Disclaimer: The Pretender belongs to its respectful owners. This is all for good fun. No money is being made from this.

Chapter 1

Walking cautiously through the shadows, the man made his way to the window. Squatting down, he scanned the area for any unwelcome visitors. Satisfied that he was alone, he slowly eased himself off the ground. Letting his hands rest on the window sill, his gaze fell upon the scene before him.

The living room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the television set and the fire burning in the fireplace that was slowly beginning to dwindle away. The room appeared to be warm and cozy, but he was not. His brown eyes wandered around the room aimlessly before finally resting on the two figures lying on the couch. If he was a normal man, he might find the scene touching, but to him it meant nothing.

Lying on the couch was Miss Parker, with Baby Parker, or Matthew as she called him now, sleeping by her side. He could tell they were both asleep due to their shallow, even breathing. It seemed even in sleep she protected the boy as her arm was wrapped protectively around him.

It was still hard to believe that this was THEIR child. That she was his mother and that he was Matthew’s father. Boy, would she be pissed when she found out who the father of her son was. He smiled to himself at the thought, but the question still remained, did she know that the boy she held close to her heart was her son, her future.

But, truth be told, he could care a less. All he wanted was his son. The boy was a bargaining chip that he simply couldn’t pass up. Plus, as an extra bonus it would cause only more pain for Miss Parker, which he was more than delighted to inflict, but now was not the time to take the child, not yet. He still had a few more kinks to work out before he set his plan into motion.

He was just about to turn around and leave when his eyes caught movement coming from the couch. For some strange reason he didn’t run, instead he took another step closer to the window, locking eyes with Matthew.

The boy didn’t say anything, just stared at him with curious eyes, then he did something that even surprised the man standing outside the window, he smiled at him, placing his hand on the window as if trying to reach out to him. The man couldn’t help but be taken aback by the sight. Matthew, his son, had his eyes, his hair coloring, even his trademark smirk. He looked just like him at that age, a thought that sent a shiver down the man’s spine.

He wanted to run and get away, but the boy’s pleading eyes never wavered from his. The man felt like he was hypnotized as he slowly drew his hand up, placing his palm on top of the boy’s waiting hand, only separated by the cool window pane. The man absentmindedly closed his eyes, and was startled by what he felt. Eyes flying open, he quickly pulled his hand away, stumbling backwards in mystified awe. He never felt anything like that before. It was pure unconditional love emanating from his son.

Just when he reached the shadows, the lights flicked on, revealing a worried Miss Parker standing behind Matthew. His son’s gaze never left him as his mother talked to him, trying to get answers from him. Finally, after a few seconds, Matthew turned his attention to Miss Parker, easing away her concern. As she hugged the boy, Matthew smiled at the man standing within the shadows, waving his fingers in a good-bye motion. Scared of what he was feeling, the stranger ran.

Once he made it to his car, he got in putting the keys in the ignition. As the engine purred to life, he took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. Once he was, the man leaned back in his seat, reaching across the car into the passenger seat. Grabbing the file folder, he opened it, letting his eyes wash over the blonde hair, blue eyed boy that was now his son. Heaving a heavy sigh, he threw the folder back down on the seat, absently scratching his chin. In doing this, his fake beard and mustache began falling apart. Once he peeled the items off, he next pulled off the dark wig, revealing his blonde hair, and last, but certainly not least was his brown eye contacts. Blinking his eyes a few times, he looked up into the rearview mirror, revealing his cold blue orbs. Satisfied with his appearance, he put the car in drive, hoping Mr. Altruism would eventually fall for his plan...hook, line, and sinker.

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To Be Continued...