surface
brought Sydney out of his mental haze. He felt miserable, and the pain in his
head was unbearable. Furthermore to his disappointment, once again his face came
in contact with the black material that continued to trap him in a world of
darkness. But something had changed, the ground was no longer vibrating and now
he was strapped to a chair. As his scattered thoughts began to form some sense
of the whole situation, Sydney realized something. They had arrived at their
destination. Desperately, he tried to loosen his bindings, but it was in vain.
The ropes were very tight and he was too weak. He could not even remember when
he had eaten last. Exhausted and frustrated from his lack of success, the old
man sighed with resignation. He was at the mercy of his captors.

Suddenly, the sound of a door sliding open and then closing echoed through
the room. From the way the sound had traveled, he was in a big empty room, maybe
a warehouse, Sydney thought to himself. He turned his head slightly to track the
direction of the footsteps as they approached. Then there was silence. He could
sense that someone was nearby and watching him, but he remained quiet, waiting
for the intruders to speak. He was not going to give them any satisfaction by
showing his frustration and fear.

"Good afternoon Doctor." An unrecognizable voice broke the silence.
"How are you feeling?"

"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?" Sydney asked sharply.

"Doctor, where are your manners?" The voice mocked. "It is
impolite to answer a question with a question, and a distinguished professional
like you should know that."

Without warning, Sydney's head swung violently to the side as a fist made
contact with his forehead. The excruciating pain that erupted inside his head
almost made him lose consciousness, but someone grabbed his shirt viciously and
shook him until he was alert and back tothis place of uncertainty and
pain.

"I'M THE ONE ASKING THE QUESTIONS, UNDERSTOOD?" The voice said
furiously.

Sydney nodded obediently hoping that this madman would tell him what he
wanted from him.

"Good. See, that wasn't so difficult." The stranger replied as he
walked slowly around the bound man, like a predator stalking his prey. "Now;
you probably are wondering why we brought you here. Well, the time has come to
abolish the Centre." He paused to observe the older man's reaction. "And
you are going to help me accomplish this. It is time to put an end to the Parker
Legacy."

Sydney thought about the man's remark for a moment. All of the sudden,
Sydney felt a cold shiver run down his spine. He was part of the plan. He was
being used as bait to remove the main players, the Parkers.

"You are using me as bait to get to Miss Parker and the others."
Sydney said more as a statement than a question.

"The Parkers are not the only ones in my list DOCTOR." The voice
whispered in the old man's ear. "There is another who is more important to
the Centre and to you."

Sydney gasped as realization hit him. "Jarod" His lips divulged the
name before he could stop himself.

"Very good Doctor. You are a very clever man."

"Jarod will not fall for your trap." Sydney took a deep breath
trying to remain calm. "Besides, we haven't heard from him in a long time. He
has vanished."

"Not quite Doctor. I've been in contact with your Prodigy and he is
doing everything just like I predicted or like you would say simmed. Once again,
Jarod is the knight in shining armor." His captor laughed with satisfaction
and then walked away to answer his cell phone.

Sydney remained quiet as this new revelation launched him into a state of
shock, anger and desperation. His mind was in turmoil. He just could not
perceive the notion that Jarod would jeopardize his freedom and his life to
rescue him. 'Why would he do that for me?' Sydney shook his head in
disbelief. 'I contributed to the theft of his life. I aided the Centre in their
twisted experiments, while keeping him locked-up for over thirty years, and now
I'm helping the Centre to hunt him like an animal." I'm a monster just like
them.' As he was trying to analyze this inconceivable situation, a distant
memory flashed before him, bringing bitter tears to his tired eyes and making
his heart ache. It was the image of a young boy looking at him with love and
concern, and then he heard his words, "I'll be your family Sydney." The
same words he had tried to ignore and forget back then, but he never could
because he cared for that little boy. Now he understood Jarod's motives. He was
family, the only family that little boy had known during all his years of
captivity. As more tears streamed down his face and his throat tightened with
emotions, Sydney whispered a silent prayer for the man he had always seen as a
son, but was too much of a coward to let him know.

Suddenly, an angry roar was heard across the large room, bringing Sydney
out of his troubled thoughts.

"WHAT HAPPENED?"

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY TOOK HIM?" The voice said angrily.

"WHO TOOK HIM?"

"OKAY, FORGET IT." The man paused for a moment, and Sydney could
hear him pacing. "Move to the next stage of the operation and don't fail. You
know the consequences if you do."

Sydney remained quiet as the man approached him again. He didn't really
want to infuriate this lunatic any further, but he had a gut feeling that
something had gone terribly wrong with his plans and from his reaction, Jarod
was probably involved.

He could hear the man preparing something nearby. He could hear the
distinct sound of some plastic packaging being opened. With all his years of
experience as a doctor and working for the Centre, it didn't take long for
Sydney to figure out what was being prepared. It was some kind of intravenous
feeding.

"Okay Doctor, I know you're not going to like this, but we cannot have
you getting all dehydrated or starving during your captivity." The man said
as he put a tourniquet on Sydney's arm.

"This is really not necessary." Sydney said with as much control as
he could. "Why are you doing this, if you are going to kill me
anyways?"

Once again Sydney was struck repeatedly across the face without mercy,
while the psycho screamed his rules, "I'M THE ONE IN CONTROL HERE DOCTOR. I
WILL DECIDE WHEN IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO DIE, AND REMEMBER WHAT I TOLD YOU ABOUT
THE QUESTIONS."

Sydney could taste the blood on his lips as he nodded in compliance once
again. Trying to ignore the pain, he prayed that this madness would end soon,
but most importantly, he prayed for Jarod to stay away from this monster.

"Oh Doctor, I forgot to tell you. Your star pupil has run into some
problems in his quest to save you."

"What happened to Jarod?" The old man asked cautiously.

"Well, it seems that he was a little too close to the explosion that
killed Mr. Lyle and..."

"IS HE HURT?" Sydney interrupted again with concern clearly evident
in his voice. "WHERE IS HE?"

"Doctor, I don't like to be interrupted when I'm speaking." The
voice said with annoyance as he jabbed the needle into Sydney's arm, making the
old man grimace in pain.

"I was informed that your prodigy is once again under the care of the
Centre, and even though that was not part of my plan, it doesn't matter."
The man teased. "I have a back-up plan and I can assure you that it will be
successful with or without your pretender's help."

Sydney was stunned into silence with this new revelation. His heart sank
within him and the pain of his guilt was suffocating. He had sworn to Catherine
to protect them and ironically, he was being used as bait to lure them into a
deadly trap. And to make matters worse, Jarod was hurt and locked away in that
Hell again. "I'm sorry Catherine." Sydney murmured softly.

The sinister man walked around Sydney enjoying the evident torment the
psychiatrist was experiencing as a result of his little game. In one swift
motion the man reached forward and pulled the hood from his hostage's head.
Sydney looked up startled, but the brightness blinded him momentarily. Slowly,
his captor's face began to come into focus as his eyes adjusted to the light.
The psycho just stood there smirking at him.

"Why are you doing this?" Sydney words trembled with repugnance as
he tried to recognize the face before him. "You were the other..."

"I'm glad that you recognized me Doctor." The man interrupted.
"That's funny because we never had the pleasure of meeting personally, since
you were always too busy with your GENIUS." He paused and
laughed. "But after today, Jarod will only be a chapter in your
memoirs.

For a few moments, the two men stared at each other with a hatred that was
palpable. Sydney could feel his blood boiling in his veins, and if it wasn't for
his restraints, he would kill this psychopath with his own hands.

"YOU BASTARD, LEAVE JAROD ALONE. THE CENTRE IS THE ONE WHO KEPT YOU
PRISONER NOT JAROD." Sydney snapped furiously at the man. "THEY ARE THE
ONES WHO TURNED YOU INTO A SOCIOPATH."

Enraged, the man approached Sydney and punched him on the face. Placing
his hands on the arms of the chair, he leaned forward until his face was a few
inches from Sydney. He looked at the old man menacingly and said, "I REALLY
DON'T CARE DOCTOR. YOUR GENIUS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A THORN IN MY SIDE LIKE THE
CENTRE. THIS TIME I WILL BRING THE CENTRE TO ITS KNEES, I WILL DESTROY ALL THOSE
WHO BETRAYED ME, AND I WILL KILL JAROD." The disturbed man said with an evil
smile. "MY WRATH WILL ANNIHILATE THEM ALL."

Once again Sydney's world almost faded into blackness. Trying to remain
conscious after the brutal blow, Sydney blinked and shook his head slightly.
"You will not get away with this." Sydney slurred out. "If you hurt
Jarod or Miss Parker, I will kill you."

The madman ignored the old man's threats and walked away as his laughter
echoed through the huge empty warehouse.

Outside Lyle's apartment.

Sam pulled his cell phone from his breast pocket and glanced at the
unconscious man in the back seat of the town car. He still could not believe how
well his plan had work, and how quickly he had convinced the paramedics to
release the pretender under his care. Sam smiled as he recalled the look of
shock in Jarod's face when he saw him standing in the ambulance door.

He raised the phone to his ear and waited for the line to connect. After a
few minutes an irritated female voice answered.

"Miss Parker, this is Sam." The man straightened in his seat, as if
coming to attention, before giving his report.

"I don't know ma' am, the fire-fighters are still putting out the fire
and they had not recovered any bodies yet."

"Miss Parker, do you want me to wait here until I find out something
about Mr. Lyle's fate?" Sam listened carefully for his boss' next
order.

"No ma' am, Jarod is right here with me. He didn't get away this time."
Sam stated proudly.

"Sorry ma' am, but he is out cold." Sam paused for a moment before
explaining. "He was a little uncooperative and I had to use some force to
restrain him."

"No Miss Parker, I was able to take him away from the authorities
without problems." Sam proceeded to explain how his brilliant plan had
worked in capturing the elusive pretender. "I told the paramedics that Jarod
was my brother-in-law and that he had wondered off after having one too many
drinks." Sam grinned widely as he heard Miss Parker's laughter in
theline. "Then I added that if something happened to him, my sister would
just kill me! After that, they just handed him over to me without any
questions."

"Thank you Miss Parker." Sam replied beaming.

"DO YOU WANT ME TO TAKE HIM TO YOUR HOME?" Sam asked surprised.
"But Miss Parker..."

"No ma' am, there is no problem, is just that the paramedics told me
that he should be taken to a hospital. They said that he had a concussion and he
might have a few broken ribs." Sam looked over his shoulder to check on the
unconscious pretender. "Miss Parker, he got messed up pretty bad." Sam
said with some concern. "From what was left of Lyle's apartment, Jarod is
lucky to be alive."

"Okay, Miss Parker." The sweeper replied somewhat confused after
listening to his boss' instructions and latest development. Sam looked at his
watch; It was already 6:15pm. "Yes Miss Parker, I understand. I'm about half
an hour from your home. I'll meet you there." Noticeably puzzled, Sam stared
at the ruins of Lyle's apartment while he closed his cell phone and returned it
to his jacket breast pocket.

"Now that Mr. Raines and Mr. Lyle have gone the way of the dodo, who's
going to be running the show?" Sam asked himself. Before pulling away from
the curb, Sam looked back once more to check on his passenger and replied,
"Boy, you're in for quite a surprise when you wake up. I wouldn't want to be
in your shoes right now."

TBC

Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 6

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Thank you to the faithful readers who have left such
wonderful reviews: phi4858, Sirus183, Elisa and Nans. Hope that you will all
enjoy the rest of my story, and there are a few more surprises ahead in this
little adventure. Also a million thanks to my beta reader, Jaccione. Thanks and
Enjoy.

"It is impossible to go through life without trust. That is to be
imprisoned in the worst cell of all, oneself." Graham Greene.

Outside Mr. Raines' home

Terminating the conversation with Sam, Miss Parker closed her cell phone
slowly and stared silently at the darkness that engulfed the house of her former
boss and tormentor. The events of the past twelve hours had sent her world into
a state of total chaos. First, Sydney had mysteriously disappeared from the
Centre without explanation, and so far they had not found a single clue to his
whereabouts. Next, the two people who they thought were involved in Sydney's
disappearance had been conveniently eliminated. So now they were back to square
one. The only positive outcome of this whole situation was that Sam had managed
to capture Jarod, but even that good fortune could easily change, knowing how
Jarod always found a way to escape and ridicule her.

Nervously and unaware of her passenger's scrutinizing gaze, Miss Parker
began taping her fingers on the steering wheel as her hidden emotions betrayed
her and forced her to confront this new predicament. 'Why had her stomach
turned into knots when Sam had informed her about Jarod's injuries?'
Parker thought confused. 'She should care less about what could
happen to that annoying and conceited Lab Rat, and yet she just could not erase
the thoughts of his condition or what her life would be like without his
constant interventions, his constant mocking and his constant reminders to seek
the truth to their past.' Parker shook her head trying to dislodge these
unsettling thoughts from her mind, but undeniably they pointed to the one truth
she didn't want to admit. 'Jarod was and always had been her constant. No
matter how many times she had pushed him away or rejected him. He always came
back. Even though, she had not seen it until now or simply chose to ignore it,
Jarod still was that faithful friend from her childhood.' Her eyes
shimmered with unshed tears. "He never abandoned me." Parker
murmured to herself.

"Did you say something Miss Parker?" Broots' voice jolted her from
her reverie.

"What?" Parker answered disoriented. "No, nothing." Avoiding
Broots' eyes, Parker quickly started the car and sped away.

"Miss Parker, where are we going?" Broots asked cautiously, while
he held on for dear life to the handle of his door. "Did something
happen?"

"To my house, but first we have to stop by the pharmacy."

"The pharmacy?" Broots said surprised.

"Yes, we are going to need some pain killers and medical supplies."
Parker answered emotionless.

"Medical supplies?" Broots asked with interest. "Who's
hurt?"

"Jarod."

"What happened Miss Parker?" Broots voiced was now filled with
concern. "Is he hurt bad?"

"Why are you so worried about the Lab Rat anyways?" Parker said
coldly.

"Sorry Miss Parker, I...I know you don't like the guy but..."
Broots raised his hand in defense when the woman next to him shot daggers with
her look. "and...and you have plenty of reasons, but he's really not a bad
guy you know. Plus he's trying to help us find Sydney."

"Oh Great, first I had to endure Sydney's mothering, and now you want
to start a fan club for the Lab Rat." Parker said annoyed. "Did the
genius finally get into your head as well?"

"OH No Miss Parker, is not like that, it's just that...I owe Jarod."
Broots remained quiet for a moment, building up his courage to explain his
reasons. "Jarod helped me get my little girl back."

Miss Parker was baffled by Broots' revelation. Parker stared straight
ahead at the road not wanting to show her shock to the man sitting next to her.
'She just couldn't figure out Jarod. Why would he help the same people who
pursued him relentlessly and had kept him locked up most of his life? He was
truly an enigma and in a strange way that's what made him so special.'

After a few minutes of silence, Parker asked, "So what did Boy-Wonder
do to obtain your allegiance?"

"Jarod sent some information about my ex-wife's gambling to the court
during the custody trial, and that helped me get Debbie back." Broots
continued with apprehension. "Miss Parker, I know my job is to help you
capture him, but it doesn't mean I have to like it, or that I have to agree with
all the things the Centre has done to him and others."

"I know Broots, but now our main concern is to find Sydney." Parker
shot back, quickly changing the subject.

A few minutes later they arrived at a local pharmacy in Blue Cove. Parker
exited her car and rushed into the store with Broots at her heels. Within half
an hour they were out of the pharmacy with all the needed supplies and back on
the road en route to Miss Parker's house.

Miss Parker's home

It was 7:00p.m. by the time Miss Parker and Broots arrived at her home. As
she pulled into her driveway, Parker could see the black Centre sedan parked at
the curve. Just before stepping out of her car, Parker turned towards her
techie, her ice-queen mask back in place, and said "Broots get the supplies,
I need to talk to Sam."

Without any question, Broots grabbed the bag of supplies at his feet and
stepped out of the little sports car. Walking rapidly towards the steps that
lead to the porch, Broots looked around nervously as he remembered Jarod's
words, "Mr. Broots, You and Miss Parker are in grave danger." He hated to
be out here in the open. He felt like a sitting duck in a shooting gallery. Just
a few yards away, he could see Miss Parker talking to Sam, but there was no sign
of Jarod. He quickly climbed the steps to the porch and stood by the door
waiting for the others to come. "Come on Miss Parker." Broots mumbled
under his breath. His imagination was just running wild, and he already could
see a sniper in the bushes pointing his riffle at them. Unable to stay put any
longer, Broots dropped the plastic bag by the door and walked hurriedly down the
steps toward Miss Parker and Sam.

Miss Parker looked into the back seat, but it was too dark. All she could
see was a body stretched out on its side.

"Is he awake?" Parker asked dryly.

"He was moving around a little," Sam lean forward and looked into
the backseat. "but I think he's still kind of spaced out from the bump on the
head."

"Okay, get him out of there." Parker ordered.

"Yes ma' am!" Sam replied firmly and opened the back door.

Immediately, Sam reached in and tapped Jarod on the leg. "Jarod
wake-up, come on."

Jarod blinked and struggled to sit up, but his disorientation and
dizziness forced him back down again. The voice that called to him sounded
muffled, but he started to recognize it. It was Miss Parker's sweeper, Sam. He
knew that he had to think of something fast to get away from this gorilla before
the others came, but it was not going to be easy in his present condition. He
would only have one chance.

When Sam reached in again and grabbed his handcuffs to pull him out, Jarod
gathered all his remaining strength and kicked the man in the groin as hard as
he could.

Groaning in excruciating pain the sweeper flew back crashing into Broots.
The momentum sent both men to the ground in a mass of tangled bodies. Infuriated
by the spectacle, Miss Parker rolled her eyes and drew her gun from her holster,
ready to handle the situation.

Unaware of Miss Parker's presence, Jarod stumbled out of the car ready to
take flight. When he turned around, he came face to face with his huntress
pointing her 9mm at his heart. Jarod was too stunned to even move and all he
could do was stare at Miss Parker angrily. She had not changed much since their
last meeting on that damned island, and seeing her again just helped reopen a
bleeding wound.

"Looks like the chase is over Jarod." Parker said with an icy
smile. "Well this is a surprise; the great pretender is rendered
speechless."

Parker slowly approached the tall man, stopping only a couple of feet
away. She shuddered at the sight before her. The pretender was gasping for
breath and his face was ashen with shock. There were scratches on his face, a
visible contusion on his stubble covered chin and he had a bandage on the left
side of his forehead. His face and hair looked about the same as the last time
she saw him on the Island of Carthis, but there was something different and
frightening about him. Jarod's face had a look of anguish and defeat. Suddenly a
flash of lighting brought a painful memory back to life. The images began to
play in her mind, like a movie. She was back on that cursed island, kneeling in
a dark and desolate cemetery while the freezing rain poured down on her and
blended with her tears. She had just discovered the evil legacy of the Parker
family and who she was. All of the sudden Jarod was standing next to her. He was
soaking wet and his hair was already plastered to his face. Jarod looked down at
her with concern and asked, "Miss Parker, are you alright? What's wrong?"
Once again, Jarod was there at her side supporting her during another
difficult moment in her life.

"I hope you're ready to kill me this time, because I'm not going back
to the Centre." Jarod shot back furiously, jolting her out of her
reverie.

Parker was surprised by Jarod's angry outburst, but the pain in his eyes
betrayed his words. The same pain and sadness she had seen in her friend's eyes
so many years ago, but ignored. Maybe this time she would not look away.

"Well, that's up to you Jarod." Parker said harshly.

Before Miss Parker was able to react, Sam was back on his feet and
launching at the cuffed man. Jarod suddenly realized that kicking the burly
sweeper in the groin was a big mistake. The huge man wanted to settle the score,
and from the fire in his eyes, he was ready to rip off the pretender's head. In
the confusion, Miss Parker was pushed aside and landed on her butt on the lawn.
Jarod was able to block Sam's first blow to his face, but hindered by the cuffs
and his injuries, he was unable to stop the following punch to his side. Jarod
gasped in pain as he fell against the parked car and finally crumbled to the
ground, twisted in agony. Just before his world faded into darkness, he heard
Miss Parker's angry voice and those beautiful legs moving towards him and the
form that stood above him.

"SAM, STOP!" Parker shouted. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE
DOING?"

"Sorry Miss Parker, I wasn't thinking." Sam said embarrassed.
"It will not happen again."

"IT BETTER NOT!" Parker said fuming. "Right now, I need Jarod in
one piece and thinking straight to help us find Sydney." Parker took a deep
breath to calm herself and then continued in a murderous tone, "When this is
over I don't care if you two tear each other to pieces, but for now HANDS
OFF, UNDERSTOOD?"

"Yes ma' am." Sam replied obediently but very surprised at Miss
Parker's reaction.

Parker looked down at the unconscious man and then over at Broots who was
still sitting on the lawn with his mouth agape. "Are you planning to sit
there all night and look at the stars or are you going to come here and help
Sam?"

"OH Yes Miss Parker, I'm sorry." Broots said and jumped to his
feet.

Without delay, both men carried the unconscious pretender into the house
before any of the neighbors reported the disturbance. Once inside the house,
Parker ordered Sam and Broots to put Jarod in the guest room and handcuff him to
the bed post.

While the men were taking Jarod to the guest room, Parker rushed to her
den and got her laptop. When she returned to the living room, Broots was there
waiting for her.

Parker handed the laptop to the techie as she clear an area on the coffee
table for Broots to work. "Here, get to work. Go to the Centre's mainframe
and see if you can find something on Sydney."

"Okay Miss Parker, but I checked this morning and I couldn't find
anything." Broots rubbed his balding head nervously. "Miss Parker do you
think Sydney is still alive?"

Parker looked at Broots sharply, but immediately softened her demeanor.
She hated to admit this, but that thought had crossed her mind numerous times
today. "Lets hope so." She finally said her voice low and filled with
concern. Then Parker looked at Broots questionably and asked, "Where's
Sam?"

"He's standing guard outside the room where we put Jarod." Broots
answered as he began to type frantically on the laptop.

"Call me if you find something." Parker removed her jacket and
threw it on the back of the couch. "I'm going to make some coffee."
Parker sighed tiredly as she walked towards the kitchen. "It's going to be a
long night."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

In a state of half consciousness, Jarod could hear his own moaning. Slowly
his eyes fluttered open, he raised his head slightly and started to scan the
surroundings nervously. The room was almost in total darkness, except for the
faint light of a small lamp. At first he could not remember how he got there or
where he was, but a photo on the night table brought back the events of the past
few hours. "Miss Parker's home." Jarod hissed to himself as he dropped
his head back down on the pillow. He felt wretched and the pain on his side had
worsened to a point that the mere act of breathing made it almost unbearable.
Cautiously, he tried to raise himself up on his elbows, but painfully discovered
he was cuffed to the bed post. The awkward movement put more strain on his sore
ribs and caused him to cry out in pain.

At the sound of Jarod's groan, Sam rushed into the room and turned on the
room light. The sudden brightness made the pretender shield his eyes with his
free arm, while his eyes adjusted to the assaulting glare. When Sam's face came
into focus, both men stared at each other angrily for a few minutes in a deadly
silence. Struggling and biting down against the pain Jarod managed to sit up,
without taking his eyes away from the menacing sweeper.

"Are you here to finish the job for Miss Parker?" Jarod hissed at
the sweeper.

"Unfortunately not, Lab Rat." Sam spat angrily. "Today is your
lucky day. Miss Parker needs you in one piece; otherwise, you would be pushing
up daisies like Lyle and Mr. Raines."

"WHAT?" Jarod gasped. "MR. RAINES IS DEAD ALSO?"

"Yeah, Dead as a door nail." Sam replied with a smirk.

Jarod just sat stunned for a few minutes. He still could not believe the
fact that Mr. Raines and Lyle were really dead. "This is not good." Jarod
murmured softly. "He's eliminating all the top players and that means Miss
Parker is next."

"What are you mumbling about?" Sam asked annoyed. "You're
beginning to sound like Angelo."

"Sam Listen carefully!" Jarod said with a concerned look on his
face. "You need to get Miss Parker and Broots away from here. Whoever killed
Raines and Lyle is planning to kill them too."

"How do you know this?" Sam shot back suspiciously. "For all we
know, you might be the killer. As a matter of fact, you are the number one
suspect in Miss Parker's list."

"WHAT?" Jarod growled in pain and held his side, while gasping for
breath. Sam's revelation had shocked him, causing him to jerk in anger.
"Why...would...Miss Parker...think...that...I...Killed...them?"

"Because they kept you locked-up for over thirty years, they've used
you, they've tortured you and they tried to kill your family." Miss Parker
said with spite as she entered the room. "Jarod, everyone has a breaking
point, and I believe you have reached yours. IT WAS TIME FOR
RETRIBUTION."

"NO MISS PARKER, YOU'RE WRONG." Jarod's eyes held her for a moment.
When he spoke again, his voice was low and shaking, "Miss Parker, you know I
could never kill them...they held the secret to my past." Jarod closed his
eyes and leaned back against the head board defeated. He was trying to remain
calm, but he just couldn't stop the uncontrollable trembling from the cold, pain
and shock.

"Sam leave us alone, and go see if Broots found something about
Sydney." Parker said over her shoulder as she stared blankly at the shaken
pretender.

"Are you sure Miss Parker?"

"Yes, Go. I'll be fine."

Trying to remain calm, Parker walked to the window and pulled the curtain
aside. She stared into the darkness for a few minutes in order to slow down her
breathing, but it was useless. She felt like her heart was going to jump out of
her chest. She didn't even want to look at him. She was not ready to confront
him after what happened back on that damn island. 'This is ridiculous.'
Parker scolded herself inwardly. 'I'm in control here and I'm not going
to allow him to do this to me again.'

When she finally turned to look at Jarod, he was deep in thought. 'He's
probably simming a plan of escape.' Parker thought as she stared angrily at
the pretender and decided to make her move. Without warning, she stalked towards
the bed making Jarod jerk in surprise and moaned in pain. He was still shivering
miserably, but she quickly looked away and ignored him. She reached into the
night table and grabbed her cigarettes and a lighter. After she lit the
cigarette she began pacing the room casually.

Jarod looked at her in shock. He thought that maybe she would at least ask
about his injuries or how he felt, but she would not even look at him. In the
past six years she had threatened to shoot him many times and he knew she could
have done that on numerous occasions, but deep inside he always believed that
she would not harm him intentionally. Maybe he was wrong after all.

"OKAY JAROD, TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?" Parker growled as
her eyes bore into him. "WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SYDNEY'S
DISAPPEARANCE?"

"Miss Parker, I only know what Broots told me and what..." Jarod
stopped himself. He was not about to reveal his source inside the Centre. With
all the new developments, the Centre might be in its final hours, but his friend
was still trapped in the pits of that Hell.

"WHAT?" Parker shouted.

Jarod blinked and covered his eyes with his free hand as a wave of
dizziness and pain overwhelmed him. "Wait, give me a minute." Jarod
murmured softly.

"Are you alright?" Parker asked almost inaudibly.

Jarod ran his hand through his wet and tousled hair and slowly reopened
his eyes. When his eyes met Parkers, to his surprise, her eyes held a look of
concern, but she quickly diverted her gaze.

"It's my head. It feels like it's going to explode." He said with a
weak smile. "Then I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round."

"Do you want something for the pain?" Parker asked avoiding his
eyes.

"Not now, let me finish telling you what I've discovered." Jarod
pulled against the cuffs on his left wrist accidentally and growled in pain
again. Holding his side tightly with his free arm he took in a few slow breaths
and then continued. "Someone was blackmailing Lyle. This person was
threatening to send information to the Triumvirate about Lyle's dealings with
the Yakuza and other notorious organizations, plus informing the authorities
about Lyle's cannibalistic activities and the possible connection to all those
unsolved murders of Asian women." Jarod said with disgust.

"But why did they take Sydney?" Parker asked confused.

"They are using him as bait." Jarod replied in a dangerous
voice.

"They?" Parker replied.

"Yes, one person alone could not carry out this plan." Jarod was
silent for a moment. "Miss Parker, whoever is behind this is eliminating all
the top players. It's not a matter of blackmail anymore."

"I don't understand." Parker frowned.

"Miss Parker with Raines and Lyle gone...you might be next on the
list." Jarod looked at Parker with concern.

Slowly in a daze, Parker lowered herself at the foot of the bed and sat
there motionless. Jarod's revelation had made the hairs on the back of her neck
stand up straight. Jarod was probably right. Since the beginning of this ordeal,
her inner sense had been giving her warnings, but she just refused to listen.
Maybe if she had listened, Sydney would be safe now.

"Miss Parker, are you alright?" Jarod leaned forward cautiously
trying to reach her hand.

Parker leapt off the bed and moved out of his reach. She didn't want Jarod
to see her vulnerable. She had to be strong and she was not going to allow him
to manipulate her emotions like he had done in the past. When she looked at him
again, her face had turned serious. "Tell me Jarod, why were you at Lyle's
apartment when the explosion occurred?"

Jarod sighed tiredly and reclined his head back against the headboard.
"I received an e-mail about a meeting between Lyle and the blackmailer in a
warehouse outside of Dover."

"So you know who's behind this?" Parker asked hopefully.

"No, due to the bad weather, I arrived at the meeting a little late."
Jarod stopped and rubbed his eyes again. "I didn't have enough time to
get into a good position to observe the meeting." Jarod yanked the cuffs in
frustration. "I couldn't see the face of the man meeting with Lyle."

"DID YOU HEAR ANY OF THE EXCHANGE, WAS THIS GUY ALONE, DO YOU THINK
THIS PERSON IS SOMEONE FROM THE CENTRE, THINK JAROD!" Parker demanded
almost in a panic.

"NO, I DON'T KNOW!" Jarod shouted back. "But there was something
very familiar about this guy." Jarod said thoughtfully and remained silent
for a moment as if watching the event all over again in his mind.

"JAROD!" Parker snapped at the distracted pretender.
"What else happened in the meeting?"

"Lyle gave the man a folder and he received a briefcase in
return."

"What do you think was in the folder Lyle exchanged?" Parker
whispered.

"I don't know Miss Parker." Jarod rubbed his eyes trying to stay
focused. He was still shaking pretty badly and the pain in his head made it
difficult to think. "Parker, I tried to follow the other guy, but I think
Lyle was instructed to wait a while before leaving. So, I was stuck there."
Jarod said with a tone of defeat.

"So you decided to follow Lyle Instead." Parker finished for
him.

"Yes, I was going to try to get some information from him, but...You
know the rest." Jarod said as he stared into her eyes. All of the sudden he
started to sneeze and the jerking of his body made him groan in pain once
again. "Damn it" Jarod hissed as he put pressure on his ribs and closed
his eyes tightly.

Jarod's face was contorted in pain as he tried to find a comfortable
position within the limitations of the restraint. Parker glanced at him with
concern, but immediately looked away again. "Am I doing the right thing?"
Parker murmured to herself feeling totally lost, but in the back of her mind,
her inner sense was telling her to Trust him. She had seen the pain and concern
in his eyes, and deep in her heart she knew that Jarod would never hurt her or
Sydney. Now they both wanted the same thing, to save Sydney. Maybe it was time
to accept his help and have a truce, at least until Sydney was back safe. Once
again she heard her inner sense, Trust him. To her relief, there was a knock at
the door, taking her attention away from the man in agony and her
dilemma.

"Come in." Parker called.

"Miss Parker, is everything alright?" Sam asked from the doorway.
"I heard some shouting."

"Everything is fine Sam." Parker answer dryly. "Did Broots find
anything?"

"No ma' am, nothing yet." Sam answered and frowned when he looked
towards themoaning pretender on the bed. "Miss Parker can I get something for
you or...Jarod?"

"No Thanks Sam."

As soon as Sam left the room, Parker came to a decision. Without any
explanation, she headed for the door and said over her shoulder, "Don't move.
I'll be right back."

Jarod just lifted his head from the pillow and commented sarcastically,
"Don't worry, I'm having too much fun to leave you now."

"Well, I'm glad you're enjoying your stay Jarod." Parker shot back
and exited the room.

Parker rushed past the living room without even looking at the two stunned
men sitting there. Once in the kitchen, she immediately headed for the coffee
pot and served herself a cup of the warm liquid. She closed her eyes and savored
its reviving aroma with all her senses. After refilling her cup again, she
grabbed the plastic bag with the medical supplies and a bottle of water. Upon
reentering the living room, Parker took her jacket from the couch and approached
Broots, who was engrossed in his search of the Centre's mainframe.

"Anything yet Broots?"

"Not much Miss Parker. All I got so far is an e-mail from my friend
Wincky. You know the guy with the facial tic that works down in the
infirmary."

"Sorry we haven't had the pleasure." Parker looked at Broots
frustrated. "Well, what did you friend say?"

"Oh yes, Wincky said that early today, around 7:30a.m., there was some
kind of disturbance down in the infirmary. They had a lock-down and Mr. Lyle was
down there shouting orders to the doctors and nurses." Broots punched a few
more keys and then pointed toward the screen. "Look at this Miss Parker, the
Centre's helicopter flight log shows a transport from the Centre to an
unspecified location at 7:40a.m."

"I knew that Bastard was behind Sydney's disappearance." Parker said
fuming, and then she patted Broots' shoulder and said, "Good Job Broots, keep
looking."

As Miss Parker entered the hallway towards the guest room, Sam followed
her and asked with concern, "Miss Parker are you sure that it's safe for you
to be in the room alone with Jarod?"

"Don't worry Sam, I can handle him." Parker smiled and walked back
to the room.

In a huff, Sam entered the living room and started pacing nervously. He
didn't like what Miss Parker was doing. Jarod was a dangerous man and he would
do anything to regain his freedom. If something happened to Miss Parker, he
could never forgive himself.

"What's wrong with you?" Broots asked curiously.

"I don't like the idea of Miss Parker being in there alone with the Lab
Rat." Sam replied angrily.

Broots snickered and when Sam glared back he continued, "Don't worry
Sam, Miss Parker can take care of herself, plus Jarod would never harm
her."

"I'm not so sure of that." Sam said with distrust.

"Broots looked at Sam and smiled, "At first, I didn't trust Jarod
either, but lately I've started to see the real picture."

"Broots, what are you talking about?" Sam shot back with a
quizzical look.

"Jarod would never hurt Miss Parker, in fact he would willingly risk
his life for her and he has done that in the past."

"You're telling me that those two have a thing for each other?" Sam
asked in shock.

"What was her reaction when you told her about Jarod being hurt in the
explosion?" Broots stared expectantly at the confused sweeper.

"I really don't know, but she was silent for a moment."

"Sam I was sitting next to her in the car and I saw her face.
She looked pretty shocked and concern." Broots whispered.

"I'll be damned! No wonder the Lab Rat remained free all these years."
Sam scratched his head and thought for a moment. "That's why she almost
ripped my head off when I clobbered Jarod outside."

"Well my friend, if I were you I would listen to her warning about
HANDS OFF." Broots said as he raised his eyebrows and nodded at
Sam.

After a few minutes of silence, Sam looked at Broots seriously and asked,
"Do you think Jarod killed Mr. Raines and Lyle?"

"No, I don't think so." Broots answered quickly without hesitation.
"Jarod is not a cold blooded killer."

With a look of repugnance Sam locked eyes with Broots and said, "Well
let me tell you something, with the atrocities that I have seen those two
monsters inflict upon Jarod and others at the Centre. It's motive enough, and if
I were Jarod, I would have killed those two bastards a long time
ago."

Broots felt nauseous after hearing Sam's remark. He nodded in agreement
and returned his attention back to the screen in front of him and his search for
their missing friend.

"This is weird." Broots frowned.

"What?" Sam quickly crossed the room and stood next to Broots, his
attention instantly on the computer screen. "Did you find something on the
Doc?"

"I don't know yet, but there is a new message in Sydney's e-mail. It
was sent to him about an hour ago."

"Well, open it up Broots, maybe it's some news about the Doctor."
Impatiently, Sam slapped the techie on the shoulder to make his point.

"OUCH!...Okay...okay, I'm hurrying." Broots complained as he rubbed
his shoulder while waiting for Sydney's personal mail to open. "Okay, here it
is."

"What is it?"

"I don't understand." Broots scratched his balding head puzzled.
"It's a newspaper article about a young woman that was killed in a car
accident early today. It says that the police are investigating the accident and
they suspect foul play. There is a picture but no name. She was beautiful."
When Broots glanced at Sam, his eyes were fixated onthe photograph.

"Sam do you know who she is?"

"I'm not sure Broots, but she looks very familiar."

"Maybe Miss Parker knows who she is." Broots said
hopefully.

Sam's suspicious nature immediately told him this was no accident. There
was something very wrong with this picture, and this woman's death was probably
another missing piece of a very twisted puzzle. He looked at the face of his
nervous friend and said almost inaudibly, "I don't know Broots, but I have a
real bad feeling about this."

TBC

Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 7

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Thanks for the wonderful reviews to rev2004, phi4858,
sirus183, NYT, pretender fan, and Nans. Hope that you guys don't mind the long
chapters. This little adventure is almost over and even though this chapter is
about inner battles, I promise the chapters ahead will have a lot of action and
surprises. Thanks again and enjoy.

"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment
if you do not trust enough." Frank Crane

Miss Parker's home

As Parker re-entered the guest room, she noticed that it was too quiet.
Very slowly she placed her jacket and the plastic bag on a chair and moved
toward the bed. When she got closer, she could not control the smile that came
to her lips. Jarod had managed to wrap himself with the bedcover with his cuffed
arm stretched above his face, while he lay on his side. It didn't look very
comfortable, but somehow he had managed to doze off. 'Leave it to boy genius to
always find a solution to every problem.' Parker thought to herself.

Regretfully, she put down her warm cup of coffee on the night table and
proceeded to wake up the sleepy pretender. "Jarod, wake-up" Parker called
as she tapped him on the shoulder gently. Jarod woke with a start and gasped as
the sudden movement punished his ribs again. When he turned over and saw Parker
so close, his heart almost jumped out of his chest.

They stared at each other for a moment and then she broke the silence with
a very non-Parker soothing voice, "Jarod, try to sit up so you can take
something for the pain, plus we need to put some tape on those
ribs."

With his heart still racing, Jarod just nodded in understanding and slowly
moved the covers away. As he pushed himself to a sitting position, he stared at
Parker with shock and distrust. 'Why is she being so nice to me now?'
Jarod thought with dread. 'Maybe while I was asleep, she called a sweeper
team to take me back to the Centre?' Not being able to stand the suspense
any longer, Jarod took a deep breath and asked his huntress in a subdued voice,
"Are you taking me back to the Centre?"

"Not at the moment." Parker said dryly as she handed Jarod the
aspirin and the bottle of water. "You better take a few of those before we
start taping your ribs."

Jarod decided not to push his luck and complied with her orders, plus he
really needed the pain medication. With any luck, as soon as he felt a little
stronger, he would start looking for an opportunity to escape. He had to get
away from here to help Sydney and at the same time keep Parker safe. Jarod knew
that he was also a target and staying near Parker was making it easier for the
person behind this hit. As long as Miss Parker had Sam with her, she would be
safe, but her stubbornness to do things her way could have deadly consequences
for Sydney and all those around her. Whoever was behind this twisted little game
was out for blood and it wouldn't be long before he made his next move.

Lost in his thought, Jarod didn't notice when Miss Parker approached him
and reached for the handcuffs. When he felt her hand against his wrist, Jarod
was jolted from his reverie.

Jarod frowned at Miss Parker, but before he was able to question her
actions, she interrupted him, "This is only temporary Jarod. I'm declaring a
truce until we find Sydney, but after that, it's back to You Run and I Chase,
and Jarod don't try anything stupid because I will not hesitate to shoot you;
UNDERSTOOD?"

"Perfectly." Jarod replied seriously.

"Okay, get up and take off your jacket and shirt so we can tape your
ribs." Parker said sharply as she went to get the medical supplies out of
the bag.

Trying to avoid putting more strain on his sore ribs, Jarod moved very
slowly to the edge of the bed and sat there for a moment as the room began to
spin once more. He closed his eyes and carefully removed his jacket, hoping that
the wave of dizziness would pass, but it was useless, he was back on that darn
merry-go-round. When Jarod reopened his eyes, he blinked trying to focus on her
face. Parker stood in front of him, arms cross at her chest with a questionable
look on her face. 'She really was stunning, but very unpredictable.'
Jarod mused as he stared in awe at the somewhat blurred but very beautiful
image of this woman.

"Well?...We don't have all night Jarod. Stand up!" Parker demanded
avoiding his eyes and completely unaware that most of the color had drained from
his face.

Not wanting to anger the demanding woman, Jarod obeyed and pushed himself
up from the bed, but immediately swayed to one side uncontrollably. When Parker
saw the pretender loosing his balance, she dashed forward and tried to hold him
up by wrapping her arms around his waist, but he was too heavy for her and they
both crashed to the floor cursing and groaning.

"I'm sorry Miss Parker." Jarod cried out. "I...I didn't mean
to..."

"OH, JUST SHUT UP JAROD AND GET OFF OF ME!" Parker growled at the
man holding her and practically lying on top of her.

"So...sorry Miss Parker. I...I got really dizzy and..." In the
panic he could not even think straight, much less speak. Jarod released the
infuriated woman from his arms and scooted away from her before she decided to
pull out her gun and shoot him right there. In a state of shock, he stared at
the retreating figure as he sat on the floor leaning against the bed panting and
holding his repeatedly bruised ribs.

Angry and embarrassed at the whole situation, Parker jumped to her feet
and rushed into the restroom slamming the door behind her. She just needed to
get away from him and get a hold on her emotions. The feelings that had
assaulted her body and mind during that awkward moment had her shaking and she
knew that sooner or later she would have to face those feelings and come to a
decision. Parker looked at her tired eyes in the mirror and whispered,
"Jarod, I guess you are not the only one running away." Trancelike, she
turned on the faucet and splashed her face with cold water. She had to control
her emotions, she was a Parker and all her life she had been taught to hide her
feelings behind that mask, but she was tired of the lies, the pain and the
loneliness. Without warning, her mind wondered off and was invaded by his
torturing questions and revelations, "How did we end-up like this? Alone and
searching. It's Ironic, because we both want the same things. Someone to care
about ; someone to care about us." She was trying to be strong, but she
could feel her throat tightening and the tears streaming down her face. "Do
you think we will ever find that kind of Love in our Lives?"

Parker covered her ears with both hands and screamed inwardly,"JAROD
STOP PLEASE!" Emotionally exhausted she leaned against the bathroom
wall and slid down to the floor. She just sat there with her arms wrapped around
her knees and her head lowered, waiting for her heart and breathing to slow down
and the tears to stop. She could not let Jarod see her like this.

"WHY DO I ALWAYS LET HER DO THIS TO ME?" Jarod scolded himself as
the torturing thoughts pounded inside his aching head. 'One look, one touch
and I forget all the times she had hurt me and rejected me. Why do I allow all
those suppressed feelings to come rushing back like a broken dam?' "SHE
HATES ME!...WHY CAN'T I SEE THAT? But she has made it very clear this time. We
will find Sydney and then it's back to the Hunt." He ran his shakyhands
through his hair as he shook his head in disbelief. Finally he closed his eyes
and leaned back against the side of the bed trying to slow down his heart and
ease the pain and anger he felt inside. But he could not stop the tears from
welling in his eyes nor the feelings of desire for her that burned a hole
through his heart. Jarod wiped his eyes dry, and vowed silently to himself with
determination, "Well, you're wrong Miss Parker. This time the game is over.
Is time for me to say goodbye and vanish." He stoppedfor a moment taking a
deep breath. "Maybe someday I'll find someone who will love me
unconditionally and will help me forget the nightmares, the pain, and
You."

"WHERE IS MISS PARKER?" Sam's angry voice snapped Jarod from his
emotional torment.

When Jarod looked up with wide-eyed shock, he came face to face with Sam
and his 9mm revolver. Immediately, Jarod raised his hand in the air and tried to
calm the agitated and vindictive sweeper before he decided to take matters into
his own hands. "WAIT SAM! CALM DOWN! SHE'S IN THE RESTROOM." Jarod said
pointing at the closed door. "Don't worry Sam, I'm not going
anywhere."

"I'll make sure of that genius." Sam spat back gritting his teeth.

After a few minutes of nerve wracking silence, Jarod locked eyes with the
distrustful man and asked in a very low voice, "Sam, can I ask you a
favor?"

"You're not in a position to be asking for favors Jarod." Sam said
dryly.

"The favor is not for me."

"What do you want?" Sam asked suspiciously.

"Sam, don't let Miss Parker out of your sight whatever you do."
Jarod looked at the restroom door before continuing. "She is in grave
danger. Whoever killed Mr. Raines and Lyle will come after her as
well."

"How do you know this?"

"I just know. Trust me."

When Sam didn't reply, Jarod looked into his cold and unmoving gaze and
pleaded with concern in his voice, "SAM PLEASE!"

After contemplating the pretender's request for a moment and seeing the
despair in his eyes, Sam nodded in agreement. "Don't worry genius, I know how
to do my job, and as long as I'm Miss Parker's personal sweeper, no harm will
come to her."

"Thank you Sam." Jarod said and sighed relieved, without noticing
the questionable look of the man pointing the gun at his heart.

Sam smiled inwardly at his new discovery, 'Looks like Mr. Broots was
right after all. The great pretender had feelings for the indomitable Miss
Parker.'

Curiosity was just eating him alive, and when Sam was about to ask the
pretender about his forewarning and the reasons for his concerns about his
huntress' wellbeing, the restroom door flew open and Miss Parker stalked into
the room.

"SAM, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Parker asked surprised, finding her
sweeper pointing his gun at Jarod.

"Miss Parker, I heard a loud noise coming from the room and I thought
you needed help." Sam said still holding the gun on Jarod.

Parker glanced over at Jarod, who was still sitting on the floor like an
idiot and then replied with annoyance, "Okay Sam, never mind that; help Jarod
off the floor."

Sam obediently returned the gun back to its holster on his belt and
complied with Parker's orders without question. Still watching the pretender
like a hawk, Sam approached his boss and whispered, "Miss Parker do you want
me to stay and watch Jarod, since he has no restraints at the
moment?"

"No Sam, that's not necessary. Go back to the living room."

"Okay Miss Parker. Do you need anything else?"

"Oh yes, bring me some more coffee."

"Yes ma' am, right away."

As soon as Sam left the room, Parker grabbed the plastic bag with the
medical supplies and approached Jarod on the bed. The pretender just sat there
silently staring at the floor and ignoring her every move. Miss Parker found his
behavior very strange, since Jarod usually acted very cocky and enjoyed teasing
her to a point of desperation. This was not the Jarod she knew. He was like in a
daze and his eyes held so much sorrow it bothered her in a way she didn't
expect, but once again she swallowed her feelings and hid behind her ice queen
mask.

"Well, are you just going to sit there and stare at the floor boards
all night?" Parker said irritated, but when Jarod did not respond to her
harsh words, she continued in a less heated tone. "Jarod stand up and take
off your shirt so we can tape your ribs."

Without looking at the woman standing next to him, Jarod stood very
cautiously, removed his black T-shirt and simply dropped it on the floor. When
Parker looked at his side, she gasped with shock. Jarod's complete left side of
his ribcage was covered by an ugly deep purple contusion. Just looking at the
injury made her nauseous, and she wondered how he could still move around in
that condition. Parker took a deep breath, pulled out the roll of medical tape
and said with apprehension, "Jarod, I'm going to need your guidance here. I'm
no doctor."

"Okay Miss Parker." Jarod answered almost inaudibly. "Just wrap
my entire ribcage, but not too tight, so that it won't hinder my
breathing."

When Parker touched his side slightly to start wrapping his ribs, Jarod
flinched in pain but he did not complain aloud.

"Sorry." Parker said but avoided looking at his face.

Jarod closed his eyes and took slow breaths as Parker started to tape his
ribs with a lot more caution and gentleness that he expected. She never ceased
to amaze him. One minute she was threatening to put a bullet in him and now she
was trying to fix his injuries. Due to her closeness and uncommon tenderness,
Jarod found himself fighting those feelings for her again. But it was useless,
Parker was so close that he could smell the floral scent of her hair as if
brushed pass his face, and it was driving him crazy. This was pure torture and
she was probably enjoying it. After all, in the past he had played quite a few
nasty tricks on her which had put her into very uncomfortable situations. Jarod
sighed heavily and hoped that she would finish soon.

"Are you alright?" Parker asked with concern.

"Yeah fine, just tired."

When Sam returned to the room with Miss Parker's coffee, he looked over at
the scene before him and frowned. It was quite ironic, Miss Parker playing nurse
and caring for the man she had threaten to shoot earlier. She was really
unpredictable and Jarod had no idea how lucky he was.

"Miss Parker here is your coffee." Sam announced. "Do you need
any help?"

"No thanks, I'm almost done here." Parker answered without raising
her eyes from her job. "Did Broots find anything?"

"Well, I'm not sure."

"WHAT?... What did Broots find?"

"It was some newspaper article that was sent to Sydney's e-mail about
the death of a young woman in a car accident."

"WHAT?" Jarod asked in sudden panic. "Did...did it give you a
name or a picture?"

"No name, only a picture." Sam continued. "White female, maybe
early thirties, red ha..." Before Sam had a chance to finish the sentence,
Jarod had pulled away from Parker and was headed for the door.

"JAROD STOP!" Parker yelled.

Alarmed by Parker's raised voice, Sam drew his weapon and pointed it at
the tall man, blocking his exit. "AND WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?"

Jarod froze on the spot and locked eyes with Sam's fierce stare. He had to
see that picture right now. Something inside told him that another innocent
victim had fallen because of him. Jarod could feel the panic rising inside and
his stomach was all tied up in knots. He looked at Sam with fear in his eyes.

"SAM PLEASE! I NEED TO SEE THAT PICTURE." Jarod begged. "I MIGHT
KNOW THIS PERSON."

Parker came from behind and grabbed Jarod by the arm, trying to guide him
back to the bed, but the pretender was too agitated to reason with anybody.
Jarod continued to stand up to the armed sweeper, determined to leave the room.
Parker knew that she had to think of something quick, because Jarod was acting
irrational and she didn't want to see him get hurt any further. In a swift move,
Parker grabbed his arm and spun him around to make him look at her face. Jarod
flinched from the sudden jerking motion, but his attention was immediately
captured by the concern in Parker's deep blue orbs.

"Jarod listen to me." Parker said in a soothing voice.
"You will see the picture, but first let me finish taping your
ribs."

Once again, Jarod was surprised by Parker's gentleness, and after a moment
of hesitation he sighed with defeat and nodded in agreement. As Parker guided
Jarod back to the bed, she looked at Sam, who was still holding the gun on the
pretender and with a quick glance signaled the sweeper to leave the
room.

Without further resistance, Jarod walked back to the bed and sat down
heavily. Visibly distressed, he closed his eyes and ran his hands through his
hair. He had to think of a plan to put an end to this nightmare, but first he
had to escape from here, before the madman behind this diabolical plan claimed
more victims.

Parker kept a wary eye on the distraught man while she finished putting
the last pieces of tape around his torso. From the look on his face, she could
tell that Jarod was mentally and physically exhausted, but at the same time he
was already planning his next move. 'Jarod I can read you like a book.'
Parker thought and smiled inwardly.

"There, all done." Parker said with pride. "How does it
feel?"

"Fine...Thanks." Jarod said dryly.

When Parker grabbed his T-shirt from the floor, she noticed that it was
soaking wet. "Jarod this shirt is all wet!" Parker said with concern and
anger. "Why didn't you tell me your clothes were drenched? You idiot, do you
want to catch pneumonia?"

"Since when do you care?"

Parker stared at him menacingly but decided to ignore his hurtful words.
She really didn't want to start a fight with Jarod right now. They needed each
other and had to get alone for Sydney's sake, but after this crisis was over she
was going to kick his ass all the way back to the Centre at the first chance.

Without looking at him she said with irritation, "I'll get you some dry
clothes."

Parker walked over to the small armoire and slowly opened its door, as if
she was entering a sacred place. There she kept some of Thomas' clothes.
Something she would always treasure, because they represented a very short time
in her life when she had found true love. Slowly she reached in and ran her
fingers along the fabric of the shirt that hung in front of her. As soon as her
fingers touched the red flannel shirt, the memories of Thomas flooded her mind
like a raging river. Their first meeting, their time together, their fights
about the Centre, all their future plans and his tragic death. "I miss you so
much Tommy." Parker murmured to herself. For a few minutes, Parker stood
frozen trying to control the pain and the emotions that had assaulted her so
cruelly the moment she touched Thomas' clothes and inhaled the slight traces of
his scent that still lingered. She didn't want Jarod to see her like this,
struggling with his memories and the pain, but Jarod had already noticed the
change in her posture when her hands had touched the clothing and the way she
held them close to her heart like a treasure no one was meant to see or
touch.

After what seemed like an eternity, Parker finally turned around and
walked towards Jarod. Keeping her eyes lowered, she placed on his lap a pair of
blue jeans and a white long sleeved shirt.

"Here you can use these clothes. I think they will fit
you."

When Parker was turning away, Jarod reached and grabbed her hand. The
surprised woman turned around and gave him a look of pure shock, but she did not
pull away. Jarod's eyes held her for a moment and then he said gently,
"I'm sorry about what I said before."

Before she had a chance to reply, Jarod released her hand, stood and
headed for the restroom to change his clothes. A few minutes later, Jarod exited
the restroom wearing his late friend's clothes. Jarod felt kind of uncomfortable
wearing Thomas' clothes because he had seen the pain in her eyes and he knew
that he would never be able to take that pain away. Astounded, Parker stared at
the pretender as a chilling sensation ran down her spine. The clothes fit Jarod
perfectly, and once again the memories of Thomas assaulted every fiber of her
being mercilessly.

"Miss Parker are you alright? Jarod's voice abruptly pulled her
from her thoughts.

"I'm fine." Parker said and quickly turned away, avoiding his
eyes.

"Miss Parker, where should I put my clothes?" Jarod asked as he
turned toward the restroom to gather his clothes.

"Leave them there. I'll take care of that later." Parker said as
she walked over to the chair and grabbed her jacket. Carefully, she reached into
the pocket of her jacket and took out the origami figure.

"Jarod can you explain the meaning of this?"

"WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?" Jarod asked surprised.

"I found it in Mr. Raines' house, right next to his body."

Immediately, Jarod recognized the origami figure and he knew what Parker
was thinking. He looked at Parker with hurt in his eyes, begging for her trust.
"Do you think that I killed Mr. Raines and Lyle?"

Parker looked deeply into his dark eyes and finally lowering her eyes
said, "No...I don't think you killed them."

"Thank you." Jarod sighed relieved. He was glad that Parker
believed him, but now he had a bigger problem. He knew the monster that was
behind Sydney's disappearance and the murders. Already Jarod could feel the hate
and panic rising in him as he clearly remembered Alex's last twisted message
about how his killings would affect someone important to his world. Alex
was back, but this time he was going to end this. He might already be too late
to save Sydney, but he was going to do everything in his power to save Parker.

"Jarod, do you know who left this origami behind?" Parker asked as
her eyes bore into him.

Unyieldingly, Jarod looked deeply into her hypnotic gaze and answered,
"I don't know Miss Parker." He hated lying to her, but he
had no choice. He had to keep her away from that Sociopath at all cost.

"But I remember finding one just like this in your..."

"Miss Parker I really need to see the picture Broots found in Sydney's
e-mail." Jarod interrupted her questions with a look of despair in his eyes.
"Please."

"Alright, lets go see what Broots found for us."

Ignoring the pain on his side, Jarod turned and hurried to the door,
leaving a very annoyed Miss Parker staring at his back. A second later, Parker
dashed after the tall man and jerked him to a stop, "Do you want Sam to shoot
you on sight?"

"No." Jarod winced in pain and then continued, "Even though
nothing would give Sam more pleasure."

Parker pulled out her gun and said, "Walk next to me and don't get any
ideas Jarod. Truce or not, I can still shoot you. Remember that."

Jarod looked at the gun and simply nodded his agreement. With her ice
queen demeanour back in place, Parker grabbed Jarod by the arm and pulled him
forward. When Parker and Jarod entered the living room, they were greeted with
looks of pure surprise from both men, who exchanged glances with each other and
then stared at the Pretender with curiosity.

"WHAT?" Parker asked in exasperation.

"Oh no...nothing M...Miss Parker, is just that..." Broots stuttered
nervously.

"Mr. Broots, Sam told us that you found something in Sydney's e-mail?"
Jarod interrupted getting Broots out of the spot. "Can you please show me
the message?"

"Sure Jarod, it's a newspaper article about an accident." Broots
answered amiably then froze and looked at Parker hesitantly, "Is that okay
Miss Parker?"

"Yes Broots, show him the message." Parker said as she faced her
sweeper. "Watch Jarod, I'm going to get more coffee."

"Yes ma' am." Sam replied and moved to stand by the couch were
Jarod was already sitting next to Broots with his eyes fixed on the small
screen.

Just as Miss Parker was about to pour herself another cup of coffee, all
hell broke loose in the living room. There was a loud crashing sound and then
she heard Sam's angry voice shouting Jarod's name.

"NOW WHAT?" Parker said furiously, as she dropped her coffee mug
and ran back to the living room. When she entered the living room she saw pieces
of glass all over the floor and Sam with his gun drawn and pointing at the
visibly upset pretender.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?" Parker growled.

"He just went nuts after he saw the picture." Sam replied as he
continued to aim his gun at the distraught man.

Parker glanced at Jarod for a moment and then looked over at Broots, who
was frozen in place by the front door with a look of panic in his face. She gave
the paranoid techie a stern look and waved at him to approach. Slowly, Broots
left the safety of the entryway and walked towards Miss Parker keeping a wary
eye on the troubled man by the fireplace.

"Broots what happened?"

"I showed Jarod the message in Sydney's e-mail and when he saw the
picture of the girl he freaked-out." Broots whispered.

"Did he tell you anything about this girl?"

"No, all he said was Zoe, and then he got really upset."

"Okay Broots take the laptop to the kitchen and continue the
search."

Keeping his eyes fixed on the distressed pretender, Broots very cautiously
took the laptop from the coffee table and scurried into the kitchen to continue
his search.

Parker waved at Sam to lower his weapon while she kept her eyes focused on
the agitated pretender. Jarod was still pacing in front of the fireplace with
his arms wrapped around his ribs. He looked disturbed, but his eyes held so much
sorrow it made her heart ache. Parker took a deep breath and slowly started to
move towards Jarod, but Sam stepped in and blocked her way.

"WHAT?" Parker glared at the burly sweeper.

"Miss Parker I don't think it's a good idea to approach him right now."
Sam said with concern. "He might get violent again."

"Don't worry Sam; I know what I'm doing." Parker replied seriously
and walked around the sweeper. "Leave us alone."

"But Miss Parker" Sam argued.

"NOW!" Parker harsh words made the ill-tempered sweeper storm out
of the room.

Parker approached Jarod and stood a few feet away while he continued to
pace. She could almost sense the anguish that was so visible in his face and she
wondered who this woman was that had caused such a reaction in Jarod. She must
have been someone very close to him because he was obviously devastated by the
news. His reaction to this woman's death made her feel somewhat uncomfortable.
'Was there someone else in Jarod's life that she didn't know about?'
Parker wondered. 'Was she the reason behind Jarod's long silence and
disappearance?' This realization had brought out feelings she never expected
to have towards Jarod. Parker quickly pushed these feelings aside and approached
the tall man who had sent her life into a whirlwind from the moment she had
accepted the assignment to capture him.

"Jarod, what happened?" Parker asked almost inaudibly.

At the sound of her voice, Jarod stopped pacing and stood facing the
fireplace, while he ran his hands through his disheveled hair nervously. After a
few minutes of silence he replied in a wounded voice, "He killed her for no
reason at all."

"Jarod, who was that girl? Who killed her?"

"He just killed her to get my attention." Jarod's voice broke.
"She was my friend. Her name was Zoe."

"I'm sorry Jarod." Parker said as she stood next to him. "Jarod,
do you know who killed your friend?"

"It's my fault. I should have warned her."

In a daze, Jarod walked over to the couch and slowly sat down with his
eyes cast downward. When he finally gazed at Parker, his eyes were filled with
sadness as he fought back the tears, "She didn't have to die Parker." He
whispered as he covered his face with his hands and wept silently for his
friend.

Parker didn't want to accept the fact that Jarod's anguish affected her in
such a way, but she could feel the burning of tears in her throat. She fought to
control her emotions, but once again her inner sense told her to go to him. He
needed her right now. Jarod had always been there for her during the most
difficult moments in her life and all he had asked from her in return was her
trust. Parker walked over to Jarod and knelt in front of him. Slowly she reached
out and removed his hands from his face. When Jarod felt her touch, he flinched
with surprised, but he didn't look up or pull away. Instead, he just sat there
with his eyes lowered staring at their intertwined fingers. The mere touch of
his hands had sent her heart racing and she could feel her lungs constricting.
Parker took a deep breath to calm her nerves, and then she called him softly,
"Jarod listen to me. This accident was not your fault."

"You're wrong Parker." Jarod argued softly. "He killed her
because of me."

"Jarod, do you know who is doing this?" Parker asked
alarmed.

"I don't know Parker." Jarod pulled his hands from hers and rubbed
his eyes tiredly.

Very gently Parker grasped his chin between her fingers and lifted his
face so he would look into her eyes. "Jarod, please don't lie to me."
Parker asked with sadness in her voice. "We need to trust each other to
find Sydney."

For a moment, Jarod was mesmerized by her deep blue eyes and the sadness
within that was so painfully visible. Unable to answer her pleas, he lowered his
gaze again. He felt so tired and lost he didn't know if he had the strength to
finish what this madman had started, but there was something different this
time. Parker was here with him sharing his pain and trying to console him. This
was not the cold-hearted huntress that wanted to lock him away in the bowels of
the Centre, but his old friend, the one he thought he had lost forever. Jarod
thought about her words. "We need to trust each other..." Maybe she had
finally taken that turning point, but at the same time he was still puzzled by
her actions.

"Jarod please talk to me." Parker's words jerked him from his
reverie.

After a long pause, Jarod blinked back the new tears that had formed in
his eyes and slowly reached and grasped Parker's hands. Keeping his eyes lowered
he explained, "Miss Parker, all I know is that this person wants to hurt the
people who are important to me." Jarod whispered, his voice shaking with
fear, "Miss Parker if anything happens to...you." He choked on his words,
"I could never..."

"Jarod, nothing is going to happen to me," Parker squeezed his
hands in reassurance. "and we are going to find Sydney...Please trust
me."

Jarod sighed somewhat relieved and nodded in agreement. He had to be
optimistic for her sake and Sydney's. Slowly, Jarod stood from the couch and
helped Parker up from where she had been kneeling in front of him all this time.
A long uncomfortable silence engulfed the room as Parker and Jarod stood frozen
staring at each other. Just as he was about to move away, Parker grabbed his arm
and gave him a gentle squeeze as she whispered, "Thanks for caring."

Jarod gave Parker a sad smile in return and then looked away nervously,
"Sorry about the vase."

"It's okay, I hated that vase anyways." Parker's lips curled into a
very brief smile and then she said seriously, "Jarod, have you checked your
e-mail for any new messages from the kidnapper?"

"No, I was going to, but when Broots showed me the picture, I..."

"I know, but now we have to think about finding Sydney."Parker
quickly interrupted trying to deflect the painful memories of his friend. "Jarod
lets go check and pray there is some news."

"Yes." Was his only reply, before Jarod dashed towards the kitchen,
forgetting about the delicate condition of his ribs and his concussion. By the
time he reached the kitchen, Jarod was gasping for breath and holding onto the
door frame for balance. Parker, who was a few steps behind, quickly grabbed his
arm to steady the tall man.

"Jarod, are you alright?" Parker asked concern.

"Yeah, just a little dizzy." Jarod said between gasps of breath.
"I'll be fine."

"Well you look like hell Jarod."

Jarod gave Parker a confused look, but remained silent. When she noticed
that Jarod had steadied himself, she pushed the kitchen door open and proceeded
ahead of him. From the moment Parker entered the kitchen, she started giving
orders to the two stunned men who kept a vigilant eye on the pale pretender
standing next to Miss Parker.

"Broots, give the laptop to Jarod. He needs to check his
e-mail."

"Okay Miss Parker." Broots complied immediately, springing out of
the chair and allowing Jarod to take his place at the table.

"Thank you, Mr. Broots." Jarod said quietly as he took the chair
vacated by the nervous techie and speedily started to access his account.

"Sam, call the Centre and tell them to send a Clean-up team to Mr.
Raines' home."

"Yes ma'am." Sam replied and walked out of the kitchen. Once in the
living room, he reached into his breast pocket to retrieve his cell phone. This
was a Clean-up call he didn't mind making at all. In fact, it was a pleasure.
Finally the Centre and Miss Parker would be free of that fiend.

After a few minutes of tense silence, Parker approached Jarod and leaned
over his shoulder to see what he had found. Jarod was so focused in his task
that didn't notice Parker until she spoke.

"Did you receive any new messages?" Parker asked with
dread.

"Nothing." Jarod said plainly.

"What are we going to do Jarod?" Parker paced the small kitchen
frantically. "We have no idea where to start looking."

"I don't know Miss Parker."

"You and Broots keep searching; I need to talk to Sam." Saying
that, Parker exited the kitchen in a hurry.

As soon as Parker left the room, Broots approached the table cautiously
and sat next to Jarod. The pretender had his eyes fixed on the small screen and
continued to type feverishly. Broots stared at the fugitive, who he now
considered a friend and finally gathered up the courage to ask, "Are you Okay
Jarod?"

"I've been better, but I'll survive." Jarod answered
candidly.

"Jarod, I'm sorry about your friend." Broots whispered keeping his
eyes on the kitchen door.

"Thanks, Mr. Broots." Jarod replied softly while he continued his
typing. After a few minutes of silence, Jarod's dark eyes looked up and stared
with determination at a very spooked techie.

"What's wrong?" Broots asked curiously.

"Mr. Broots, you're going to help me escape."

"WHAT?...J...Jarod...I...can't...d...do...that"

"Mr. Broots, if you don't help me Miss Parker and Sydney will die."
Jarod typed a few commands on the laptop and turned the screen towards
Broots. "This is the list of the people marked for death by this sociopath."
Jarod closed his eyes trying to control his rage. "He has Sydney, and
wants to meet with me later tonight."

"OH MY GOD!" Broots' face blanched in terror as he read the list
and listened to Jarod's words. "Why didn't you share this information with
Miss Parker?"

"I can't Mr. Broots. I have to keep her out of this for her own sake.
She is too stubborn and won't listen to me." Jarod looked at Broots with
desperation. "Please Mr. Broots."

No matter how frightened he was, he could not ignore the anguish and
concern in Jarod's eyes for the safety of his friends. This mysterious and
sometimes dangerous man had saved his life and had brought his little girl back
into his life. He owed him big time, and now it was his turn to return the
favor. Broots closed his eyes, took a deep breath and swallowed his
fear.

"Alright Jarod, I'll help you." Broots nodded nervously.

"Thank you, Mr. Broots." Jarod replied sincerely.

"And then afterwards, Miss Parker will probably shoot me." Broots
murmured with fear.

"You and me both, Mr. Broots." Jarod replied with a sigh.

When Jarod looked at the techie's face again, it was even paler. He gave
him a sad smile and said, "Mr. Broots, don't worry about Miss Parker; her
bark is meaner than her bite."

Jarod quickly closed his Refuge account and started explaining the details
of his escape plan to his new accomplice.

TBC

Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 8

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Once again a million thanks for all the Wonderful
reviews. They are like oxygen for the writer. Thanks to, Airam4u, Rev2004,
pretender fan, Nans, Mercedes Aria, NYT, phi4858, Sirus183, ICD, and
bloodymary2. And of course, my endless appreciation to my Beta-reader,
Jaccione.

"What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has
happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this
is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now." Author
unknown.

Miss Parker's home9:00p.m.

The rain had ceased, but the menacing black clouds still hovered above. A
flash of lighting illuminated the night sky of the tranquil neighborhood and a
shadowy figure standing at the end of the manicured lawn came into view. Cold
emotionless eyes, reflecting as much anger as the approaching storm, carefully
observed the movements of the occupants in the target home. He could easily aim
his high powered riffle and put an end to his hunt, but this would be too easy,
plus the resourceful pretender could interfere again and save the day. This time
he was not going to make the same mistake. He was going to eliminating those
most important to Jarod one by one, and at a moment when the altruistic
pretender would be helpless to change the outcome. Slowly, an evil smile grew on
the assassin's face. He had all the time in the world and his patience would be
greatly rewarded. Like a ghost, he vanished from the shadows and returned to the
safety of his vehicle. There he would wait for the right moment.

Everything was working just as he had simmed, Jarod thought as he pulled
against the handcuffs with some irritation. Ignoring his pleas to stay away from
the Centre, Parker had ordered Sam to take the Pretender back to the guest room
and secure him for the evening until their return. Jarod smiled inwardly. He had
given them quite a performance, struggling against the burly sweeper and yelling
warnings at his huntress, but at the end he had surrendered to their demands,
for he knew that his stay here would only be temporary. Although the truth of
the matter was he didn't want Miss Parker returning to the Centre at the moment.
But some things were simply outside even his sphere of influence, most
especially Miss Parker. The stubborn woman insisted on searching Raines' and
Lyle's office for clues to Sydney's whereabouts, plus she was hoping to find
Angelo and ask for his help.

Jarod dropped his head back into the pillow and closed his eyes. He could
use a few minutes of rest before he put his plan into motion, but his concern
for his friends continued to assault his every thought. There would be no rest
until Sydney and the others were out of danger. But for now, all he could do was
pray that Sam would keep his promise and protect Miss Parker at all costs. From
the room Jarod could hear Parker threatening Broots and he almost felt sorry for
the poor man. After tonight, he was not going to be the only one on Parker's hit
list.

"Broots remember what I told you."

"Yes Miss Parker, I'll keep a close eye on Jarod." Broots answered
nervously. "But, in his condition I don't think he'll try
anything."

"Don't underestimate him Broots." Parker snapped back as she
checked the clip in her 9mm and returned it to the holster at the small of her
back. "We have made that mistake too many times in the past."

Broots' eyes froze on the weapon and he swallowed dryly. He wondered if
the next time he saw Miss Parker, he would be staring at the other end of her
Smith & Wesson for letting the Pretender escape. How he wished he had a nice
boring computer programmer job, instead of working for this house of
horrors.

"BROOTS?"

"S...sorry Miss Parker I was just thinking." Broots jumped in
surprise.

"STAY ALERT!" Parker looked at her watch. "It's 9:30. We should
be back in about two hours. Call me if you have any problem with Boy
Wonder."

"Yes Miss Parker." Broots answered quietly.

"Lets go Sam." Parker said grabbing her jacket. "Lets take the
Centre car."

"Yes ma'am." Sam quickly replied and followed his boss.

Completely unaware of the cold eyes watching them across the street, Miss
Parker and Sam quickly boarded the Centre's black sedan and drove away. A few
seconds later, a dark colour van pulled from the curve very slowly and followed
its target at a safe distance into the darkness. "This is going to be easier
than I expected." A malicious laughter filled the inside of the van.
"Jarod, this time you won't be able to save your Miss Parker." The driver
briefly glanced at the back of the van and smile as he thought about his well
calculated plan. 'The good doctor was still out cold and with the amount of
sedative he had administered earlier, his guest should remain in that state for
at least two more hours. Enough time for him to eliminate Miss Parker and set
the trap for Jarod in his mentor's house. Their midnight meeting at the
Psychiatrist's home would be the final battle ground and this time he would come
out victorious.' The icy-blue eyes glared unblinking at the black car ahead
and suddenly they were filled with madness and rage as the abominable Centre
building came into view.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Mr. Broots, Is the coast clear? Jarod asked as he reappeared in
the living room a few minutes after Miss Parker and Sam had left.

"JAROD, WHAT?... HOW DID YOU...?" Broots jumped at the sight of the
evasive Pretender.

"Never mind that now." Jarod scanned the room quickly. "Mr.
Broots, do you have a gun?"

"ME, No...no...I hate guns." Broots said shaking.

"Didn't Miss Parker give you a gun or tell you where she kept one?"
Jarod asked frustrated.

"No...no Miss Parker didn't give me a gun. I guess she thought I might
shoot you accidentally or something."

Jarod gave Broots a quizzical look but remained quiet. Raking a hand
through his hair, Jarod walked around the room anxiously. Now changes had to be
made to his previous plan. He had hoped that Miss Parker had another weapon in
the house, but that was not the case. If he was to rescue Sydney, he was going
to need a gun. He was in no shape to go against Alex unarmed. In conclusion, his
only choice was to go to his lair, get his gun and do all this before midnight.
"Damn" Jarod swore, looking at his watch.

"Jarod, is something wrong?" Broots asked with concern.

"No, I'll be right back." Jarod said and left the living room and
headed back to the guest room, leaving a very confused Broots standing alone in
the middle of the living room. A few minutes later Jarod returned wearing his
own clothes and his black leather jacket. He walked over to the window and
parted the curtain to look outside. "Good she left her car." Jarod
commented to himself before he turned to face his confused friend.

"Mr. Broots, do you know where Miss Parker puts her car keys?"
Jarod asked very casually.

"WHAT? YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE HER CAR? No...no you...you can't do that
Jarod." Broots said panicking. "I mean, I'm letting you escape and
M...Miss Parker is probably going to kill me for that, but...but taking her car.
You just can't do that."

"Mr. Broots, I don't have another choice." Jarod said tiredly.
"I have to meet with the kidnapper at midnight if I'm to help
Sydney."

"Jarod, maybe you should have told Miss Parker and Sam about this
meeting." Broots looked at the Pretender with concern. "Do you think you
can handle this guy by yourself? I mean, you're in really bad shape at the
moment."

"NO, AND YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TELL THEM ANYTHING, UNDERSTOOD!" Jarod
said furiously, but immediately calmed himself when he noticed the terror in
Broots eyes.

"Okay, okay Jarod."

"Sorry Mr. Broots, please don't tell Miss Parker anything. Remember
this psycho is out to get her as well." Jarod's eyes held a deep concern.
"If anything happens to her, I could never..." Jarod stopped mid sentence
when he noticed Broots curious gaze. "Mr. Broots, are you going to help me
look for the car keys?"

"Oh yeah." Broots replied and moved toward the small desk at the
entrance. "I think I saw Miss Parker put them in one of these drawers."

"I'll check my e-mail again while you look for the keys." Jarod
said as he walked back into the kitchen.

"I FOUND THEM!" Broots shouted a few minutes later.

"Good Job Mr. Broots." Jarod said as he exited the kitchen and
grabbed the keys from the techie's hand.

"Any new messages?" Broots asked hopefully.

"Nothing." Jarod said visibly frustrated.

"Mr. Broots, where is Debbie?" Jarod suddenly asked with
concern.

"She's staying with a friend in New York for the weekend." Broots
said with a frown. "Why do you ask?"

"Just wanted to make sure she was away from here and safe." Jarod
explained plainly.

"Thanks Jarod." Broots replied honestly. "I hope this is over
soon."

"Me too." Jarod replied quietly as he headed for the front door.
"I have to leave now."

"JAROD WAIT!" Broots yanked Jarod by the arm, making the tall man
wince in pain.

"WHAT IS IT MR. BROOTS?" Jarod asked gritting his teeth to control
the pain in his side.

"I'm sorry...Jarod you have to tell me who is this guy you're meeting
and where you're meeting him in case something goes wrong."

"Mr. Broots if you don't hear from me after midnight leave town and
don't come back and I suggest you tell Miss Parker to do the same." Jarod's
voice was tense.

"Jarod you said that Miss Parker and I were in grave danger. I think
you should tell us who's behind Sydney's kidnapping in case this guy comes after
us first." Broots pleaded. The idea of this psycho coming after him or Miss
Parker first made him feel sick to his stomach. "Please Jarod."

Jarod thought for a moment and realized that Broots was probably right. He
could not leave them in the dark. Alex was very unpredictable and he could
easily change his mind and come after them first, like Broots had suggested.
Furthermore, he was not even sure he was going to come out of this confrontation
alive.

"I guess you're right Mr. Broots." Jarod paused for a moment took a
deep breath and continued. "The person behind Sydney's kidnapping is Alex."
Jarod said in a dangerous tone. "And I'm meeting with him at midnight,
but I cannot tell you where because I know Miss Parker will make you tell her
and you both need to stay away from this sociopath."

"ALEX! You mean the other pretender that escaped with you the first
time?" Broots said surprised. "But I thought he was dead."

"So did I, Mr. Broots." Jarod said angrily. "I guess, the
Centre's evil never dies."

"That's for sure; nobody ever really dies at the Centre." Broots
muttered, but when he noticed how visibly upset Jarod was he added, "...well,
until now."

Jarod's face tightened, but he ignored Broots' comment and looked at his
watch. It was 10:00p.m and he still had a long drive ahead. "Mr. Broots, I
really have to leave now."

"WAIT!" Broots screamed.

"NOW WHAT?" Jarod hissed back.

"What do I tell Miss Parker when she asks me what
happened?"

"Just tell her that I surprised you." Jarod said and turned toward
the door.

Once again, Broots stepped forward and blocked the Pretender exit,
avoiding the menacing gaze the tall Pretender was giving him. "Miss Parker is
not going to believe that...You...you have to hit me."

"WHAT?" Jarod asked shocked.

"Jarod, you have to punch me. That's the only way she is going to
believe that you surprised me and escaped." Broots explained
frantically.

"MR. BROOTS I CAN'T PUNCH YOU."

"Yes you can and you have to because if you don't..." Before Broots
had a chance to finish his argument, the techie felt as if he hit a brick wall,
and he stumbled back into a recliner. "OUCH!"

"Sorry Mr. Broots, you better put some ice on that right away."
Jarod said as he ran out the door. A few seconds later Broots heard the
screeching of tires as Miss Parker's car sped away and then silence.

"Good luck Jarod." Broots said to the empty around him.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

On their arrival to the Centre, Sam stopped the black sedan right at the
bottom of the long curved stairs that surrounded a colossal fountain, marking
the grandiose entrance to the Centre. Miss Parker exited the vehicle climbed a
few steps and then stopped and looked around. The vast parking lot was almost
deserted except for the night security vehicles and a few cars belonging to the
medical personnel that seemed to live in this place. In the distance Miss Parker
noticed Sydney's elegant Town car abandoned in the darkness and she froze in
fear as she felt a chilling sensation run through her entire body. She had to
find her dear old friend. He was one of the few people that gave a damn about
her and had kept her alive and sane in this madhouse since she was a child.
Sydney was like the father she wished she had all her life and she was not going
to give up on him. "Sydney where are you?" Parker murmured with sadness
to herself. "I promise we'll find you. Please don't leave me."

"Miss Parker I'll be right in." Sam called, startling the pensive
woman. "I'm going to park the car."

"Sam leave the car right there. We'll be leaving in a few minutes."
Parker ordered as she turned and headed for the huge glass door.

Remembering Jarod's warning, Sam exited the vehicle and quickly began to
scan their surroundings with a wary eye. Everything seemed alright, but
something inside told him danger was lurking nearby and he had to keep his guard
up. He had to protect Miss Parker at all costs like he had promised Jarod and
himself. Somewhere out there, a psycho was waiting for them to make a mistake
and snatch them like he had done with the good doctor, but he was not going to
let that happen. Sam gave one more glance at the parking lot and followed Miss
Parker up the steps and into the building.

Miss Parker and Sam walked hurriedly to the elevators at the end of the
vast lobby. As they passed the security guard's desk, Sam nodded a salute at the
guard and stopped momentarily to inform him about their destination. "We are
going to Mr. Raines' office. Send two sweepers up to be placed on guard by his
office until Miss Parker returns."

"Yes Sir." The guard answered in attention and without delay placed
the call for Sam's request.

The elevator ride to the Tower was made in silence, but the tension in the
air was palpable. Something told her that Sydney never realized how much he was
needed and appreciated by this small group of people and without him they would
simply fall apart, starting with her and Jarod. Parker closed her eyes and
prayed that they would find some clue to help them locate their old
friend.

"Miss Parker are you alright?" Sam asked with concern.

"I'm fine, just worried about Sydney." Parker answered softly.
"Hope we find him before it's too late."

"Don't worry Miss Parker. We'll find the good doctor." Sam smiled
at his boss trying to raise her hopes. "Besides we have the genius helping
us."

"I hope you're right Sam."

Once they had reached the Tower, Parker rushed out of the elevator with
Sam trailing behind. Parker's stilettos heels were the only sound echoing in
the eerily silent hall leading to Mr. Raines office, and for a moment she felt
as if she was entering a mausoleum. It was ironic because this place had become
like a giant tomb and each day it seemed to claim a new life.

When they approached Mr. Raines' office, two sweepers were already waiting
for them and standing at attention on each side of the etched glass door.

"Both of you are to stand guard by this office until I return, and no
one is to enter here while I'm gone. UNDERSTOOD?" Parker ordered
firmly.

"Yes Ma' am." Both sweepers answer in unison.

After half an hour of searching through Raines' desk and files, they came
out empty handed. If the old ghoul had been involved in Sydney's disappearance,
he had covered his tracks very well and they were running out of time.
Frustrated by their lack of success, Parker slammed a file on the desk and
headed for the door. "Sam lets get out of here and go find Angelo."

"Yes Ma' am." Sam dropped the files he was reading and darted
across the room and out the door.

Glancing one last time into the now silent office, Parker whispered with
contemptuous hate, "Damn you Raines." The tall woman closed the glass
door forcibly, locked it and walked away angrily, leaving the two guards staring
at each other obviously bemused.

As they were walking back to the elevators, Miss Parker's cell phone
beeped loudly making the already tense woman jump. With irritation Parker pulled
the small device from her belt, flipped it open and raised it to her
ear.

"WHAT?" Parker answered annoyed.

"Broots slow down. What happened?"

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN JAROD ESCAPED?" Parker growled. "YOU
MORON!"

"WHAT?...HE WENT TO MEET WITH THE KIDNAPPER!...JAROD KNOWS WHO IS
BEHIND THIS?"

"ALEX!" Parker's face became paler at the mention of the name.
"He's alive?"

"WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL US RIGHT AWAY?" Parker was furious. "THAT
SON OF THE BITCH...HE LIED TO ME...WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON HIM, HE'S GOING TO..."
Parker stopped and took a deep breath to calm herself, while Sam looked at
his boss stunned.

"WHAT ELSE DID JAROD TELL YOU?" Parker demanded, closing her eyes
and pinching the bridge of her nose.

"A LIST?...Oh this just keeps getting better and better." Parker
replied sarcastically as she paced the hall and ran her hand anxiously through
her hair.

"NO...Stay right there in case Jarod returns." Parker said, shaking
her head in disbelief, but her face no longer expressed anger, but fear. "We
should be leaving here as soon as we find Angelo."

"Yes, I'll be careful." Parker voice was now filled with concern.
"Don't worry I got Sam with me and Broots...be careful." Parker
disconnected the call as she followed Sam into the elevator.

Dazed, Parker closed her cell phone and returned it to its holder in her
belt. "Sam we need to find Angelo and quick."

"Miss Parker, what happened?" Sam asked with dread.

"Jarod went to meet with the kidnapper...alone. THAT IDIOT!" Parker
spoke with irritation, but her eyes betrayed her, instead Sam saw anguish and
doubt in them. "He's in no shape to go against that Psycho."

"I hope the Lab Rat knows what he is doing." Sam replied simply.

Parker's troubled eyes glared at her loyal sweeper, but she immediately
looked away trying to hide the concern that was plainly visible in her eyes. She
had not felt this kind of despair and fear since she found Tommy dead on her
porch. 'Jarod, why didn't you trust me?...Why didn't you ask for my help to
rescue Sydney...YOU FOOL, you're going to get yourself killed, playing the hero
again.' Parker mused as she came to the realization. 'You're protecting
me.'

"Miss Parker, where should I start the search for Angelo?" Sam's
question brought Parker out of her reverie.

"First, go to his space and if he's not there go to SL-27." Parker
said edgy. "I'll go do some snooping in Lyle's office and then I need to go
to the car. I forgot the origami figure that Psycho left behind."

"Why do you want that now? We already know who's behind the
kidnapping." Sam asked curiously.

"Angelo might get something from the origami figure, like where Alex is
meeting with Jarod or where Sydney is." Parker said hopefully. "Hurry Sam
please."

"Yes Miss Parker." Sam replied as he exited the elevator in one of
the lower levels of the Centre. Immediately, Parker pushed the button to the
level, where Lyle's office was and once again whispered a prayer for her old
friend and...Jarod.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Concealed by the darkness, the dark figure crawled away from the black
sedan parked at the bottom of the steps that led to the Centre's entrance. This
had been easier than he expected and he felt very satisfied with his work. The
explosive device was perfect and he was going to get a real thrill telling the
noble Pretender that he had used a design and scenario from one of his famous
simulations. His job was done here; Alex smiled with venom in his eyes. Now it
was time for him to leave and prepare the trap for Jarod. Then he would finally
set into motion the plan to annihilate the Centre. Camouflaged by the shadows,
the dark silhouette casually returned to his vehicle and drove away undetected,
only leaving behind a deadly silence before the storm.

Sam was growing extremely annoyed after his search for the strange little
man, through most of the lower sublevels, had only rewarded him with a huge
headache. Just as he was about to enter the elevator to go find Miss Parker,
Willy approached him and blocked his way. The tall dark man was furious and
wanted answers.

"SAM WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?"

"What are you talking about Willy?" Sam replied calmly.

"THERE ARE RUMORS GOING AROUND THAT MR. RAINES AND MR. LYLE WERE
ASSASSINATED." Willy's ebony eyes bored into Sam. "WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT
THIS?"

"Well, I'm sorry to inform you that it's not a rumor. Your boss kicked
the bucket." Sam replied with a smirk and then continued seriously.
"Earlier today, Mr. Raines was found dead at his home by Miss Parker and Mr.
Broots, and Mr. Lyle was tragically killed by an explosion in his
apartment."

"SO IS TRUE, JAROD KILLED THEM." Willy said gritting his
teeth.

"I don't know about that, but I'm sure there will be an investigation."
Sam said simply and resumed pushing the button to call the elevator.

"THEN WHY IS THIS CIRCULATING ALL OVER THE CENTRE?" Willy shouted
angrily as he handed Sam a flyer.

When Sam looked at the flyer, staring back at him was a Centre photo of
Jarod and in plain bold letters it read, "WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE FOR MURDER AND
ACTS OF TERRORISM AGAINST THE CENTRE. THE TRIUMVIRATE WILL PAY 20 MILLION
DOLLARS REWARD TO ANYONE WHO CAPTURES THE PRETENDER NAMED, "JAROD" AND RETURNS
HIM TO THE CENTRE."

Sam was rendered speechless and when the elevator doors slid open, Sam
rushed in and closed the door immediately, leaving behind the tall angry man
cursing and pounding on the doors. Without delay, he pressed the button to the
lobby and hoped that his boss was on her way there. He had to find Miss Parker
immediately. Now they had another problem in their hands, to keep the fugitive
Pretender alive. Sam feared that as soon as this Bounty was made public, every
Centre sweeper and cleaner was going to try to cash on it, not to mention all
the bounty hunters that would come out of the woodwork to collect such a
generous reward.

Nervously, Sam crumpled the paper in his hands as the elevator slowly
ascended to ground level. This was very strange, for the past six years he had
helped Miss Parker and Sydney in the hunt for the elusive Pretender, but now
something inside him was telling him this Bounty on Jarod was an injustice and
he had to prevent it from happening. Everything had changed drastically in the
past twenty-four hours, and even though the wayward Pretender was still a wanted
man by the Centre, he was now helping them in their desperate search for Sydney
and trying to keep Miss Parker safe. "Sam, don't let Miss Parker out of your
sight whatever you do." Sam suddenly remembered Jarod's plea and the promise
he had made to the Pretender. A wave of panic made his stomach twist into knots
as he realized the terrible mistake he had made. He had left Miss Parker alone
all this time.

Rapidly, Sam reached inside his jacket and retrieved his cell phone. With
shaky hands he pressed the pre-programmed number to Miss Parker's extension and
listened attentively. He had to find Miss Parker and make sure she was alright.
Anxiously, Sam paced the small space inside the elevator as he waited for her
answer, but it never came.

Frustrated, Sam closed his phone, returned it to his breast pocket and
fixed his eyes on the numbers above the elevator door. His hands were sweating,
his heart was racing and those darn numbers were moving slower than ever.
"Come on, come on." He whispered impatiently. "How could I be so
stupid?" Sam scolded himself. "If anything happens to Miss Parker..."
At that precise moment a soft ding announced the arrival to the lobby.
Almost in a frenzied state, Sam squeezed himself through the mere opening of the
parting elevator doors and quickly scanned the entire lobby area for any signs
of his boss. "Damn." Sam cursed, and dashed across the enormous lobby
towards the security guard desk.

"HAVE YOU SEEN MISS PARKER?" Sam asked gasping for breath as he
skidded to a stop in front of the security guard.

"Yes...Miss Parker just went out the front door a few minutes ago."
The guard answered frowning at the apparently upset man. "Is there
something wrong?"

"DAMN IT!" Sam swore and ran towards the exit, leaving behind a
very confused guard.

When Sam was about twenty feet from the massive glass doors, a huge
explosion just outside the building shook the entire area, sending glass, metal
and rubble flying through the air and into the lobby. Instinctively, Sam dove to
the ground and covered his head with his forearms to avoid being struck by any
flying debris. After the blast, all hell broke loose. The screeching sounds of
the fire alarms went off and the emergency sprinklers system began raining down
on them. The stunned sweeper raised his head and quickly surveyed the damage
around him and for the possibility of another explosion. The entrance to the
lobby looked like a war zone and fragments of the doors and ceiling littered the
entire lobby. Breathing heavily and still in shock, Sam pulled himself to a
sitting position on the wet floor and looked towards the security guard, who
waved at the big man, signaling that he was fine but visibly shaken.

Suddenly, fear struck Sam like a bucket of ice water. He jumped to his
feet and dashed towards the ruins that used to be the grand entrance to the
Centre. Once outside the building, Sam looked down the curved stairs that lead
to the entrance and was horrified. A twisted mass of metal was all that remained
of the Centre's black sedan, which had been violently propelled onto the bottom
of the stairs.

In shock, Sam stared at the flames that still engulfed the remains of the
demolished vehicle, while in the distance he could already hear the sound of
sirens approaching. Devastated by his fatal mistake, the big man dropped to his
knees and whispered, "I'm sorry Miss Parker."

TBC

Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 9

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Once again thank you for the wonderful reviews to:
Rev2004, pretender fan, bloodymary2, Nans, leochick, LeMaestro, and phi4858. And
to my beta reader, Jaccione for all her help and support.

"The truth is rarely pure and never simple." Oscar Wilde
(1854-1900)

Jarod's lair10:45p.m.

The Exhausted Pretender stumbled into his lair panting and feeling
light-headed after his short run from his car to the inside of the deserted
building. The drive back to the abandoned warehouse, which he called a temporary
home, had taken him longer than he planned. Due to the continuing bad weather
and an accident on the road, he was forced to take a couple of unexpected
detours, delaying him an additional fifteen minutes. Once inside the warehouse,
Jarod quickly shut the big metal door and locked it. It never hurt to be
cautious and a touch of paranoia had helped him stay free and one step ahead of
the Centre for the past six years. Jarod leaned heavily on the metal door and
closed his eyes waiting for the annoying dizziness to pass, but he knew that
time was not on his side at the moment and he had to ignore this damn concussion
and move on. Jarod took a deep breath wobbled over to his cot and sat down
heavily. Slowly he reached over and grabbed his duffle bag from the floor to
start searching for his gun and some aspirin, but the mere movement made him
growl in pain. Miss Parker had done a nice job taping his ribs, but any sudden
movement was still rewarded with agonizing pain.

"Fine date I picked to have front seat to Lyle's demise." Jarod
said to himself angrily while trying to get his mind off the pain and focus on
the simulation he was trying to run in his head on the outcomes to his
confrontation with Alex once he arrive at Sydney's home. After a few minutes of
deep thought, Jarod exhaled loudly, stood gingerly from his cot and walked
towards the small table where his laptop rested. The Pretender typed in his
password and while he waited for his computer to come to life, he took four more
aspirins to help him deal with the pain. "If I survive this, I'm really going
to need a vacation." Jarod smiled sadly when that thought brought back
memories of his friend Zoe. It was as if he was seeing her in front of him in
that huge tub smiling and making fun of him for never having taken a vacation.
She was so beautiful and vibrant. It was the last time he saw her alive, right
before he found Emily and Ethan. Enraged and overcome with guilt, Jarod punched
the small table and shouted, "DAMN YOU ALEX." Jarod's cry echoed in the
big empty room as the pain sank deeper into his heart. "Another innocent life
sacrificed, simply because she crossed paths with me and the
Centre."

The soft voice announcing that he had an e-mail message, brought Jarod out
of his tortured thoughts and his attention was immediately focused on the small
screen. Jarod wiped the newly formed tears that clouded his vision and frowned
at the information before him. For some odd reason, Angelo was now sending him
all the files pertaining to the Pretender Project and the Red Files. "Angelo,
what are you doing?" Jarod question his friend's action, but knew that now
was not the time to look for answers. Hopefully when this nightmare was over, he
would find his friend and ask him the reason for his unexpected deed. Without
further delay, Jarod e-mailed Angelo with instructions on what to do with his
belongings in case he didn't come out of this ordeal alive, and to always
protect Miss Parker like they had promised to each other when they were young.
"Thank You Angelo." Jarod whispered to his friend and somehow he knew
that Angelo could feel his every thought and emotion. "If it wasn't for you,
my friend, I would have perished a long time ago at the hands of the Centre.
Hope that one day you'll find your freedom and happiness."

Ending his message, Jarod closed his laptop and placed it along with his
few belongings inside the duffle bag. On the way out of the old warehouse, which
he had called home on several occasions, Jarod stopped by a row of old rusty
lockers and placed his duffle bag inside the third locker from the end, locked
it with a combination lock and walked out of the building and into the darkness
that awaited him.

The rain had not stopped; in fact it had gotten worse. Jarod sighed with
frustration and hurried to the car. Just as he was climbing inside the little
sports car, a chilling sensation ran through his entire body, unleashing a fear
that made him shiver. He didn't like this feeling and it usually meant that
something bad had happened. He looked at his watch, it was 11:00pm and the drive
back to Blue Cove and Sydney's home would take him approximately forty-five
minutes, but in this weather he was going to need more time. Nonetheless, his
senses were telling him that first he had to find Parker and make sure that she
was okay. He had to reach her and hear her voice, even if it meant getting an
earful of her rage. Not wanting to waste more time, Jarod reached inside his
leather jacket, retrieved his cell phone and quickly hit the speed-dial two for
Miss Parker. The more times the phone rang, the more panicked he became.
"Answer the damn phone Parker." Jarod murmured anxiously. "Where are
you?"

Pressed for time, Jarod started the car and sped away while he held the
phone with one hand and continued to listen to the ringing of her phone.
"This is not good." Jarod said nervously as he disconnected Parker's
number and pressed another number programmed onto his speed dial. After the
third ring a shaky voice answered, "M...Miss Pa...Parker is that
you?"

"No, is me Mr. Broots...Where is Miss Parker?" Jarod said
seriously.

"Jarod?...where are you?...What...what happened to Sydney?" Broots
asked impulsively, his mouth trying to catch-up with the hundred of questions
that were running through his head. "Did you find Sydney?...Is he Okay?...Did
you...?"

"MR. BROOTS LISTEN!... I CAN'T REACH MISS PARKER...DO YOU KNOW WHERE
SHE IS?" Jarod demanded now getting annoyed by Broots' resurfacing symptoms
of ADD.

"I don't know Jarod. I've been trying to reach her myself, but she
doesn't answer her cell phone." Broots looked at his watch and continued.
"I talked to her about fifteen minutes ago, but now she won't answer her
phone."

Jarod remained quiet for a moment thinking what Broots could do, but he
didn't want to put Broots' life in danger as well by sending him out there to
look for Parker. This is just what Alex wanted, to have everyone in a panic and
making mistakes. He would just have to wait and hope that Sam kept his promise
and protected Miss Parker.

"Jarod are you still there?" Broots asked timidly bringing Jarod's
attention back.

"Yes Mr. Broots, I'm still here." Jarod voice sounded tired.
"Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure Jarod anything." Broots said eagerly. "Do you want me to
go to the Centre and look for Miss Parker?"

"No! Don't leave the house; just keep calling Miss Parker's number
until you get an answer." Jarod said firmly. "I'll call you back as soon
as I can."

"JAROD WAIT!" Broots shouted, but all he heard was the dial tone.
Staring at the small device in his hand, he asked himself quietly, "What
about Sydney?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Centre

The burly sweeper continued to stare in shock from the top of the stairs.
His mind still could not completely register the tragic events unfolding right
before his eyes. Slowly, Sam grabbed the rail and pulled himself up, but he
remained frozen on the spot watching as the fire-fighters began to arrive and
started battling the flames that rapidly consumed Miss Parker's town car.

Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion and all the noise and voices
around him sounded like a constant humming. Through all the confusion, Sam's
fogged mind finally heard a voice calling him, but his eyes continued to stare
hypnotically at the fire. Then he felt someone grabbing his arm and guiding him
back into the building.

"Sir, are you alright?" Sam faintly heard the concerned voice.
"Are you hurt anywhere?"

When Sam looked to his side, he saw a fireman looking at him questionably.
Unable to find his voice at the moment, Sam simply shook his head negatively and
allowed the fireman to guide him back into the Centre's lobby, where the
paramedics had set up a temporary first aid station. Once inside, the fireman
directed Sam to a chair and said simply, "Wait right here until you are
checked by the paramedics."

"Hey Taylor, you better check this guy out. I think he was near the
explosion when it occurred." The fireman suggested as he waved at one of the
paramedics. "He seems a little dazed."

"Yes Captain, right away."

"Hi, my name is Taylor." The paramedic said amiably. "Can you
tell me your name?"

The confused sweeper stared at the paramedic for a moment then after some
hesitation, he finally said his name almost inaudibly, "Sam."

"Okay Sam, I'm going to check your vital signs." The paramedic said
very calmly as he started his examination. "Sam, are you hurt
anywhere?"

"No... I'm okay." Sam replied sluggishly.

"Were you near the explosion when it occurred?" Taylor asked
curiously.

"No." Sam replied dryly.

"Good, but we just want to make sure you don't have a concussion or any
broken bones." The paramedic replied as he continued the check-up. After a
few minutes, the paramedic finished his job, looked at the big man and said
candidly, "Sam, you are a very lucky guy. If you would have been closer to
that car, you would be in a million pieces right now."

Sam gave the paramedic a menacing look and without saying a word he stood
up suddenly, knocking the chair down. The angry man walked away rapidly across
the lobby and out the main entrance, leaving behind a very puzzled paramedic
calling after him, "SAM WAIT! I THINK THE POLICE WANT TO ASK YOU SOME
QUESTIONS."

Once outside, Sam darted his eyes around nervously, trying to find a way
out without being detected. By now the entire area was crawling with
fire-fighters and police officers that had arrived to investigate the incident
and the last thing he needed right now was to be detained for questioning. He
had to get back to Miss Parker's house and inform Broots about what had
happened. Immediately Sam saw his escape route. Inconspicuously, the skillful
sweeper slithered around a group of detectives and headed towards the other side
of the stairs that lead to the darkened parking lot and away from all the
commotion.

Swiftly he turned around the corner of the building and stayed as close to
the wall as possible to remain hidden in the darkness that surrounded the huge
building. In the distance, Sam noticed his little car and immediately quickened
his pace. He could feel his heart pounding painfully in his chest and the
throbbing pain in his head was almost unbearable, but his pain was not due to
injuries, but shame and sadness. His negligence had caused the life of a very
good friend. A person he had secretly admired for so many years and now she was
gone because of his carelessness. "What am I going to tell Jarod and Broots?"
Sam mumbled to himself in turmoil. "I promised Jarod that I would look
after her and now..." The knot in his throat choked his words and he could
no longer stop the tears. "I'm sorry Miss Parker, but I promise you that I
will get that bastard, if it's the last thing I do." Sam wiped the tears
away as he made a solemn promise to his fallen friend.

Lost in his agonizing thoughts and trying to focus on his escape, Sam was
completely unaware of the dark figure following him. When he was a few feet from
his car, Sam reached into his pocket and retrieved his keys. Just as he was
about to unlock the car door, a hand grabbed his arm firmly from behind.
Instinctively and with great speed, Sam reached for his weapon, pulled his arm
free from his attacker and twisting the man's arm pinned him face down against
the hood of the car. "IF YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING TO ELIMINATE ME AS WELL, YOU ARE
VERY WRONG." Sam growled at his attacker as he spun him around to look at his
face. "ANGELO!"

The strange little man with the wild red hair looked at the shocked
sweeper that still had him pressed against the car, and smile. "Sam
Okay?"

Sam immediately released Angelo and replied with sadness in his voice,
"Yes, I'm fine Angelo but Miss Parker..." He just could not find the
words to tell Angelo what had happen to his friend.

Most Centre employees like himself never had seen the connection between
his boss and the other subjects that had spent most of their lives locked away
in this dungeon called the Centre, but the events of the last few hours had
brought to light the special friendship that existed between Miss Parker, Jarod
and Angelo. Sam suddenly remembered the numerous occasions when Angelo had
sensed that his friends where in danger and how distraught he became. Miss
Parker's death was going to be a horrible blow for both of them and now he had
to tell them that he had failed to protect her. Sam closed his eyes as the
burden of his guilt became almost unbearable.

All of a sudden, Angelo grabbed Sam by the arm and started pulling him
away from the car, startling the big man and bringing him out of his reverie.
"Angelo what are you doing?"

"COME MUST HURRY." Angelo pleaded with urgency. "SAM
FOLLOW."

"ANGELO NO! We have to get out of here before the police see us."
Sam whispered trying to convince the empath to return to the car.

Ignoring Sam's plea, Angelo started running towards the back of the huge
building. When the little man reached the wall, he turned around and started
waving at Sam frantically just before he turned the corner of the building and
vanished.

Sam was totally baffled and he was starting to get really angry at
Angelo's little antics. "What the hell are you doing Angelo?" Sam growled
as he jumped in his car and drove with his lights off towards the direction
Angelo had disappeared. "You crazy little freak. If the police find me in
this little game of hide and seek, I'm going to ring your neck."

When Sam drove around the corner of the huge building, he stopped and
nervously looked around to make sure there were no cops searching the area. The
lighting in this parking lot was very low and the non-stop rain made it more
difficult to see where Angelo had run-off to. Squinting real hard Sam saw in the
distance Angelo waving at him again and then he disappeared behind some bushes.
A second later the little man re-appeared holding someone next to him. Sam
quickly drove up to the two figures and unlocked the passenger doors to let them
in.

At the same time that Angelo jumped into the back seat, the other person,
covered in a blanket, slipped into the car and sat next to him. Before Sam had a
chance to ask the identity of the mysterious passenger, he heard a very familiar
and sarcastic tone, "Well it took you long enough to find us."

"M...Miss P...Parker?" Sam stuttered as he stared in wide-eyed
shock. Instinctively and overcome with joy, Sam leaned forward as to give his
boss a hug, but when he noticed her surprised look, he immediately held himself
back. In the awkwardness of the moment, he proceeded to pull the blanket up to
cover her better and then lowering his eyes with some embarrassment he
continued, "Miss Parker, I...I thought that you were d...dead. I mean...I saw
your car blown to bits."

"Well that bastard came pretty close to succeeding this time."
Parker said bitterly. "Lets get out of here Sam, before the police finds
us and start asking questions."

"Yes Ma'am! And Miss Parker, I'm really glad to see that you're
okay."

"Thanks Sam." Parker replied as her lips formed a weak
smile.

Sam quickly put the car on drive and sped away, leaving behind the chaos.
For some strange reason he had a feeling that this would be the last time he
laid eyes on the Centre, and after all he had seen in that place, he was glad
that this date finally had come. Sam looked at Miss Parker and noticed that she
was lost in thought.

"Are you okay Miss Parker?" Sam asked concerned. "Do you want to
go to the hospital and get yourself checked?"

"No, I'm alright Sam; I only twisted my ankle and got some scratches."
Parker said as she lean back against the headrest and closed her eyes
tiredly. "Thanks to Angelo, I'm still in one piece."

Sam glanced at the rear-view mirror and smiled at the pair of mischievous
eyes that looked back at him. "Good Job Angelo." Sam said to the empath
with gratitude. The little man gave him a shy smile and then continued to gaze
with wonder at the world just outside his window.

Keeping his eyes straight ahead on the road Sam said suddenly, "Jarod
was right."

"Sam, what are you talking about?" Parker frowned.

"Jarod told me that you were in grave danger and that whoever killed
Mr. Raines and Lyle was going to come after you as well." Sam said in an
angry tone. "I should have remembered."

"So what? Jarod also gave me a warning." Parker replied somewhat
confused at Sam's behavior. "Why are you upset?"

"Because I promised Jarod that I would look after you and I...failed."
Sam said softly, avoiding her eyes.

"WHAT?...HE MADE YOU PROMISE?" Parker said shocked. "That little
self-righteous son of a bitch." Parker was furious now. "What does he
think, that you're my babysitter?"

"Oh No Miss Parker, Jarod was very concerned for you." Sam tried to
explain. "I saw it in his eyes."

"Well just remember, Jarod is a pretender. He's very good at lying."
Parker replied icily while trying to hide her shock after hearing Sam's
words. After a few minutes of silence, Parker sighed and said almost
inaudibly, "Sam, you have never failed me in all the years you have worked
for me. If fact, I know that I can trust you with my life, so stop beating
yourself on the head for something that was not your fault.

"Thank you Miss Parker." Sam said simply then looking at his boss
he asked, "Miss Parker how did you manage to escape that explosion?"

Parker glanced at the back seat and smiled. Angelo, her guardian angel,
lay curled-up in the corner and was snoring softly. As the events of the evening
began to play back vividly in her mind, like a movie, Parker explained to Sam
what had happen.

"After I left Lyle's office, I went to the car to get the origami
figure that psycho had left behind. As I was opening the car door, Angelo
appeared from nowhere and started pulling me away from the car and screaming,
"Danger must go." I felt a chilling sensation run through me and in a flash I
remembered Jarod's warning, "Miss Parker with Raines and Lyle gone...you might
be next on the list." When I looked inside the car, I saw a flashing light
underneath the dashboard. Angelo and I barely managed to run to the other side
of the fountain, when the car exploded in a huge fireball. The force of the
explosion thrust us forward about ten feet, but we managed to escape the worse
of the blast, thanks to Angelo."

"WOW! You both were very lucky." Sam exclaimed then looking at his
boss curiously he asked, "Where did you get that blanket?"

"I don't know." Parker looked puzzled. "After the explosion,
Angelo helped me to the back of the building and then he disappeared; after a
few minutes he re-appeared with this blanket." Parker wrapped the blanket
closer to herand murmured, "Leave it to Angelo to add another piece to this
puzzle."

Sam smiled at his boss and then said, "Miss Parker, I tried calling you
before the explosion. Why didn't you answer your cell phone?"

"I forgot my cell phone in Lyle's office after I spoke to Broots."
Parker answered simply. "Sam what time it is?"

"Is 11:45pm Miss Parker. We should be at your home around midnight."

"STEP ON IT SAM!" Parker demanded nervously. "We have to get
there before Jarod calls, and this time Wonder boy better tell me the TRUTH or
he's not going to see another sunrise."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sydney's home11:50p.m.

Jarod brought the little sports car to a sudden stop a few houses away
from Sydney's residence. He looked at his watch and sighed relieved. He had made
it to Sydney's home before the time assigned by Alex. He knew that he should
have parked further down the street, but he didn't have the extra time or energy
to walk a few blocks like he had done in the past. Jarod reached into his
leather jacket and retrieved his gun with a shaky hand. He hated the idea of
using a gun, but this time he had no choice. He checked the clip, removed the
safety and returned it to his pocket. After simming all the possible outcomes
earlier, Jarod was certain that before this nightmare ended, this sociopath
would try to kill all the people that were important to him, and at the end of
their confrontation, Alex was not going to let him walk away alive.

Jarod took a deep breath and prepared himself for the battle of his life.
By the time Jarod exited the car, he had altered his persona and was ready to
perform the scariest pretend of his life. Become a cold-blooded killer like
Alex. The pretender's face was devoid of all emotions and his black eyes
cautiously scanned the vicinity, like a predator searching for his prey. The
persistent rain began to trickle down his face as the tall man silently walked
down the deserted street. His warm and rapid breath visibly danced in the cold
air. When he finally reached the border of Sydney's property, Jarod stopped and
looked for Alex's vehicle, but there was none in sight. 'Could he have
arrived before Alex? Or was his rival already inside ready to spring his trap as
soon as he entered the house?' Jarod stood frozen as he fought with his
indecision.

Finally and with no more time to waste, Jarod made up his mind and marched
towards the house to enter the way Alex would least expect, through the front
door. As he slowly climbed up the steps leading to the porch, Jarod retrieved
his weapon and held it ready to fire at his side. When Jarod tested the door
knob he found it unlocked, which clearly meant that his rival was expecting him
already. Like a cat burglar, the pretender silently pushed the door open a few
inches and quickly slipped into the dark house. Pressed against the wall of the
entryway and hidden in the shadows, Jarod immediately scanned the surroundings
nervously as his eyes adjusted to the darkness inside the house.

The dark house was swallowed in total silence and all he could hear was
his own breathing. As he cautiously moved into the living room, he noticed in
the darkness a figure sitting in front of the fireplace. Quickly Jarod raised
his gun and aimed it at the seated man. "DON'T MOVE." The pretender
growled.

"Jarod?" Inquired, a soft accented voice.

"Sydney!" Jarod gasped and rushed to his side. When he approached
the old man, he immediately noticed that he was tied to the chair and his head
was covered with a black hood, like the one they had used on him through his
years of captivity. Jarod could feel the rage burning through his veins. He
placed his gun on the coffee table, knelt next to his mentor and started
removing his bindings.

"Are you alright Sydney?" Jarod's voice was filled with concern as
he quickly undid the knot on the hood and removed it with disgust.

Finally freed from that damn hood, Sydney took in a deep breath and then
he gasped when his eyes landed on his protégé and noticed his battered
appearance.

"JAROD YOU MUST LEAVE NOW!" Sydney's voice trembled with panic as
he turned his face trying to get Jarod's attention. "That psychopath...Alex
wants to kill you. Jarod, forget about me. Please leave."

"I'm not leaving without you." Jarod was adamant. He reached into
his back pocket and retrieved a small switchblade. As he began to cut the ropes
around Sydney's wrists, the lights in the room were switched on, momentarily
blinding the startled men. When their eyes adjusted to the assaulting
brightness, the first image they encountered was that of Alex standing at the
entrance of the room, aiming his gun with a wicked smile on his face.

"Doctor, doctor...How can you make such a diagnosis when you never
studied me?" Alex's mocking tone quickly changed to one of repugnance.
"Unlike Jarod here who was your SPECIAL PROJECT and THE CENTRE'S
MIRACLE CREATION."

Sydney gasped when he heard Alex's statement, but lowered his eyes to hide
his shock from Jarod's questioning glance.

Inconspicuously, Jarod hid his knife in Sydney's hands as he slowly rose
from his mentor's side and moved in front of the still bound man. For a moment,
the room fell into a deadly silence as Jarod wondered about the dark meaning
behind Alex's words.

"What are you talking about?" Jarod hissed.

"Well, well...This is quite a surprise. The genius still does not know
the TRUTH." Alex said with an evil smile. "And the good Doctor has kept
you in the dark all these years...Shame on you Doctor."

Sydney felt nauseated as he watched the confrontation between the two
pretenders with horror. Alex was determined to destroy Jarod and his worse fears
had come true. This madman had acquired the information to do just that.
"Alex, please don't do this." Sydney pleaded silently as he looked into
Alex's cold eyes.

"WHAT TRUTH?" Jarod asked through clenched teeth.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Miss Parker's Home12:00a.m.

Still limping slightly, Miss Parker exited Sam's car and hurriedly walked
across the damp lawn, followed closely by Sam and Angelo. As she climbed the
steps leading to her front porch, Parker looked towards her driveway and
frowned, but continued her short trek to the front door. She quickly unlocked
the door and stepped into the silent home, immediately searching for signs of
her techie.

"Broots where are you?" Parker shouted irritably, while Sam
immediately withdrew his gun on alert.

"I'm here Miss Parker." Broots' shaky voice came from the direction
of the hall. "I was in the restroom."

"OH MY GOD MISS PARKER! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?" Broots exclaimed
with concern as he approached his boss and noticed her injuries and the state of
her expensive attire. "Are you Okay Miss Parker?"

"Someone tried to Bar B-Q my car with me in it." Parker said
sarcastically, but her demeanor immediately changed when she looked at the
little man sitting on the floor next to her fireplace. "But thanks to Angelo
I'm still in one piece...I'm fine Broots, Thanks."

"Jarod was right." Broots whispered with dread. "D...does that
means that Alex might come after me...too?"

"Speaking of Monkey Boy, has he called yet?" Parker asked with
annoyance, ignoring Broots' question.

"No...Not yet." Broots said anxiously looking at his watch for the
hundredth time that evening. "Miss Parker I have a real bad feeling about
this. Jarod said that if we didn't hear from him after midnight that we should
leave town. Do you think that something happen to Jarod or Sydney?"

"I don't know Broots." Parker said with fear in her voice.

Suddenly Parker realized what had caught her eye on the way in. Ignoring
her sore ankle, Miss Parker limped to the window and pulling the curtains aside
she screamed, "WHERE IS MY CAR?"

"Oh boy." Broots swallowed hard. "Oh your car?...Ah...J...Jarod
t...took it."

"WHAT?" Parker was enraged.

"Miss Parker... Ah...Jarod needed a car...Ah... to go meet with this
guy...Alex to try to get Sydney back." Broots explained timidly.

"If that Son of a bitch wrecks my car I'll..." Parker snarled, but
stopped herself when she noticed the look of surprise Broots and Sam exchanged.
"I have to go change my clothes." Parker replied suddenly and rushed out
of the room.

"Man, if Jarod survives this one, he better disappear for good this
time." Broots whispered in Sam's direction as he paced the room anxiously.

Sam looked at the techie and nodded in agreement. After a few minutes of
silence, Sam looked at Broots very seriously and asked, "Do you think Jarod
will be able to rescue Sydney?"

Broots stopped his pacing and froze as he dwelled on Sam's question. When
he turned to face Sam, the techie had a small smile on his face. "I'm not
sure of many things at the Centre, but after working for Miss Parker and Sydney
all these years on Jarod's pursuit, I have realized that there is a very special
relationship between Jarod and Sydney and I'm convinced that Jarod will do
anything to save him...or he'll die trying."

"Damn, I forgot to show this to Miss Parker." Sam's angry voice
suddenly broke the silence that had fallen on the room and with frustration he
retrieved the flyer from his coat pocket.

"What...what?" Broots asked intrigued and moved towards the big
man.

"I think Jarod has a bigger problem now." Sam said as he handed the
paper to the curious techie.

"OH MY GOD!...Who do you think did this?" Broots was
appalled.

"Who did what?" Miss Parker's voice came from the hall.

Broots looked at Sam nervously and handed the flyer to Miss Parker without
saying a word. When Parker started reading the flyer she was stunned. She felt
her stomach twisting into knots as her face was drained of all color. Slowly, in
a daze, she walked to the couch and sat down before her shaky knees would buckle
from underneath her. Suddenly, Parker found herself caught up in another
dilemma. Jarod was a real pain and sometimes she really wanted to take him back
to the Centre and lock him up for good, but finally she had realized that she
would never carry out the Centre's orders and hurt her friend again. This bounty
was a death sentence and she could not let this happen, especially now. And to
make matters worse, now she would have to go against the Triumvirate to stop
this atrocity before it was too late.

"Are you alright Miss Parker?" Parker faintly heard Broots' concern
voice.

"Miss Parker?" Broots called again.

"Wh...What?" Parker replied still somewhat stunned.

"Miss Parker...We have to warn...Jarod about this." Broots said
timidly.

"HOW?...Once again Boy Genius has vanished and left us in the
dark." Parker said angrily. "Do you happen to have his cell phone
number?"

"No...But...but when he calls back with news on Sydney." Broots
said hopefully. "He promised he would call."

Silently, Parker stood from the couch, walked pass Broots and went to the
window. She pulled the curtain aside and stared at the dreadful darkness
outside, wondering that somewhere out there a monster was lurking and waiting to
make his kill. Now, like Jarod, they too had become the hunted. "Please call
Jarod." Parker murmured to herself like a prayer.

Taking a deep breath, she buried her fears and pulled herself together.
When she turned around, her ice-queen mask was back in place and Parker was
ready to take charge of the situation. She walked towards Broots, grabbed him by
the arm and led him towards the kitchen door. "Broots, go search the Centre's
mainframe and find out who posted this bounty on Jarod... And I want
answers!"

"Yes Miss Parker, right away." Broots replied and scurried into the
kitchen.

"Sam, go do a sweep on the perimeter of the house. We don't want any
surprise visitors. I'll keep an eye on Angelo."

"Yes Ma' am." Sam said simply and immediately exited the house with
his gun ready.

Parker walked over to the fire place and stood in front of her mother's
picture. Wrapped in her nostalgia, she contemplated the old photo for a moment
before she reached and lifted it with care. Parker gently traced the outline of
her mother's face with her fingertips as she whispered a plea, "Mom, please
tell me they'll be alright." She wiped away a stray tear and returned the
frame back to its place on the mantel.

"Daughter scared." Angelo said with concern as he stood next to
Parker.

"Yes Angelo, I'm scared that I may never see Sydney...again."
Parker replied softly and looked at the empath with sadness in her eyes.

"And Jarod." Angelo finished as if reading her thoughts. Angelo
smiled, reached over and grasped her hand gently. "Daughter not worry...Jarod
help Sydney!"

"I hope so Angelo."

TBC

Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 10

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Thanks for your reviews to rev2004, Nans, phi4858,
bloodymary2, c1, mariel4000, Sirus183, and other readers who may be too shy to
leave a comment. Your ideas and words of encouragement mean a world to me. Is
almost over, so I hope you have enjoyed this little adventure. Thanks.
Mercy

"The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable."
Jim Davis.

Sydney's Home12:05a.m.

Alex smiled at Jarod with delight. The date of retribution had come at
last. Now he was the one in control and he was going to make Jarod squirm and
plead for mercy. "Because of your escape, The Triumvirate used me as a
substitute Pretender for five years and destroyed my life. It is time for me to
destroy yours." Alex glared at Jarod with madness in his eyes.

Cautiously, Sydney continued to cut the ropes around his wrists as he
watched the two men carefully.

"Let Sydney go. He had nothing to do with what happened to you."
Jarod pleaded.

"THAT'S WHERE YOU'RE WRONG JAROD." Alex shouted angrily. Aiming his
gun at the pretender, Alex moved forward very slowly and took Jarod's gun from
the coffee table. He tucked the gun in his belt and then continued, "Because
the good Doctor was too busy trying to retrieve you after your escape, the
Centre didn't think I was important enough, so they shipped me off to Africa to
be re-educated."

"I was never told about the other pretenders in the Pretender project."
Sydney cut in to explain. "If I knew, I would have..."

"LIAR!...JAROD WAS THE ONLY PRETENDER YOU WANTED TO WORK
WITH."

"But after today he will hate you when he learns the TRUTH." Alex
grinned evilly.

"WHAT TRUTH?" Jarod asked again in a threatening tone.

"Have you found your Mommy yet?"

"No." Jarod replied with dread. "Why?"

"Well, you're in for a big disappointment Jarod." Alex taunted.
"Dear Margaret and Major Charles are not your parents."

"What?" Jarod gasped, his voice merely a whisper.

Alex felt triumphant as the revelation shocked the pretender speechless.
Jarod felt as if he was punched in the stomach. His heart started racing and for
a moment his lungs refused to take in oxygen. This could not be true, Alex was
lying just to hurt him and to get his revenge. Jarod turned around and faced his
mentor. The pain in his eyes begging the old man to deny Alex's words.
"Sydney?" Was all he could say.

Sydney just bowed his head avoiding his protégé's pleading eyes. He had no
words for him right now, but the pain in his chest told him that he could not
stop the events that had been put into motion by this madman. Alex was
determined to destroy Jarod, and he was helpless to stop him.

Jarod's face grew tense with anger and confusion. Was Alex making up all
these lies? Or was this the real truth the Centre had hidden from him for the
past thirty years? But, after seeing Sydney's reaction, he feared that Alex was
not lying. Over the years, after his escape, he had found many scattered clues,
but had not seen the connection until...now. Suddenly, all these clues began to
come together, like pieces of a puzzle, as the memories flooded his mind. First,
there was that little piece of paper with the word "GENE" written by Sydney's
brother, Jacob, just before he died. Jacob had tried to tell him the truth, but
the Centre silenced him as well. Then there were all those files and records he
had discovered at the NuGenisis clinic after following the clues he obtained
from Mr. Fenigor. Furthermore, he remembered what Louis, the innkeeper at Oak
view Lodge, said to him the first time they met, "Funny, you don't look like
either one of your folks." Finally, the voices of Raines and Lyle echoed in
his mind, teasing him, "Jarod, you belong to us...The Centre created
you...This is where you belong."

"Oh, but wait Jarod. There are more secrets to be unearthed!" Alex
continued enthusiastically, startling Jarod from his reverie.

"As you know, the Centre has always been ahead when it came to the
Science of Cloning and Gene manipulation." Alex explained very
casually.

"What are you trying to say?" Jarod asked almost inaudibly. "Where
are my parents?"

"Well, that's what I'm trying to tell you genius...You will never find
your parents." Alex continued with an evil smile. His words tortured the
pretender, like pouring salt on an open wound. "Jarod, you were created in a
Lab...In a Petri dish. Nobody really knows who your parents were...or if you had
any parents, but according to the beliefs of the Triumvirate, you're the
descendant of someone great, which is also the meaning of your name. But most
important of all, your genetic codes and make-up are extremely valuable to the
Centre and the Triumvirate. Like they say, you're a diamond in the rough...and
their little Gold mine." Alex laughed maniacally, pausing a moment to enjoy
the pretender's anguish as his mind registered the information with shock.
"That's why they want you back so badly Jarod...To create the master race
that one day will rule the Centre and free them from the Triumvirate dominion.
Jarod, you're the Key to their survival, but after today it will not matter
anymore, because there will be no Centre. But remember this Jarod, even with the
Centre gone, you'll never be free. Your HELL has just begun."

"YOU'RE LYING!" Jarod shouted angrily, ignoring Alex's last
menacing words. He was trying to hold on to the only truth he had ever known and
believed for the past thirty years, but now this too was slowly slipping away.
Jarod looked around the room disoriented. The weight of this secret was crushing
him alive. "No, these are lies created by the Centre and the Triumvirate to
confuse me and control me." Jarod murmured to himself. "I have
parents who loved me and have been looking for me tirelessly since my
abduction." Exhausted and bewildered, Jarod became lost in his thoughts as
the faces of loved ones; he once believed to be his family, invaded his troubled
mind in an endless cycle. Abruptly, the sound of Alex's laughter, snapped Jarod
from his torment. He looked up at the man with hatred; his eyes shimmering with
unshed tears. He wanted to screamat the top of his lungs, but his voice came out
as a whimper, "Margaret is my..."

"MARGARET WAS JUST A SURROGATE MOTHER." Alex interrupted
furiously. "SHE WAS NO MORE THAN A VESSEL TO CARRY THE CENTRE'S GREATEST
CREATION AND THE KEY TO THEIR SURVIVAL."

"But, I remember when I was young...and when I was stolen from them."
Jarod argued desperately.

"True, Margaret and Major Charles had you as their son for a little
while, but The Centre followed them and monitored you during all that time. Then
when you were old enough, The Centre came and reclaimed their prized
possession." Alex gloated as he watched the great pretender crumble right
before his eyes.

"I DON'T BELIEVE YOU...I'll FIND MY PARENTS AND LEARN THE TRUTH."
Jarod spat back angrily.

"ENOUGH!" Alex shouted infuriated. "Your parents are no longer the
issue...but Miss Parker and the good Doctor are." Alex shouted
infuriated.

"What about Miss Parker?" Jarod asked with apprehension.

"What have you done to Miss Parker?" Sydney's concern voice came
from behind the tall pretender.

"Jarod, remember what I told you the last time?...That you didn't know
how important she was to your world?...Well, now you will never know." Alex
looked at his watch and grinned. "I believe that by now Miss Parker is
probably roasting inside her luxurious Centre town car...Gone
forever."

"YOU BASTARD, IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO MISS PARKER...I'LL KILL YOU."
Jarod growled and instinctively moved toward Alex, but immediately stopped
when Alex raced his gun and aimed it at the pretender's heart. Jarod froze his
body rigid with tension as he tried to control the rage that was eating him
alive.

"Jarod, we don't want to do anything drastic, do we?" Alex said
calmly. "Don't you want to hear the rest of my plan?"

"What plan?" Jarod snarled, his dark brown eyes piercing into
Alex.

"Well, I've already told you about my plan on the e-mail I sent to you
yesterday morning; Remember?" Alex mocked.

"Suddenly, Jarod remembered the anonymous e-mail he had received along
with the list of people marked for death. It read, "THE CENTRE'S LEGACY HAS
COME TO AN END. THEY WILL ALL PAY FOR STEALING MY LIFE. I WILL DESTROY YOU
ALL."

Finally, Sydney had managed to cut the rope from around his wrists and now
he was cautiously looking around the room for something that he could use as a
weapon to help Jarod against this Psycho. Sydney's eyes landed on the poker that
stood with the other fireplace utensils, and was only a few inches to his right.
He loathed violence, but this time he had no choice. Saying a silent prayer, he
came to a decision. Jarod already had lost too much in his life and he was not
going to stand by and watch this monster destroy him. Sydney sadly remembered
the promise he had made to his friend, Catherine, to protect the children but he
had failed terribly. Blinking away the tears for the other child, Sydney feared
lost, he made a solemn promise in silence. He would protect Jarod with his life
if necessary.

"I assume that you know about Mr. Lyle's involvement?" Alex said as
he started pacing again, but keeping his gun trained on both men. "Mr. Lyle
was very co-operative and quite resourceful. He was a man of many talents, but
his greed for power was his downfall. Do you know that he actually had plans to
assassinate Mr. Raines?" Alex looked at Jarod as if expecting an answer, but
the pretender only gave him an icy glare.

"What was in that file Lyle exchanged in the warehouse?" Jarod
asked seriously.

"Mr. Lyle even offered me a partnership to rule the Centre." Alex
ignored Jarod's questions and continued with his explanation. "But as you
know, I already had other plans to kill everyone at the Centre."

"YOU'RE MAD AND YOU'LL NEVER GET AWAY WITH THIS." Sydney erupted.

"NO, I'M NOT MAD DOCTOR, I'M A SOCIOPATH CREATED BY YOU PEOPLE."
Alex moved towards Sydney menacingly, but Jarod moved in front of him and
blocked his approach. Enraged by Jarod's interference, Alex raised his gun and
pressed it against Jarod's throat. "GENIUS, IF YOU DO THAT AGAIN YOU'LL DIE
FIRST, AND THAT'S NOT A PART OF MY PLAN." Then in a flash, Alex swung the
gun ferociously and struck Jarod across the face, sending the pretender crashing
to the floor at Sydney's feet.

"JAROD!" Sydney cried out with panic.

Alex stared down at Jarod and started to laugh diabolically. "The
faithful son always protects his mentor."

Sydney stared angrily as he felt the blood boiling in his veins. The old
man wanted to jump from his chair and tear Alex's heart out with his bare hands,
but he knew very well that alone he could not defeat this lunatic, plus he
wasn't sure about Jarod's condition. He had to practice patience and wait for
the right moment in order to succeed. He had taught Jarod patience and careful
planning all his life, now the time had come for him to put those lessons to
practice.

"Jarod are you alright?" Sydney asked, his voice laced with
concern.

Jarod pulled himself to a sitting position on the floor and raised one
hand to let Sydney know that he was alright, but the pain in his head was
excruciating and his vision was all a blur. Jarod felt a burning sensation on
his left cheek and when his finger tips touched his face, they came back tinted
in red. The cut to his face didn't bother him much, but the incapacitating
dizziness from his concussion was something that worried him, especially after
that blow. He just sat there stunned, waiting for the damn light-headedness to
subside, but closing his eyes, found no relief. Instead he heard Parker's voice
calling for him, making the guilt stab deeper at his heart. Jarod wondered if
this time he should have trusted Parker to help him. Maybe if she was here with
him, she would still be alive. "No, she is alive, she has to be." Jarod
told himself with conviction.

"And my plans have worked perfectly. Don't you agree Jarod?" Alex
laughed when the pretender snapped from his reverie and looked up surprised.

"Eliminating Mr. Raines and Mr. Lyle was very simple. As you probably
guessed, I killed Mr. Raines." Alex chuckled amused. "The old ghoul was
shocked to see me alive."

"Jarod, I simmed every outcome to my plan and predicting your moves was
so easy." Alex walked to the recliner and sat down, keeping his gun aimed on
the man sitting on the floor. "I knew you were going to follow Mr. Lyle to
the warehouse, so I sent my assistant to meet with him. He is a very smart young
man. I believe you know him."

Jarod frowned, but decided to remain quiet. Alex was in a talkative mood
and slowly was answering all his questions.

"Like I said earlier, Mr. Lyle was a very resourceful man. He had many
connections and he could obtain information on almost anybody. Lyle once told me
about this fellow he employed from time to time to locate missing families. What
was his name?" Alex looked up and tapped his index finger on his chin as if
trying to remember the name.

"Mr. White." Jarod said through clenched teeth.

"Yeah, that the guy!" Alex exclaimed. "Do you know Mr.
White?"

"We met once." Jarod answered simply, but he couldn't hide the fear
that made his blood run cold, as he remembered Mr. White's words, "I'm a
finder; missing families is kind of my niche, and yours is a full time job
brother."

"So I suppose you already know what I have in my possession?" Alex
teased.

Slowly, Jarod placed both hands on the coffee table and pushed himself to
a standing position. He swayed momentarily, but quickly regained his balance by
placing one hand on Sydney's shoulder. The old man looked at his protégé and
gave him a concerned look, but what he saw in Jarod's eyes frightened him. He
saw anguish, fear and mistrust. Jarod quickly looked away from his mentor and
stared at Alex with a hatred that was palpable.

"YOU LEAVE MY FAMILY ALONE."

"Sorry, your family is already involved." Alex said calmly. "Oh, but
wait, they are not really your family; Remember?"

"YES THEY ARE AND IF YOU HARM THEM I'LL..."

"YOU'RE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING JAROD. Alex interrupted with a roar
then paused as he stood from his seat. "They will all perish Jarod, but
now...I have other plans for you."Alex interrupted with a roar then
paused as he stood from his seat.

Jarod's dark eyes clashed with Alex's heartless stare. The look of pure
evil in his eyes made the pretender shiver and once again doubts about their
survival invaded his thoughts. Jarod had hoped that he could reach Alex, but he
was too twisted; the Centre had won again. They had not only stolen his life,
but also his mind and soul, and in return they had created a ruthless killer
capable of anything.

"You can't save everyone Jarod."

"Maybe not, but I will not give up on my family and
friends."

"Jarod, the hero." Alex laughed hysterically. "But this time,
the hero may have to kill one of his own to save the others."

"WHAT?" Jarod said stunned.

"Remember the young man that met with Lyle at the warehouse. Didn't he
look familiar? I'll give you a clue; he is very good with explosives." Alex
grinned evilly. "Come on Jarod, you're the Genius."

Jarod gasped sharply and looked down as the events in the warehouse
re-played in his mind, but this time he recognized the mystery man. With a
frighten look on his face he raised his eyes and whispered, "Ethan."

"You are smart after all." Alex teased.

"SO INSTEAD OF KILLING ETHAN, YOU'VE TURNED HIM INTO A KILLER LIKE
YOU." Jarod snarled with disgust, his eyes tearing up from the shock and
anger.

"Oh touché." Alex grinned evilly and then continued. "Ethan is a
very impressionable young man." Alex started casually. "All it took was a
few suggestions and commands that were hidden in Ethan's sub-conscious by Mr.
Raines to activate his subservient personality. Mr. Raines was a genius when it
came to creating personal assassins. Don't you agree?"

"YOU SICK BASTARD, I'LL STOP YOU EVEN IF IT'S THE LAST THING I
DO."Jarod replied in a menacing tone.

"But this time you will be too late to save Ethan." Alex looked at
his watch again and smile. "As we speak, Ethan is setting the last explosives
that will bring down the Centre. Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock time is running out
Jarod."

Alex beamed with satisfaction as he watched the turmoil in the pretender's
face. Jarod was losing control and he could not hide the look of shock and fear
as he listened to his well planned strategy to destroy the Centre and his
family.

Sydney looked at the two men with apprehension. He never thought that
things could turn for the worse so suddenly, and what scared him the most was
that he was going to lose Jarod forever. Maybe he already had, after Alex's
revelation about the pretender's origin. Sydney could see the despair and rage
in his protégé's eyes and if the pretender gave-in to his suppressed anger, he
would be damned like Alex. He had to do something and soon, or this madman would
accomplish his goal and destroy the man he had raised and loved as a son.

Cautiously, Sydney reached to the right and took possession of the poker
and hid it behind his chair, while keeping his eyes fixed on Alex, who was again
pacing in front of Jarod as he ranted about his plan. The old man looked at
Jarod and was stricken with fear. After thirty years of mentoring his protégé,
he new him like the back of his hand and he could read his every emotion in his
face and body. Sydney could sense the anger radiating from the pretender and
instantly knew that Jarod was getting ready to make his move and put an end to
this situation. Jarod's body was stiff as a guardsman, but he had widened his
stand for better balance and control in his attack. His fists were clenched
tightly at his side and from where he sat he could see the tension growing in
the rigid muscles of his jaw line. Sydney closed his eyes and said a silent
prayer for all the Centre's children. This time he was not going to let them
down. In the past others had fought the Centre while he cowered away and hid
behind his fear and the lies, but now it was his turn to face this evil and
fight for the children he swore to protect. The truth was out and it was time to
fight the monsters.

What happened in the next few seconds would haunt Sydney's dreams for a
very long time. Frantically and without any warning, Sydney sprung from his
chair and shoved Jarod aside, making the pretender wince and double over in pain
when his injured ribs received the forceful push. Desperate and unaware of his
mistake, Sydney raised the poker and lunched towards the evil man, but his
half-dormant legs refused to co-operate with him after their long period of
inactivity and instead he clumsily stumbled forward. Alex swiftly and
effortlessly averted the old man's attack and violently pushed him to the
ground. Menacingly, he approached the beaten man and stood over him laughing.

This is going to be your last foolish mistake DOCTOR." Alex
said with a voice full of malice as he pointed his gun at the old man.
"Sydney, say Goodbye to your pretender."

Before Alex was able to finish off his latest victim, Jarod pounced on top
of the madman like a wild animal. The pain to his ribs and head forgotten
momentarily as the adrenalin gushed through his veins. The momentum sent both
men crashing to the ground violently. Alex's gun flew out of his hand and slid
across the wooden floor coming to rest under the couch as the men continued to
fight fiercely. In the struggle, Alex pulled out a knife hidden in his boot and
stabbed Jarod in the forearm. Jarod screamed in agony and shoved Alex away from
him, while he stumbled to his feet with the knife still embedded in his arm.
Before Jarod was able to put some distance between him and this psycho, Alex
jumped to his feet and kicked Jarod on the ribs with brutal force, thrusting the
already weakened man against the door. The pretender gasped in excruciating pain
as the force of the kick damaged more ribs and forced the breath out of him.
Depleted of his remaining strength and unable to breathe properly through the
intense pain, Jarod's vision became all a blur and he collapsed to the floor
with a crash.

Desperately trying to fight back the blackness that called to him, Jarod
blinked repeatedly and shook his head slowly as he pulled himself to a sitting
position against the front door. His face contorted in pain with each labored
breath he inhaled and the throbbing pain in his wounded arm made him realized
that the blade was still lodged deep in his arm. Shivering uncontrollably from
the pain and exhaustion, Jarod closed his eyes and grabbed hold of the knife. In
one swift motion, he pulled the blade from his flesh emitting a growl of pain
that shattered the silence of the room.

Finally when Jarod looked up, his vision now clearer, he was confronted by
Alex once again. The disturbed man stood a few feet away with a wicked smile on
his face. Slowly, Alex pulled Jarod's gun from his belt and aimed it at the
pretender.

"Jarod, looks like this is the end of the road for you."

Alex was met with a look filled with repugnance, but Jarod remained silent
as he applied pressure to his bleeding arm. He had no more strength nor will to
fight left in him. Jarod lowered his head. He was defeated.

"I was planning to return you to the Triumvirate myself so that you
would experience what I had to endure for five years at their hands, but now you
have forced me to change my plans." Alex paused for a moment and laughed.
"But either way, you're still valuable, Dead or Alive."

Jarod looked up and frowned at Alex's last statement but did not reply. It
didn't matter anymore, the game was over and once again the Centre's evil had
won. Jarod closed his eyes to wait for the inevitable. He was not going to beg
for mercy, but deep in his heart he prayed that his family and the others would
find a way to escape Alex's wrath and survive. Waiting for Alex to pull the
trigger, Jarod smiled inwardly as the beautiful face of his childhood friend
invaded his thoughts. The Centre had stolen his family, his freedom and his
identity, but they never had managed to take away his soul or the feelings he
had for her. She had been his strength and his torment, but most important of
all she had been a part of his life that no one could ever take away.

Suddenly, the blast from the gun thundered through the entire room and as
the sound died out, the room was engulfed in a deadly silence.

TBC

Vanished

By Gemini-M

Chapter 11

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Sorry for the delay in posting, but I hope this long
chapter will make up for the wait. Thanks to Rev2004, Nans, bloodymary2 and
phi4858 for reading my story and sharing your thoughts and ideas. They are very
important to me and to the development of my story. Writing this story has been
a lot of fun and now is almost done, but there are still a few more surprises
ahead, so read, enjoy and review. Thanks.

"If a thousand old beliefs were ruined in our march to truth we must
still march on." Stopford Brooke

Miss Parker's home12:30a.m.

Parker burst through the kitchen door, making the paranoid techie nearly
jump out of his skin. Trying to remain calm, Broots took a deep breath and
returned to his frenzied typing on the keyboard, while he cautiously eyed the
tall woman, waiting for her angry demands, but they never came. Instead, Parker
walked over to the coffee maker and poured herself another cup of the dark
liquid.

While sipping her coffee, Parker paced around the small kitchen for a few
minutes before she approached the table and sat across from Broots without
saying a word. Broots gave her a quizzical look and asked with concern, "Are
you alright Miss Parker?

"Yes, I'm fine. Have you found anything?"

"Not yet Miss Parker, but I found something very strange."

"What?"

"I can't find anything about this bounty in the Centre's mainframe. I
think that whoever placed this bounty on Jarod did it from outside the Centre
and then erased all his tracks, but I think I can find out the
source."

"How long will it take?" Parker asked impatiently.

"Not very long...I think." Broots replied nervously. "I'm
running a tracking program and it's almost done." Broots paused
momentarilycalculating his next words. "Miss Parker...whoever did this is
very clever and knows his way around the Centre's mainframe and its
firewalls...like Jarod."

Broots and Parker stared at each other momentarily as if reading each
others thoughts, and then said simultaneously, "Alex!"

"Broots, if Alex posted this bounty a few hours ago, he might still be
at that location with Sydney."

"And Jarod." Broots added.

Parker shot Broots a surprised look but quickly averted his eyes to hide
the concern that was so visible in them. She took another long sip of her coffee
then slowly placed the mug back on the table and sighed tiredly. "What's
important right now is that we find Sydney in time, but if we manage to capture
Jarod in the process, that would be a nice bonus." Parker said dryly.
"Plus the Lab Rat owes me a good explanation for stealing my
car."

"Miss Parker, I'm sure Jarod had his reasons." Broots said timidly.
"Miss Parker, Jarod was very concerned about this guy, Alex, coming after
you...us."

"YEAH RIGHT AND HE SHOWS HIS CONCERN BY LYING TO US ABOUT ALEX AND THEN
RUNNING OFF WITH MY CAR." Parker growled. "WHICH I KNOW, HE PROBABLY DID
JUST TO ANNOY ME."

"But Miss Parker..." Broots tried to object.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU BROOTS; HERE YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE EXCUSES FOR
HIM AFTER HE PUNCHED YOU!"

"OH NO Miss Parker is just that..." Broots said hesitantly.
"J...Jarod didn't really want...uh..."

"WHAT?" Parker asked with exasperation as her eyes bore daggers at
the suddenly mute Broots.

"MISS PARKER HURRY SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH ANGELO!" Sam's panicked
voice interrupted the tense exchange, making Broots breathe out a sigh of
relief.

Immediately, Parker abandoned her argument with Broots and leapt from her
chair completely ignoring the pain that radiated throughout her bruised body.
The tall woman drew her gun from her holster and dashed towards the family room
with Broots at her heels babbling something about Alex finding them and being
marked for termination.

"WHAT'S WRONG SAM?" Parker asked with concern as her eyes scanned
the family room for signs of the empath or any intruder. "WHAT HAPPENED TO
ANGELO?"

"I don't know Miss Parker. I just walked in and found Angelo sitting by
the front door hugging his knees with a terrified look in his eyes." Sam
explained puzzled. "I called his name, but he didn't react, then all of the
sudden he flipped out. He covered his face with his hands, screamed something
and fell to the ground."

"WHERE IS ANGELO NOW?" Parker asked almost in a panic.

"I don't know Miss Parker. When I reached for the little guy he
panicked and crawled away from me, then he got up and ran towards the bedroom."

"Damn." Miss Parker cursed as she headed toward the bedroom leaving
Sam and Broots staring at each other bewildered and confused.

In a matter of seconds, Parker reached the guest room where Jarod had been
kept. The door was slightly open and the room was in total darkness. When Parker
turned on the lights, the first thing she noticed was Thomas' clothes at the
foot of the bed. As if hypnotized, she approached the bed and gently touched the
nicely folded items. At first she was surprised to find them there, but she knew
that Jarod had sensed how important these items were to her, despite her effort
to hide her pain. Jarod knew her too well and that always bothered her. Parker
snapped out of her trance and refocused her attention on the search for the
distraught little man. She moved away from the bed, returned her gun back to its
holster and continued to scan the room for signs of Angelo. In the far corner of
the room, behind the dresser, Parker found Angelo. The empath was in a crouched
position, hugging his knees close to his chest and rocking back and forth. Very
slowly, Parker approached the terrified little man and kneeled in front of him,
immediately noticing that he was holding something in his hand. When she looked
closer, she recognized the item; it was Jarod's sunglasses. Suddenly, a chilling
sensation traveled down her spine and paralyzed her with fear as she realized
that Angelo's panic reaction might have come from the item he was holding.

"Angelo what's wrong?" Parker whispered, her voiced laced with
fear.

Terror-stricken and with tears streaming down his face, Angelo raised his
head and looked at the woman kneeling in front of him. His eyes reflected so
much pain and fear that it made Parker gasped in shock.

Blinking back the tears that had formed in her eyes, Parker insisted,
"Angelo, please tell me what are you sensing?" Parker moved closer and
carefully placed a hand on his arm. "Angelo has something happened to Jarod
or Sydney?"

At that precise moment, Sam and Broots burst into the room in search of
their boss. "Miss Parker...Miss Parker, have you found Angelo?" Shouted
Broots but immediately froze in place when he received one of Parker's icy
glares.

Startled by the men entering the room, the panicked empath shrank away
from Miss Parker and resumed his monotonous rocking and mumbling while leaning
against the wall in the corner.

Frustrated by the interruption, Parker turned around with fury in her eyes
and waved at the two men to leave the room. Realizing their mistake, Broots and
Sam nearly tripped over each other as they scurried out of the room.

Once they were alone again, Parker approached Angelo very slowly and sat
in front of the shy and mysterious little man. Silently she prayed that her
childhood friend would trust her enough to help them find Jarod and Sydney.
Angelo was her only hope to find the two people that meant so much in her life.
It had taken her too long to accept the importance of these two people, now she
hoped that she would not be too late to tell them. Parker was overwhelmed with a
feeling of fear and total helplessness, and even though she had the gift of the
inner sense like her mother, she refused to embrace it for fear of discovering
more lies and betrayal that would send her remaining sanity spiraling into
madness.

Deeply absorbed in her thoughts, Parker didn't notice that Angelo had
stopped rocking and had focused his attention back on her. Suddenly, Angelo
reached forward, grasped her hand firmly and asked, "Daughter afraid?"

Parker gasped in surprise, momentarily unable to answer the question. She
hesitated for an instant then lowering her eyes, she answered softly, "Yes
Angelo, I'm scared for Sydney and...Jarod."

As soon as Jarod's name left her lips, Angelo curled into a tight ball and
covering his face with his hand began to weep.

"Angelo, please tell me what's wrong?" Parker begged. "Did
something happen to..."

"NOOOOOO!...LIES, LIES...PAIN...SAD." Angelo screamed in agony.
"Friend...hurting bad."

"Please Angelo tell me where they are?"

"NO...NO...Friend lost...Pain...Giving up...Giving up." Angelo
continued, his lips trembling with fear. "Can't say...Friend afraid...for
you...and others."

Parker felt completely lost. She just could not reach the terrified
empath. "Maybe it was too late already and once again she had waited too long
to share her feelings with those most important to her." Parker thought to
herself with a heavy heart as she reached up and wiped a stray tear from her
cheek. When she looked down, Parker's eyes rested on Jarod's sunglasses next to
Angelo. Cautiously, as if picking up a delicate flower, Parker gathered the
glasses and looked at her friend with sadness in her eyes.

"Angelo is there anything you can tell me." Parker paused trying to
control her emotions. "I will not hurt Jarod, I promise."

Angelo just shook his head crawled back to the corner and resumed his
rocking.

"Miss Parker...Miss Parker." Broots whispered, peeking into the
room.

"What is it Broots?" Parker asked jumping to her feet and
approaching the man hiding behind the door.

"I KNOW WHERE THEY ARE!" Brootssaid excitedly.

"WHERE?"

"The bounty message was posted from Sydney's computer...his home
computer!"

"THAT BASTARD! He was hiding right under our noses." Parker hissed.
"Broots tell Sam to get the car and I'll bring Angelo out."

"Miss Parker what do you want me to do?" The techie asked
nervously.

"You stay here in case Jarod tries to contacts you." Parker spoke
over her shoulder as she approached the distraught little man and began to speak
to him softly, "Angelo I need you to come with us. Jarod and Sydney might
need your help."

"Find Jarod?" Angelo asked eagerly; his eyes blinking the tears
away.

"I hope so Angelo. Will you help us?"

Angelo nodded and smiled slightly. Without further remark, he stood and
began walking towards the door with Parker at his side.

"Miss Parker, do you think is a good idea to take Angelo with you?...I
mean, he's pretty confused and panicky.

"I have no choice Broots. I might need Angelo's empathic abilities, in
case they're gone when we arrive at Sydney's home."

"Yeah, I guest you're right." Broots agreed as he followed Parker
and Angelo down the hall. "Miss Parker, please call me as soon as you find
them."

"I will Broots."

"Good Luck Miss Parker."

"Thanks Broots." Parker gave him a sad smile and closed the door
behind her.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sydney's Home

At the sound of the gun shot, Jarod flinched in sudden panic and sucked in
a sharp breath, expecting it to be his last breath and a quick end to his
miserable life. Then to his surprise, everything went totally silent. The only
sound Jarod could hear was that of his labored breathing and racing heartbeat.
Confused, Jarod wondered if his life was slowly slipping away or was this one of
Alex's sick little games.

Forcing himself to face what had just happened; Jarod opened his eyes and
gasped. A nauseating feeling overtook the pretender as his eyes landed on Alex's
body stretched out on the floor a few inches away from his feet. When Jarod
looked up, his eyes met those of his mentor. Sydney was kneeling by the couch,
still aiming Alex's gun at the dead man, and for the first time since his
arrival, Jarod noticed how terribly pale and fatigued Sydney looked.

"Sydney?" Jarod's concern voice made the psychiatrist look up in
shock, just before exhaustion defeated the old man and he collapsed to the
floor.

While holding his bleeding arm, Jarod leaned heavily against the front
door and pushed himself to his feet. Once on his feet, and still a little
wobbly, Jarod walked over to his mentor as quickly as possible.

"Sydney, let me help you." Jarod carefully helped the old man off
the floor and sat him on the couch. Jarod could see that Sydney needed medical
attention. He didn't appear to have any broken bones, but he had been beaten
pretty badly and had several lacerations and bruises on his face and arms, plus
he was very dehydrated and could be suffering from a concussion.

"Wait here and don't get up." Jarod ordered simply and disappeared
into the kitchen. A few minutes later, Jarod returned holding a glass of water.
"Here, drink some water, slowly."

"Sydney, I need to take you to a hospital. Can you make it to the car?"
Jarod asked distressed.

"NO, I'M NOT GOING TO ANY HOSPITAL!" Sydney protested.

"Sydney, you need medical attention." Jarod argued softly.

"All I need is some rest, besides you look like you're in worse shape
than me." Sydney said staring at his protégé's bleeding arm.

"I've survived worse than this Sydney. You should know of all people."
Jarod said giving the old man an icy glare. The moment the words left his
lips, Jarod felt regret, but the damage was done. The two men stared at each
other silently for a moment then Jarod lowered his eyes and moved away from his
mentor as he continued to apply pressure over the wound in his arm.

"Jarod, you need to take care of your arm." Sydney went on ignoring
the young man's angry words.

"There is no time. We're not safe here." Jarod said
agitated.

"Jarod, at least put a dressing on the wound to stop the bleeding."
Sydney insisted, his voice laced with concern.

"Alright, do you have some bandages?"

"Yes, there is a first aid kit in the bathroom at the end of the hall."
Sydney pointed in the direction of the hall.

Without any remarks, Jarod crossed the room and disappeared into the hall.
Sydney followed his protégé with his eyes and shook his head tiredly. What was
he going to do now to keep Jarod from disappearing forever? In a few minutes,
Alex had destroy what had taken him a lifetime to achieve; Jarod's trust. But
what he feared the most was Jarod's state of mind. Sydney could never forget the
look of despair and pain in Jarod's eyes. The pretender had been shattered by
this revelation and once again Jarod had lost the only family he thought he had.

Completely lost in his thoughts and overcome by exhaustion, Sydney began
to doze off and didn't notice when Jarod re-entered the living room. The
pretender approached the old man and tapped him on the arm. "Sydney
wake-up."

Sydney woke with a start and gazed at his protégé with concern.
"Jarod!...Are you alright?...How's your arm?"

"Fine." Jarod replied dryly. The tall man slowly walked to where
Alex's body laid and picked up his gun from the floor. Jarod looked at the body
of the fallen man and felt pain. He should be glad that Alex was gone, but
instead he felt sadness. Alex might have been evil, but that was not his choice.
The Centre exploited him and had stolen and mangled his life, just like they had
done to him, and so many others. Yes, Alex was just like him, a man without
identity or past; a mere science experiment and property of the Centre. Closing
his eyes, Jarod whispered, "Rest in peace Alex, you're finally
free."

Without a trace of emotion on his face, Jarod walked back to the old man
and said, "Sydney, we have to get moving."

"Okay Jarod, but where are we going?"

"Some place safe but not too far." Jarod said as he started to help
Sydney off the couch.

"We can go to my cabin in White Clouds." Sydney suggested quietly.
"Is less than two hour drive, and Jarod, you're welcome to stay there as long
as you like. You'll be safe there plus you can use the rest as
well."

"NO, I have to get back to the Centre and find Ethan."

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?" Sydney stopped suddenly and faced the
pretender; his eyes wide with panic. "JAROD, WITH RAINES AND LYLE DEAD, THEY
WILL BE LOOKING FOR YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER. YOU CANNOT GO NEAR THE CENTRE.
THAT'S PLAIN SUICIDE."

"SYDNEY, I HAVE NO CHOICE." Jarod spat back angrily. "Ethan is
my brother...half-brother. I have to stop him before he goes through with Alex's
plan and kills more innocent people and himself."

"Jarod, there must be another way." Sydney begged. "You're in no
condition to..."

"Not now Sydney." Jarod interrupted. "But there is someone who
might be able to help me." Jarod said thoughtfully.

"Who?" Sydney asked carefully.

"Wait here." Jarod released the old man's arm and left him leaning
against the front door. "Where is your computer?"

"It's in the den." Sydney answered with a frown, but chose not to
push the pretender for answers.

Jarod rushed into the den and sat behind the desk panting. After logging
in, he began typing feverishly. Once again he prayed that Angelo could come to
his aid. Right now, the empath was the only person he could trust and the only
one who could locate Ethan in the depths of that catacomb. Angelo had never let
him down and Jarod knew that his friend would do his best to keep Ethan safe
until he could reach the Centre. After sending the message, Jarod silently
thanked Angelo again and left his mentor's peaceful den.

When Jarod returned from the den, Sydney gave him an expectant look,
hoping that the stubborn young man would share his plan, but Jarod ignored his
mentor's silent request and helped him out the door. "Do you need to take
anything with you?" Jarod asked before closing the door.

"No, I have everything I will need at the cabin."

"Good. Wait here, while I get the car." Jarod said and disappeared
in the darkness.

Sydney leaned heavily against the front door and closed his eyes. He could
not believe that his ordeal was over and that he had survived, thanks to Jarod,
but now he was faced with a bigger problem. Jarod was not dealing well with the
shocking truth he had received. The pretender was angry, confused and was
starting to isolate himself. "Catherine, I hope that we can save him this
time." Sydney murmured sadly. Life had never been kind to Jarod and once
again it had delivered another painful blow, but this time he was not going to
cower away or allow the Centre's dark past to destroy this kind and gifted human
being that he had raised and loved as a son.

The sound of the roaring engine and the bright beam of light from the car
moving up the driveway brought the tired old man out of his reverie. Sydney
stared at the little sports car wide-eyed and with mouth agape. Finally when he
found his voice, Sydney frowned at the approaching pretender and asked,
"Jarod, why do you have Miss Parker's car?"

"Necessity." Jarod said simply.

"She's going to be furious." Sydney mumbled under his
breath.

Jarod heard his mentor's comment, but ignored it. Instead the pretender
sighed tiredly and helped the old man into the little car. The sooner they were
away from here the better, in case the authorities had been informed about the
gun shot.

Once on their way, Jarod looked at his watch nervously. It was 12:45a.m
and it had been over an hour since he last spoke to Mr. Broots. He had promised
Broots that he would call him as soon as he had news on Sydney, but right now he
needed to know about Miss Parker's fate. He felt a paralyzing fear taking over
him as Alex's sinister words kept echoing inside his head, "I believe that by
now Miss Parker is probably roasting inside her luxurious Centre town car...Gone
forever."

Trying to repress Alex's torturous words and image from his mind, Jarod
rubbed his eyes tiredly and shot a quick glance at the old man sitting next to
him, but when this one tried to initiate a conversation, Jarod directed his
attention back to the road ahead and on his search for the cell phone. Jarod
reached inside his leather jacket and retrieved the small device. Without any
explanation, Jarod quickly dialed the pre-programmed number for Mr. Broots and
waited for the line to connect.

"He...llo?" A timid voice answered.

"Mr. Broots, I found Sydney."

"JAROD!...IS SYDNEY OKAY?...ARE YOU OKAY?...WHERE ARE YOU?"

"We're fine, Mr. Broots." Jarod said with weariness. "I'm taking
Sydney to a safe place."

"WHAT ABOUT...ALEX?"

"Alex is dead." Jarod said completely detached.

"OH MY GOD!"

"Mr. Broots...is...Miss Parker...alright?" Jarod asked, fear
evident in his voice.

"Jarod, Miss Parker and Sam are on their way to Sydney's home at this
moment. Is that where you are?"

"SHE'S ALRIGHT?" Jarod repeated with shock.

"Yeah...yeah, she's fine. Thanks to Angelo. Man, she was very lucky.
This guy, Alex, is a real PSYCHO, he tried to blow-up..."

"MR. BROOTS, I need to talk to Miss Parker, but she wouldn't answer her
cell phone earlier." Jarod interrupted Broots' ramblings. "Do you have
Sam's cell phone number?"

"That's because she forgot her cell phone at the Centre...Yes, wait a
second. I'll give you Sam's number." Broots put Jarod on hold and quickly
searched his cell phone directory. A few seconds later, he reconnected the call
back and gave Jarod the number.

"Thank you, Mr. Broots."

"JAROD WAIT!" Broots called before the pretender ended the call.
"Miss Parker is really...mad about her car, but she's also very concerned about
the both of you."

"Good-bye, Mr. Broots." Jarod said flatly and disconnected the
call.

Jarod placed his phone down and thanked his friend quietly, "Thank you
Angelo." He was glad that Parker was alive, but the nightmare was far from
over. Now came the hardest part, telling Miss Parker about Ethan's involvement
in Alex's twisted plans and saying good-bye.

Nervously, Jarod raked his hand through his tousled hair, then cautiously
looked over at the old man on the passenger seat, but was relieved to find him
snoring softly. He would wait a few more minutes before placing the call to Miss
Parker. To be on the safe side, he needed to put a little more distance between
them and his relentless huntress.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sydney's Home1:00a.m.

Sam brought the Centre's black sedan to a sudden stop at the end of the
shadowy driveway. The quiet neighborhood was shrouded in darkness and the only
light illuminating their path was that of the faint moonlight peeking through
the heavily clouded sky. The rain had stopped briefly, but the storm was far
from over. Before exiting the car, Miss Parker turned towards the empath in the
back seat and requested softly, "Angelo, you stay here. I'll be right
back."

The strange little man looked at Miss Parker with sadness in his eyes, and
after nodding his agreement he said in a tortured voice, "Jarod gone
forever."

Parker was taken by surprised with Angelo's remark, but pushed it aside in
her mind. Right now her only concern was to save her old friend and stop this
madman. Parker gave Angelo a reassuring smile and stepped out of the car.

"Sam, take the back." Was all Parker said as she stalked towards
the front door with her 9mm ready at her side.

When Parker reached the front door, she tried the door knob and to her
surprise found it unlocked. Preparing herself for a deadly confrontation with
the devil, Parker took a deep breath, pushed the door open and threw herself on
the floor while frantically looking for her target, but instead she found
herself lying a few inches from Alex's body. Terror-stricken, Parker covered her
mouth with her hand to stop her piercing scream and quickly crawled away from
the body, coming to rest against the front door. A few seconds later, Parker
heard Sam's heavy footsteps coming from the hallway. When Sam reached the living
room he immediately aimed his gun at the downed man. Very cautiously, the big
man walked towards the body and checked for a pulse in the man's neck. "He's
dead." Samassured the shaken woman. "Are you alright Miss Parker?"