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Chapter or Story 
Chapter or Story
Disclaimer in Part One. All prior parts are posted at www.the-pretender.de. Feedback encourages us to continue...(hint, hint). This part got very long, so it's broken into two parts. Enjoy!
This little piece is dedicated to Lois for her utter devotion to "The Pretender" overall, and to Mr. Lyle in particular.
The Road Taken
part 5b
by Renewal Wing
Jarod was getting more irritable by the minute. From his perspective the trip to Austin was turning into a complete waste of time. The plane was delayed because of engine problems. When it finally took off it had to return to San Francisco. The passengers and baggage were transferred to another plane. In the process a slightly inebriated passenger fell and injured himself, causing another delay.
The departure delays put Jarod's Austin-Bergstrom arrival smack in the middle of the night. A severe thunderstorm forced the plane to circle for forty-five minutes before landing, making things even worse.
Jarod skipped baggage pickup but there were only two car rental agencies still open and both had lines. Jarod picked the wrong line. Half an hour later he reached the desk and the end of his patience. Unfortunately, so had the rental agent. Jarod found himself at the end of the opposite line. When he came face-to-face with that agent, he made an effort to be polite, and got a car.
When the rental got a flat tire two miles from the terminal, Jarod felt less lucky. After kicking the tire a few times he limped to the trunk and put on the temporary spare. He got back in, banged his head on the steering wheel and returned to the terminal. What devils had Lyle paid off?!
Jarod left the terminal again with an apology, a new tire and a full-size spare. He drove directly to the Chinese section of Austin. And the plan dissolved again. The address in the INS computer files was incorrect. Jarod fell fitfully asleep in the car. The landlady beating on the car with a broom awakened him at dawn. Her American was not the best and Jarod's groggy Mandarin was worse. They finally communicated enough to determine that the mother and son, the Niratpattanasais (NI-RAT-PAT-TA-NA-SAI.), had bought a house, she did not know where, and if he did not leave, she would call the police.
Another two-hour wait for the courthouse to open and a quick search through paper records not yet entered into the computer, uncovered the family's new address. Jarod found the house with ease. He wasted an hour surveying the house and neighborhood. Impatience got the best of him and he knocked on the door.
His FBI badge frightened the woman who came to the door. She politely answered his questions. Yes, she did know Mr. Lyle; no, she had not seen him since he brought her from Thailand. Yes, she would do anything for him; but no, he had never asked for anything.
"You do not understand, Mr. Lyle saved my son from that place and returned him to me."
Jarod's continued questioning made her uneasy. Jarod pressed.
Mrs. Niratpattanasai exploded.
"My husband sold my son. Is that what you wanted to hear? He sold his own son to pay gambling debts. He would have sold my daughter too if she hadn't run away. When I finally found out what my husband had done I went to Bangkok to find my son.
"There I met Mr. Lyle. He was working with Missy Reed and Missy Saunders to send the children home. He burned down the house where they kept the little ones. He killed the man who bought my son and sent Khun Mae away. We could not go home, my husband would have beat us and then sold us both.
"I don't know what you want me to say about Mr. Lyle but I will only say what is true. He saved them all. My son would be dead. He brought us here to America and helped after we came, to find my daughter. I have work and a good life. You can make trouble for me but you cannot make me lie about Mr. Lyle even if you send me back." She stood defiantly with lip trembling and tears threatening to fall.
Jarod was confused, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Niratpattanasai. I don't want you to lie. I didn't...I won't make trouble. I'm sorry I upset you." He quickly left the house.
Jarod drove back to the airport. Who was that woman talking about? Not Lyle, it couldn't be Lyle. Lyle must have plans for her and her children. Her daughter--yes, that was it. He wanted her daughter for the future. Jarod shivered. And she had defended that bastard. Jarod needed to get to L.A. as quickly as possible. If this was the wrong trail, that meant Syd and Broots were on the right one. He punched Sydney's cell number into his phone.
***
Corinna and Lyle allowed the children to chatter uninterrupted all the way to the Dairy Queen. On the return trip there was silence in the back seat as Lillian and Sonny worked on their large twist cones. Leann would not be happy if they ruined their supper but the absence of sound was fabulous.
Corinna reached over and turned on the radio. Lyle was about to stop her when he realized why she was doing it.
"I guess you want to talk?"
"Duh comes to mind."
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Am I going to have to hit you?"
Lyle laughed, a bit ruefully, "I know, I need to call Cyrus."
"And?" she prompted.
"And The Centre?"
"I could care about The Centre. They're your problem. Cyrus is coming down on me because of you; that makes it my problem."
"Okay."
"A situation that you are going to take care of when?"
"As soon as we get back to the Neus?"
"Very good. And what are you going to do when you call?"
"Are you going to prompt me through the call?"
"Lyle!"
"I'm going to tell him I'm fine and returning to Delaware in two days or so, ready to go back to work."
"Very good."
"No dead bodies and no good stories."
"He'll be thrilled, cleanup is expensive."
"Yes, I'm sure. Apparently I'm worth the expense," Lyle said, a little sarcastically. "Second call will have to be to my other employer."
"How are you planning to explain all this away to The Centre?"
"Jarod kidnapped Thane and my sister. Didn't you know? I'm in DC looking for clues on Ethan right now, but when I get back I'll be spending a lot of time trying to track Jarod in a spasm of brotherly love."
"Are Sydney and Broots going to help you with that?"
"Just can't stand to see me happy, can you?"
"Actually, I would love to see you happy, Lyle. But you need to be more careful if you want to live to see it."
"I expect Sydney and company to show up here, maybe tomorrow. Then you get to tell them my life story and they'll come over to our side."
"When did you become an optimist?" It was nice to have Lyle in a good mood, but seemed dangerous to his health. Lyle just smiled.
"If they're as smart as you say they are, yes, they'll listen. If they listen, they'll believe. And God knows, they have to want to bring down The Centre."
"See? Easy."
"And then there's Jarod..."
"Who?"
"I don't think I like you cheerful," she was smiling. "And 'who' is your evil nemesis."
"Oh, him. No problem. Evil nemeses never win."
"You might want to check the color of your cowboy hat. I think it needs a little bleach. Off topic, I like your sister."
"Now I'm frightened."
Corinna hit him on the arm.
"With two such beautiful and violent women on my side I have nothing to worry about."
"When we get back, we're going to sit you down and work out a plan."
"Oooh, I love it when a plan comes together."
Corinna realized it was a loosing battle. She laughed. Lyle looked over at her and laughed too, an unfamiliar sound. Lillian and Sonny decided the adults were crazy but they joined in the laughter.
***
Sydney's cell phone beeped as Lyle walked through the front door. Lyle was shocked to see the psychologist; he instantly regretted that his gun was unloaded and locked in his suitcase upstairs. He was about to make a dive for the cellular when Sydney turned and held up his hand,
"I promised Miss Parker I would not use the phone."
Lyle stopped short, "Where is she? Where's the baby?" He looked around the room, searching for the two mentioned persons and another, absent,
"Where's Jarod?"
"Far away at the moment, although I imagine he will be coming if I don't contact him. You sister and your son (he emphasized the word) are upstairs."
Corinna and the children came in. Corinna had her gun and tentatively reached for it. Sydney turned his attention to her.
"Miss Corinna, I presume."
Corinna relaxed a touch, "Just Corinna. You must be Sydney." Life with Lyle was an adrenaline ride.
"Pleased to meet you. Miss Parker tells me you have a life story to tell me; I am very interested in hearing it."
"Ah, the Real Life Story of Lyle. Yes, I think you'll find it interesting, maybe even illuminating." Corinna paused, but a question soon formed that needed asking. "Do you have caller ID on that thing?"
Sydney was nonplussed.
"On your cellular," Corinna clarified, "because if you do and if it was your little do-gooder friend, we will need you to pacify him for a bit until we figure out just what to do about him."
"Do I get to make suggestions?" Lyle asked with a leer.
"NO!" came from Corinna and Miss Parker in stereo. Parker finished descending the steps, "How are we supposed to make them believe you're harmless if you go around threatening mayhem."
"Mayhem? Me?" Lyle feigned innocence, "Never."
"Whatever, Corinna rejoined. "The object of my question was that we might want to keep Jarod away until we have come up with a plan, something that has been sorely lacking in this venture thus far."
"Well, excuse me for improvising," came Lyle's sarcastic reply.
"I think," Parker added, "what you mean is for going off half-cocked."
"Whatever," said Lyle. "When you all get this Plan thing going let me know. I'll be in the backyard with the kids. Lilli, Sonny come on, let's go sit on the deck."
"Can we play checkers, Uncle Lyle?" Sonny asked.
"I don't think we should, Sonny," Lyle looked at the women out of the corner of his eye, "that requires strategic thinking."
"Huh?" Sonny said with a quizzical look on his face.
"Sure, we'll play checkers." Lyle gave Sonny a quick pat on the shoulder and the boy ran to get the game. Lillian held back until Lyle and Sonny were outside.
"I think you hurt his feelings, Aunt Rinna," she reproved.
"He's alright, Sweetie, he just likes to have the last word," Corinna responded. "He knows we love him." She hugged Lillian
Sydney looked questioningly at Miss Parker. She avoided his gaze, glanced at him, shrugged, and turned to Lillian.
"We just want to protect him and Thane, and you," Parker added. "Okay?"
"Okay," Lillian nodded, still offended for Lyle. "Do you want me to stay and tell these men about Uncle Lyle?"
Sydney stepped forward, "I think introductions are a bit overdue, young lady. This is Mr. Broots and my name is Sydney. Pleased to meet you." He bowed and smiled.
"Hello," she murmured cautiously, "my name is Lilli. That's my brother, Sonny," she pointed toward the deck where Lyle and Sonny could be seen through the patio door. "You know my 'Uncle?'"
"We thought we did. Perhaps we have a new opportunity to learn."
"You'll like him." She flashed her charming smile.
"If you do, I'm sure we will," Sydney returned the smile; Lillian was reassured. Sydney continued, "However, you don't need to tell us the story. I think we have two excellent teachers. Why don't you go join your brother."
"All right." She waited a beat for other opinions; then went out the door and threw her arms around Lyle's neck from behind. Sydney watched her and Lyle's reaction to her. He turned to Miss Parker.
"As I told Broots earlier, there appears to be more to this than we know. Would you care to enlighten us?"
"We better sit down for this," Parker said, motioning as well to reinforce the point. They all sat down and then she continued. "Sydney, this is Corinna. Corinna, Sydney and Broots, friends of mine. Corinna is Lyle's friend and co-worker, but not from The Centre. She will tell most of the story. I really just come in at the end."
The group talked for two hours. Sydney's phone range twice during their conversation; Sydney did not answer the call but confirmed that all the calls were from Jarod.
Lyle kept the children outside until Corinna let him know things had been settled. Lyle gave Sydney a questing look.
"Did they make me sound harmless?"
"I'm not sure what to say. Not quite. It may take us time to assimilate this new information."
"I understand. I don't expect you to change your opinion of me completely, or immediately. I spent a lot of time and misinformation getting you to hate me."
"Mr. Lyle, you are a master of understatement."
Lyle smiled. Thane's voice, which had been a soft background burble for some time, rose to a demanding wail. "The reason for all these dramatics needs attention. I'll bring him down."
"I'll get him a bottle," Lillian volunteered; Sonny followed her into the kitchen.
Parker waited until the children were out of earshot. "No matter what we accept as true, Sydney, we still have the Jarod Problem," she said. "We need to make him listen long enough to hear what you just heard."
Sydney nodded, then added, "Lyle killed his brother. I fear there will never be any love lost between them, but I think we may negotiate a truce."
Lyle came down the stairs with Thane. "Now why all the serious faces?"
Corinna smiled, "Plan forming time."
"You mean what to do about Jarod so we can get back on track at The Centre before C has a major fit?"
"Exactly."
"Well, you're on your own for first contact. He won't listen to me. Thane's hungry. I'll give him to Lilli and come listen to the Plan." Lyle walked into the kitchen.
"Whatever we plan, it can't happen here," Corinna added, "not near the children." Parker nodded agreement. After a moment, Sydney pulled out his phone.
"I know of a place."
***
Jarod was impatiently waiting for his flight at Austin-Bergstrom. He kept one eye on the departure announcements while he scanned the terminal doors. Any of the people questioned about Lyle could contact their quarry or his bosses. This constant exposure to the eyes of The Centre made him nervous. Jarod knew how quickly he could switch from pursuer to pursued. Equally troubling, Sydney had not answered his calls. Did Lyle have him incommunicado? Jarod startled when his cell phone beeped.
He answered immediately, "Sydney?"
"Yes, Jarod. Did you have any luck?"
"This is a complete dead end, and I've been calling you."
"I couldn't answer at the time."
"If Lyle's not here he must be in LA. Are you sure everything's all right?"
"Yes, we believe we have a good lead on him. We need to strategize."
"Did you see him? Does he have Parker and the baby? Are they at the Truong's?"
"The Truongs are not involved, Jarod. When will you arrive in LA?"
"My flight is leaving now; I'll be at LAX in three hours. Are you sure there's no problem? ...the calls."
"I'm sorry it took longer than expected to get back to you."
"I'll meet you at the Truong's house."
"I think it best we meet elsewhere. How about at the rose garden in Exposition Park? Open, yet private. I have a few things to arrange before then. Call when you land."
"I will. Sydney, be careful."
Just as Jarod was about to cut the call he heard a baby's giggle. He closed the phone. It could be a coincidence, or another baby. Sydney had not said where he was. He had been evasive about the calls, yet made a point of saying the Troungs were not involved. What if Lyle was in the background orchestrating Sydney's side of the conversation? Jarod boarded the flight and worried.
***
When Thane's giggle echoed from the kitchen Sydney clamped his had over the mouthpiece. The adults in the room caught their breath. Lilli's shhhh... was just as loud. All eyes turned to Sydney. He listened briefly before he put the phone away.
"Jarod cut the call just before Thane laughed."
"Thank God," said Parker. "How long?"
"We have just over three hours."
"Good," came a voice from the front door. Leann entered. "That gives us plenty of time to eat a good meal."
"Mama!" Sonny came from the kitchen at a run, wrapped his arms around her and took off just as quickly.
Lillian came in more sedately, Thane on her hip, "Hello, Mama. How was class?" She walked over and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. Thane grinned broadly. Leann brushed his forehead with a kiss.
"Fine, and you look like you've had a busy day." She smoothed Lillian's hair and rubbed a bit of dirt from her cheek. "I see we have guests for supper." Lillian quickly made introductions.
"Welcome to my home," Leann said warmly. "Who is helping to cook?" She looked at the children and Lyle.
"Apparently I volunteer," he said.
They went into the kitchen, then the foursome on the couches turned to the logistics of detaining Jarod without alarming him.
Supper and a rudimentary plan were ready at the same time. Supper included Cha Gio (Vietnamese Spring Rolls), Guaiwei Ji (Chinese Strange-Flavored Chicken) and Pad Thai (Thai Fried Noodles) so that the group could have a taste of the family's travels. Leann forbade any discussion over dinner; it was bad for the digestion; allowable topics ranged from gardening to how well Thane dealt with finger food.
After the meal, when the table was cleared, Leann sent the children to the back yard and served a pot of gingered green tea.
"So, is this man dangerous?" she asked Sydney.
"Man?"
"The one you spoke to, who you do not want to come here."
"His name is Jarod, and he is not a danger to you or Thane."
She turned to Lyle, "He may be dangerous to you, though?"
"I'm just tired of his interfering in my plans."
"Plans are castles made of sand, beautiful but not permanent. When they go with the wind or water, what is left is also pleasant."
"Jarod and I do not have a pleasant past."
"Then work on the future. When he comes here I will tell him the same."
"He's not coming here."
Parker cut in, "At least not until we talk to him."
Broots checked his watch; then spoke up, "If we want to be ready before he gets there we have to leave now."
Everyone agreed. They left in two cars. Parker and Corinna each took their guns, just in case.
***
Jarod used the flight to Los Angeles to review all information in his laptop, looking for alternatives. By the time he landed he was sure. Lyle was in LA and he had somehow influenced Sydney during his earlier call. The meeting at Exposition Park was either a trap or a ruse to keep Jarod away from something. If Lyle didn't want him visiting the Truongs, that's where he was going. He disembarked, and called Sydney.
"Sydney here."
"Hello, I just landed. Where are you?"
"Exposition Park, the Rose Garden, near the Museum of Science and Industry."
"I know the place. I'll be there as soon as possible."
"Broots and I will be waiting for you."
And who else? Jarod cut the call. He picked up a car and drove to the Truong's house.
***
Inside the Neu's, Thane was grouchy so Lyle put him to bed for an after-dinner nap. He probably would not stay down long but he might readjust with a little quiet time.
Lyle was concerned. The plan sounded good. But what if Jarod bolted when he saw Parker or refused to believe what they told him? Lyle had no intention of letting Jarod take Thane or interfere with his arrangements. He needed to get back to work and Jarod was in the way. If Jarod came here, there was bound to be a fight, and Lyle did not want the Neu's involved in anything resembling violence. He went to Leann.
"If I ask you to leave, will you?"
"This is my home now, Lyle. I will not run again."
"Not to run, just to stay away for a few hours."
Leann was silent.
"For me."
"I do not like it. I can speak for you, if he does not believe the others. And Lilli will, you know that."
"I know." He waited.
"If you are sure. We will go to Grandmother Chen's. She has been ill and I promised to visit her. We will take Thane."
"No. Thank you, but Thane stays with me."
Leann nodded. She wrote a phone number on a note pad. "Call me as soon as things are settled." She got Lillian and Sonny, and walked out the door and down the street.
Lyle went upstairs to check on Thane and load his gun. There were too many windows in this house.
***
At Exposition Park, Parker was trying not to pace. Her ankle was much better but she was favoring it in case she had to chase someone. She and Corinna were hiding in the old Museum of Science and Industry. She looked at Corinna, who was doing some sort of Zen thing against the wall. She peaked out at Sydney and Broots, sitting on a bench among the roses. They looked as worried as she felt. Jarod should have been here by now. Sydney checked his watch and consulted Broots, who gestured nervously. Sydney pulled out his cellular phone, punched in a number, listened a moment, then put it away. Both men stood and walked to the door of the Museum. Corinna was instantly attentive.
Broots spoke, "Umm, I think if Jarod was coming, he would be here."
Sydney added, "His phone is turned off."
Parker nodded, "We need to call Lyle."
"No," Corinna said. "He's ready; a call will just make him more edgy."
"Then we need to get our butts back there."
The group hurried to their cars.
***
Jarod watched the Truongs walk away from the house. The children were smiling but the mother seemed troubled. With Lyle threatening her, she should be troubled.
Now there were three less people in the house. Sydney and Broots were at Exposition Park. Lyle and Parker were either with Syd or in the house, and there was no way to tell from outside.
Jarod left his car and walked casually to the front door. The lock was easily jimmied, sloppy of Lyle, he thought, and he quietly opened the door.
Lyle stood watching Thane sleep. It was hard to believe he and Brigitte produced something that wonderful. The Centre would never twist his son the way it had his parents; Parker would make sure of it; she would raise him well. Corinna and the Neus would help.
Lyle realized he had taken himself out of the picture. Worry or precognition, he wondered. The Centre was not what sent him up here to guard his son. Jarod could try to take Thane away. Lyle would try to stop him. One of them would die.
Thane made a small sound in his sleep and Lyle replaced the light blanket his son had kicked off.
As the front door opened with a muffled click, Jarod heard the sound from upstairs. Baby Parker was here, and at least one other person. Jarod started up the stairs carefully to avoid making a sound. He was almost to the top when a stair creaked as he raised his foot. He froze.
In Thane's room, Lyle froze. He knew this was coming. He turned to face the stairs.
Jarod heard the slight movement and took the last three steps in one stride. They stood, facing each other from opposite sides of the door.
"Hello, Lyle."
"Hello, Jarod."
"Where's Parker?"
"With Sydney. Where you're supposed to be."
"I try never to be where you expect me."
"Actually, I rather expected you here." Lyle pulled his gun from behind his back. Jarod followed suit.
"So, now what, Hero? Do we stand like this till the others figure out you're not showing, or do we take each other out in a blaze of glory?"
"I'm not waiting for your reinforcements. One question though, how did you get Miss Parker to help you take the baby?"
"At the time she had little choice."
"What about Sydney?"
"That's a second question, but since you ask, he came to understand what I'm doing. He was willing to listen."
"Listen to your lies? I find that hard to believe." Jarod took a step into the doorway.
Lyle sidled to keep himself between Jarod and Thane, "You'd never let truth interfere with your beliefs."
"No more than you let morals interfere with your actions. Step away from the baby, Lyle."
"I don't think so. By the way, his name is Thane, and here's a shocker, he's my son."
Lyle was gratified by Jarod's surprise. "Well well, something you didn't know. And there's more."
"It doesn't really matter. I'm not listening."
At that moment Thane rolled over and saw the angry stranger. He immediately felt the tension in the air and it frightened him. He announced his fright with a wail.
Lyle glanced at his son, distracted. Jarod flinched; then rushed forward. Lyle brought his gun up, but it was too late, Jarod knocked the gun from his hand as he brought his own to bear. Lyle grabbed Jarod's gun with both hands, and took a left cross. He saw stars but refused to release the gun. He slammed Jarod's fist against the doorframe and the fight moved into the hall.
Jarod shoved Lyle against a wall, the gun now held above their heads.
"I won't let you turn him into another you."
"You can't have him."
The two men wrestled for control. Lyle smashed Jarod's gun hand against the wall several times. Finally, when he hit it against the banister, the gun slipped from Jarod's hand and fell to the bottom of the stairs. It did not discharge.
The wrestling turned to hammering each other with their fists, a scene accompanied by Thane's weeping. The fight circled into the room and back out again. Neither man was winning; both were getting bloody. Lyle got in a good right cross and Jarod stumbled back against the banister. Lyle pressed the advantage, intent on pushing him over. Jarod bounced off the banister and returned the right cross, Lyle staggered to the side and Jarod hit him again. Lyle's foot slipped off the edge of the top step; he fought for balance. Jarod did not care that his opponent was in trouble; he hit him again. Lyle lost orientation. He was falling. All he could hear was Thane's scream. Then he felt excruciating pain when his back hit the steps and he bounced to the landing. Then blackness.
Jarod stood at the top of the steps, catching his breath. Lyle lay unmoving at the bottom. Jarod battled a wave of vertigo. He turned, bracing himself with the wall and found the bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face until his head cleared.
He returned to the Thane's room. The baby stared at him uncertainly.
"I hear your name is Thane. Hello, my name is Jarod. I'll be taking care of you for a while." Jarod smiled.
Thane was not completely convinced, but stopped crying and allowed himself to be picked up. Jarod carried Thane down the steps cautiously, keeping an eye on Lyle.
They were just above the landing when the front door burst open. Miss Parker rushed in, gun in hand. She glanced at Jarod; then saw Lyle and ran directly to him. "Jesus God, Jarod, what have you done?!"
Another woman, auburn-haired with flashing green eyes, followed her. Her gun was pointed directly at Jarod's head. "Stay where you are, you son-of-a-bitch, or I'll drop you. Parker, is he..."
Parker had her fingers against Lyle's throat, "I've got a pulse."
Parker looked up at Jarod; Thane put out his arms for her and would have taken a dive if Jarod hadn't restrained him. "Give me the baby."
"Maybe not. Your friend here might be more inclined to shoot."
"That's right, coward, hide behind Thane." Corinna's words dripped with fury.
Jarod was about snap back, and probably get himself shot when Parker interceded (to protect the baby), "Lyle's alive. Let's worry about him first." Corinna did not lower her gun, but she took a deep breath and relaxed her stance.
Parker turned to Jarod, "Give me Thane." He did, and slowly raised his hands. Thane threw his arms around Parker's neck and popped a thumb into his mouth, sniffling slightly.
"Where are the Neus?" Corinna asked.
"Neus?"
"The Truongs, the family whose house you invaded."
"They walked down the street before I came in."
Sydney and Broots walked in. Both stopped in shock at the sight of the bloody man on the floor.
"What kept you?" Parker asked.
"Every red light we came to," Broots replied, "Is he?"
"No. Sydney, come look at him." Parker moved so Sydney could take her place. "Broots call for an ambulance."
"No ambulance," Corinna ordered.
"But Corinna..." Parker started.
"He would never want to involve the Neus. Or take a chance on leading The Centre here."
Parker nodded understanding. Lyle groaned, and Parker returned to his side. "Lyle can you hear me? Can you speak?"
Lyle groaned again. He blinked his eyes; then focused on his sister. He tried to speak, coughed from blood in his throat, and tried again, "P-Parker," he whispered, "so much for the Plan."
For a second she was not sure whether to laugh or hit him. He tried to smile but it turned to a grimace of pain.
Sydney took over, "Can you feel your legs?"
"Yeah, every bruise."
"Move them for me." Lyle did so. "Your arms." Again he complied. "Do you have any numbness?"
"I wish."
"Pain in your neck or back?"
Lyle thought for a few moments. "My neck may be the only thing that doesn't hurt. Let me sit up." Sydney assisted him into something resembling a sitting position; he was listing heavily toward the wall. "My back hurts like hell."
Sydney ran his hand experimentally over Lyle's backbone. When he pressed on the area over his left kidney, Lyle grunted.
"You should go to a hospital."
"No, not here. I'll see an Agency doc when I get back to DC." He paused collecting his thoughts, "Thane!" His head came up, bringing on another groan and a curse.
"Right here." Parker showed him the baby.
"Okay. Where's Jarod?"
"Standing above you."
Lyle turned his head slightly. "Okay. I assume your Plan failed?"
"He came straight here," said Parker.
"Next time I'll stick to improvising."
"Lyle," Corinna interjected, "do you know where the Neus are?"
"Leann left the number in the kitchen. I guess you better call her now that the action's over."
Corinna was unwilling to move. Parker looked from her to Jarod and back. "Jarod, are you going to listen now?"
"It seems I have no choice."
"You always have a choice," Corinna told him. "Feel free to try something else."
Parker looked at her and cocked an eyebrow. She watched Corinna as she spoke, "Jarod, go sit on the couch; move slowly. Broots, check him for weapons."
Jarod complied. Once he was seated, Corinna put the gun down but did not holster it; she waited for him to twitch wrong. He sat very still.
Sydney and Parker offered to help Lyle to the other couch but he declined, not quite ready to move.
Broots gathered up the dropped weapons and neatened the fight scene.
Parker called Grandma Chen's house and the Neus returned home.
When all were gathered, Leann told Jarod what Lyle had done for her family. Broots entertained the children while Corinna retold The Life Story of Lyle. Jarod listened with stubborn skepticism. Finally, when Parker explained why Thane was conceived and why Lyle removed him from The Centre, Jarod grasped the truth.
Sydney monitored Lyle's condition and he was not pleased. Lyle's blood pressure was slightly low and he looked pale. At first he refused pain medication but finally relented. After thirty of morphine he let Sydney and Corinna help him to bed.
Corinna finished the presentation with a synopsis of what the Agency had planned for The Centre. "...and if I don't shoot you we might be able to use your help."
"I guess I should offer to help then. I'll think about it," Jarod replied. He turned to Parker, "I guess I owe you an apology."
"Me?"
"At first I worried that I'd gotten you kidnapped. But for a bit there I thought you were in league with Lyle."
"I am," Parker said, still a little unable to believe she truly was.
"I mean...I guess...I should..."
"You mean the fictional Lyle. You guess you were wrong. And you should apologize to him."
"I don't think I'm ready to go that far."
"No, neither do I." Parker stood. "Corinna, did you bring any good restraints? Until Lyle's back 'home' I think Jarod will have to stay here." Corinna rose to look as Jarod gave a surprised look to Parker.
"You're not going to try to take me back?"
"Not unless Lyle wants to as part of his strategy. Consider it a reward for coming to my 'rescue.' As for me, I may not go back at all."
Corinna put Jarod in her room, and took first watch. Leann insisted on setting up the couches as beds for Broots and Sydney. Parker went to Lyle's room. She sat by the bed and wiped dried blood from his face with a warm cloth. Lyle dozed.
"I'm sorry, Lyle," she said softly.
"About what in particular?" he mumbled, surprising her.
"I'm sorry about trying to shoot you, before I knew you were family."
"Not to worry, Parker. You may find it hard to believe, but compared to some of the things they've done to me, that was a love tap," Parker looked at him, shook her head and smiled. Lyle smiled back and fell asleep.
That's it for this round. Stay tuned for more :)
The Road Taken
part 5b
by Renewal Wing
Jarod was getting more irritable by the minute. From his perspective the trip to Austin was turning into a complete waste of time. The plane was delayed because of engine problems. When it finally took off it had to return to San Francisco. The passengers and baggage were transferred to another plane. In the process a slightly inebriated passenger fell and injured himself, causing another delay.
The departure delays put Jarod's Austin-Bergstrom arrival smack in the middle of the night. A severe thunderstorm forced the plane to circle for forty-five minutes before landing, making things even worse.
Jarod skipped baggage pickup but there were only two car rental agencies still open and both had lines. Jarod picked the wrong line. Half an hour later he reached the desk and the end of his patience. Unfortunately, so had the rental agent. Jarod found himself at the end of the opposite line. When he came face-to-face with that agent, he made an effort to be polite, and got a car.
When the rental got a flat tire two miles from the terminal, Jarod felt less lucky. After kicking the tire a few times he limped to the trunk and put on the temporary spare. He got back in, banged his head on the steering wheel and returned to the terminal. What devils had Lyle paid off?!
Jarod left the terminal again with an apology, a new tire and a full-size spare. He drove directly to the Chinese section of Austin. And the plan dissolved again. The address in the INS computer files was incorrect. Jarod fell fitfully asleep in the car. The landlady beating on the car with a broom awakened him at dawn. Her American was not the best and Jarod's groggy Mandarin was worse. They finally communicated enough to determine that the mother and son, the Niratpattanasais (NI-RAT-PAT-TA-NA-SAI.), had bought a house, she did not know where, and if he did not leave, she would call the police.
Another two-hour wait for the courthouse to open and a quick search through paper records not yet entered into the computer, uncovered the family's new address. Jarod found the house with ease. He wasted an hour surveying the house and neighborhood. Impatience got the best of him and he knocked on the door.
His FBI badge frightened the woman who came to the door. She politely answered his questions. Yes, she did know Mr. Lyle; no, she had not seen him since he brought her from Thailand. Yes, she would do anything for him; but no, he had never asked for anything.
"You do not understand, Mr. Lyle saved my son from that place and returned him to me."
Jarod's continued questioning made her uneasy. Jarod pressed.
Mrs. Niratpattanasai exploded.
"My husband sold my son. Is that what you wanted to hear? He sold his own son to pay gambling debts. He would have sold my daughter too if she hadn't run away. When I finally found out what my husband had done I went to Bangkok to find my son.
"There I met Mr. Lyle. He was working with Missy Reed and Missy Saunders to send the children home. He burned down the house where they kept the little ones. He killed the man who bought my son and sent Khun Mae away. We could not go home, my husband would have beat us and then sold us both.
"I don't know what you want me to say about Mr. Lyle but I will only say what is true. He saved them all. My son would be dead. He brought us here to America and helped after we came, to find my daughter. I have work and a good life. You can make trouble for me but you cannot make me lie about Mr. Lyle even if you send me back." She stood defiantly with lip trembling and tears threatening to fall.
Jarod was confused, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Niratpattanasai. I don't want you to lie. I didn't...I won't make trouble. I'm sorry I upset you." He quickly left the house.
Jarod drove back to the airport. Who was that woman talking about? Not Lyle, it couldn't be Lyle. Lyle must have plans for her and her children. Her daughter--yes, that was it. He wanted her daughter for the future. Jarod shivered. And she had defended that bastard. Jarod needed to get to L.A. as quickly as possible. If this was the wrong trail, that meant Syd and Broots were on the right one. He punched Sydney's cell number into his phone.
***
Corinna and Lyle allowed the children to chatter uninterrupted all the way to the Dairy Queen. On the return trip there was silence in the back seat as Lillian and Sonny worked on their large twist cones. Leann would not be happy if they ruined their supper but the absence of sound was fabulous.
Corinna reached over and turned on the radio. Lyle was about to stop her when he realized why she was doing it.
"I guess you want to talk?"
"Duh comes to mind."
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Am I going to have to hit you?"
Lyle laughed, a bit ruefully, "I know, I need to call Cyrus."
"And?" she prompted.
"And The Centre?"
"I could care about The Centre. They're your problem. Cyrus is coming down on me because of you; that makes it my problem."
"Okay."
"A situation that you are going to take care of when?"
"As soon as we get back to the Neus?"
"Very good. And what are you going to do when you call?"
"Are you going to prompt me through the call?"
"Lyle!"
"I'm going to tell him I'm fine and returning to Delaware in two days or so, ready to go back to work."
"Very good."
"No dead bodies and no good stories."
"He'll be thrilled, cleanup is expensive."
"Yes, I'm sure. Apparently I'm worth the expense," Lyle said, a little sarcastically. "Second call will have to be to my other employer."
"How are you planning to explain all this away to The Centre?"
"Jarod kidnapped Thane and my sister. Didn't you know? I'm in DC looking for clues on Ethan right now, but when I get back I'll be spending a lot of time trying to track Jarod in a spasm of brotherly love."
"Are Sydney and Broots going to help you with that?"
"Just can't stand to see me happy, can you?"
"Actually, I would love to see you happy, Lyle. But you need to be more careful if you want to live to see it."
"I expect Sydney and company to show up here, maybe tomorrow. Then you get to tell them my life story and they'll come over to our side."
"When did you become an optimist?" It was nice to have Lyle in a good mood, but seemed dangerous to his health. Lyle just smiled.
"If they're as smart as you say they are, yes, they'll listen. If they listen, they'll believe. And God knows, they have to want to bring down The Centre."
"See? Easy."
"And then there's Jarod..."
"Who?"
"I don't think I like you cheerful," she was smiling. "And 'who' is your evil nemesis."
"Oh, him. No problem. Evil nemeses never win."
"You might want to check the color of your cowboy hat. I think it needs a little bleach. Off topic, I like your sister."
"Now I'm frightened."
Corinna hit him on the arm.
"With two such beautiful and violent women on my side I have nothing to worry about."
"When we get back, we're going to sit you down and work out a plan."
"Oooh, I love it when a plan comes together."
Corinna realized it was a loosing battle. She laughed. Lyle looked over at her and laughed too, an unfamiliar sound. Lillian and Sonny decided the adults were crazy but they joined in the laughter.
***
Sydney's cell phone beeped as Lyle walked through the front door. Lyle was shocked to see the psychologist; he instantly regretted that his gun was unloaded and locked in his suitcase upstairs. He was about to make a dive for the cellular when Sydney turned and held up his hand,
"I promised Miss Parker I would not use the phone."
Lyle stopped short, "Where is she? Where's the baby?" He looked around the room, searching for the two mentioned persons and another, absent,
"Where's Jarod?"
"Far away at the moment, although I imagine he will be coming if I don't contact him. You sister and your son (he emphasized the word) are upstairs."
Corinna and the children came in. Corinna had her gun and tentatively reached for it. Sydney turned his attention to her.
"Miss Corinna, I presume."
Corinna relaxed a touch, "Just Corinna. You must be Sydney." Life with Lyle was an adrenaline ride.
"Pleased to meet you. Miss Parker tells me you have a life story to tell me; I am very interested in hearing it."
"Ah, the Real Life Story of Lyle. Yes, I think you'll find it interesting, maybe even illuminating." Corinna paused, but a question soon formed that needed asking. "Do you have caller ID on that thing?"
Sydney was nonplussed.
"On your cellular," Corinna clarified, "because if you do and if it was your little do-gooder friend, we will need you to pacify him for a bit until we figure out just what to do about him."
"Do I get to make suggestions?" Lyle asked with a leer.
"NO!" came from Corinna and Miss Parker in stereo. Parker finished descending the steps, "How are we supposed to make them believe you're harmless if you go around threatening mayhem."
"Mayhem? Me?" Lyle feigned innocence, "Never."
"Whatever, Corinna rejoined. "The object of my question was that we might want to keep Jarod away until we have come up with a plan, something that has been sorely lacking in this venture thus far."
"Well, excuse me for improvising," came Lyle's sarcastic reply.
"I think," Parker added, "what you mean is for going off half-cocked."
"Whatever," said Lyle. "When you all get this Plan thing going let me know. I'll be in the backyard with the kids. Lilli, Sonny come on, let's go sit on the deck."
"Can we play checkers, Uncle Lyle?" Sonny asked.
"I don't think we should, Sonny," Lyle looked at the women out of the corner of his eye, "that requires strategic thinking."
"Huh?" Sonny said with a quizzical look on his face.
"Sure, we'll play checkers." Lyle gave Sonny a quick pat on the shoulder and the boy ran to get the game. Lillian held back until Lyle and Sonny were outside.
"I think you hurt his feelings, Aunt Rinna," she reproved.
"He's alright, Sweetie, he just likes to have the last word," Corinna responded. "He knows we love him." She hugged Lillian
Sydney looked questioningly at Miss Parker. She avoided his gaze, glanced at him, shrugged, and turned to Lillian.
"We just want to protect him and Thane, and you," Parker added. "Okay?"
"Okay," Lillian nodded, still offended for Lyle. "Do you want me to stay and tell these men about Uncle Lyle?"
Sydney stepped forward, "I think introductions are a bit overdue, young lady. This is Mr. Broots and my name is Sydney. Pleased to meet you." He bowed and smiled.
"Hello," she murmured cautiously, "my name is Lilli. That's my brother, Sonny," she pointed toward the deck where Lyle and Sonny could be seen through the patio door. "You know my 'Uncle?'"
"We thought we did. Perhaps we have a new opportunity to learn."
"You'll like him." She flashed her charming smile.
"If you do, I'm sure we will," Sydney returned the smile; Lillian was reassured. Sydney continued, "However, you don't need to tell us the story. I think we have two excellent teachers. Why don't you go join your brother."
"All right." She waited a beat for other opinions; then went out the door and threw her arms around Lyle's neck from behind. Sydney watched her and Lyle's reaction to her. He turned to Miss Parker.
"As I told Broots earlier, there appears to be more to this than we know. Would you care to enlighten us?"
"We better sit down for this," Parker said, motioning as well to reinforce the point. They all sat down and then she continued. "Sydney, this is Corinna. Corinna, Sydney and Broots, friends of mine. Corinna is Lyle's friend and co-worker, but not from The Centre. She will tell most of the story. I really just come in at the end."
The group talked for two hours. Sydney's phone range twice during their conversation; Sydney did not answer the call but confirmed that all the calls were from Jarod.
Lyle kept the children outside until Corinna let him know things had been settled. Lyle gave Sydney a questing look.
"Did they make me sound harmless?"
"I'm not sure what to say. Not quite. It may take us time to assimilate this new information."
"I understand. I don't expect you to change your opinion of me completely, or immediately. I spent a lot of time and misinformation getting you to hate me."
"Mr. Lyle, you are a master of understatement."
Lyle smiled. Thane's voice, which had been a soft background burble for some time, rose to a demanding wail. "The reason for all these dramatics needs attention. I'll bring him down."
"I'll get him a bottle," Lillian volunteered; Sonny followed her into the kitchen.
Parker waited until the children were out of earshot. "No matter what we accept as true, Sydney, we still have the Jarod Problem," she said. "We need to make him listen long enough to hear what you just heard."
Sydney nodded, then added, "Lyle killed his brother. I fear there will never be any love lost between them, but I think we may negotiate a truce."
Lyle came down the stairs with Thane. "Now why all the serious faces?"
Corinna smiled, "Plan forming time."
"You mean what to do about Jarod so we can get back on track at The Centre before C has a major fit?"
"Exactly."
"Well, you're on your own for first contact. He won't listen to me. Thane's hungry. I'll give him to Lilli and come listen to the Plan." Lyle walked into the kitchen.
"Whatever we plan, it can't happen here," Corinna added, "not near the children." Parker nodded agreement. After a moment, Sydney pulled out his phone.
"I know of a place."
***
Jarod was impatiently waiting for his flight at Austin-Bergstrom. He kept one eye on the departure announcements while he scanned the terminal doors. Any of the people questioned about Lyle could contact their quarry or his bosses. This constant exposure to the eyes of The Centre made him nervous. Jarod knew how quickly he could switch from pursuer to pursued. Equally troubling, Sydney had not answered his calls. Did Lyle have him incommunicado? Jarod startled when his cell phone beeped.
He answered immediately, "Sydney?"
"Yes, Jarod. Did you have any luck?"
"This is a complete dead end, and I've been calling you."
"I couldn't answer at the time."
"If Lyle's not here he must be in LA. Are you sure everything's all right?"
"Yes, we believe we have a good lead on him. We need to strategize."
"Did you see him? Does he have Parker and the baby? Are they at the Truong's?"
"The Truongs are not involved, Jarod. When will you arrive in LA?"
"My flight is leaving now; I'll be at LAX in three hours. Are you sure there's no problem? ...the calls."
"I'm sorry it took longer than expected to get back to you."
"I'll meet you at the Truong's house."
"I think it best we meet elsewhere. How about at the rose garden in Exposition Park? Open, yet private. I have a few things to arrange before then. Call when you land."
"I will. Sydney, be careful."
Just as Jarod was about to cut the call he heard a baby's giggle. He closed the phone. It could be a coincidence, or another baby. Sydney had not said where he was. He had been evasive about the calls, yet made a point of saying the Troungs were not involved. What if Lyle was in the background orchestrating Sydney's side of the conversation? Jarod boarded the flight and worried.
***
When Thane's giggle echoed from the kitchen Sydney clamped his had over the mouthpiece. The adults in the room caught their breath. Lilli's shhhh... was just as loud. All eyes turned to Sydney. He listened briefly before he put the phone away.
"Jarod cut the call just before Thane laughed."
"Thank God," said Parker. "How long?"
"We have just over three hours."
"Good," came a voice from the front door. Leann entered. "That gives us plenty of time to eat a good meal."
"Mama!" Sonny came from the kitchen at a run, wrapped his arms around her and took off just as quickly.
Lillian came in more sedately, Thane on her hip, "Hello, Mama. How was class?" She walked over and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. Thane grinned broadly. Leann brushed his forehead with a kiss.
"Fine, and you look like you've had a busy day." She smoothed Lillian's hair and rubbed a bit of dirt from her cheek. "I see we have guests for supper." Lillian quickly made introductions.
"Welcome to my home," Leann said warmly. "Who is helping to cook?" She looked at the children and Lyle.
"Apparently I volunteer," he said.
They went into the kitchen, then the foursome on the couches turned to the logistics of detaining Jarod without alarming him.
Supper and a rudimentary plan were ready at the same time. Supper included Cha Gio (Vietnamese Spring Rolls), Guaiwei Ji (Chinese Strange-Flavored Chicken) and Pad Thai (Thai Fried Noodles) so that the group could have a taste of the family's travels. Leann forbade any discussion over dinner; it was bad for the digestion; allowable topics ranged from gardening to how well Thane dealt with finger food.
After the meal, when the table was cleared, Leann sent the children to the back yard and served a pot of gingered green tea.
"So, is this man dangerous?" she asked Sydney.
"Man?"
"The one you spoke to, who you do not want to come here."
"His name is Jarod, and he is not a danger to you or Thane."
She turned to Lyle, "He may be dangerous to you, though?"
"I'm just tired of his interfering in my plans."
"Plans are castles made of sand, beautiful but not permanent. When they go with the wind or water, what is left is also pleasant."
"Jarod and I do not have a pleasant past."
"Then work on the future. When he comes here I will tell him the same."
"He's not coming here."
Parker cut in, "At least not until we talk to him."
Broots checked his watch; then spoke up, "If we want to be ready before he gets there we have to leave now."
Everyone agreed. They left in two cars. Parker and Corinna each took their guns, just in case.
***
Jarod used the flight to Los Angeles to review all information in his laptop, looking for alternatives. By the time he landed he was sure. Lyle was in LA and he had somehow influenced Sydney during his earlier call. The meeting at Exposition Park was either a trap or a ruse to keep Jarod away from something. If Lyle didn't want him visiting the Truongs, that's where he was going. He disembarked, and called Sydney.
"Sydney here."
"Hello, I just landed. Where are you?"
"Exposition Park, the Rose Garden, near the Museum of Science and Industry."
"I know the place. I'll be there as soon as possible."
"Broots and I will be waiting for you."
And who else? Jarod cut the call. He picked up a car and drove to the Truong's house.
***
Inside the Neu's, Thane was grouchy so Lyle put him to bed for an after-dinner nap. He probably would not stay down long but he might readjust with a little quiet time.
Lyle was concerned. The plan sounded good. But what if Jarod bolted when he saw Parker or refused to believe what they told him? Lyle had no intention of letting Jarod take Thane or interfere with his arrangements. He needed to get back to work and Jarod was in the way. If Jarod came here, there was bound to be a fight, and Lyle did not want the Neu's involved in anything resembling violence. He went to Leann.
"If I ask you to leave, will you?"
"This is my home now, Lyle. I will not run again."
"Not to run, just to stay away for a few hours."
Leann was silent.
"For me."
"I do not like it. I can speak for you, if he does not believe the others. And Lilli will, you know that."
"I know." He waited.
"If you are sure. We will go to Grandmother Chen's. She has been ill and I promised to visit her. We will take Thane."
"No. Thank you, but Thane stays with me."
Leann nodded. She wrote a phone number on a note pad. "Call me as soon as things are settled." She got Lillian and Sonny, and walked out the door and down the street.
Lyle went upstairs to check on Thane and load his gun. There were too many windows in this house.
***
At Exposition Park, Parker was trying not to pace. Her ankle was much better but she was favoring it in case she had to chase someone. She and Corinna were hiding in the old Museum of Science and Industry. She looked at Corinna, who was doing some sort of Zen thing against the wall. She peaked out at Sydney and Broots, sitting on a bench among the roses. They looked as worried as she felt. Jarod should have been here by now. Sydney checked his watch and consulted Broots, who gestured nervously. Sydney pulled out his cellular phone, punched in a number, listened a moment, then put it away. Both men stood and walked to the door of the Museum. Corinna was instantly attentive.
Broots spoke, "Umm, I think if Jarod was coming, he would be here."
Sydney added, "His phone is turned off."
Parker nodded, "We need to call Lyle."
"No," Corinna said. "He's ready; a call will just make him more edgy."
"Then we need to get our butts back there."
The group hurried to their cars.
***
Jarod watched the Truongs walk away from the house. The children were smiling but the mother seemed troubled. With Lyle threatening her, she should be troubled.
Now there were three less people in the house. Sydney and Broots were at Exposition Park. Lyle and Parker were either with Syd or in the house, and there was no way to tell from outside.
Jarod left his car and walked casually to the front door. The lock was easily jimmied, sloppy of Lyle, he thought, and he quietly opened the door.
Lyle stood watching Thane sleep. It was hard to believe he and Brigitte produced something that wonderful. The Centre would never twist his son the way it had his parents; Parker would make sure of it; she would raise him well. Corinna and the Neus would help.
Lyle realized he had taken himself out of the picture. Worry or precognition, he wondered. The Centre was not what sent him up here to guard his son. Jarod could try to take Thane away. Lyle would try to stop him. One of them would die.
Thane made a small sound in his sleep and Lyle replaced the light blanket his son had kicked off.
As the front door opened with a muffled click, Jarod heard the sound from upstairs. Baby Parker was here, and at least one other person. Jarod started up the stairs carefully to avoid making a sound. He was almost to the top when a stair creaked as he raised his foot. He froze.
In Thane's room, Lyle froze. He knew this was coming. He turned to face the stairs.
Jarod heard the slight movement and took the last three steps in one stride. They stood, facing each other from opposite sides of the door.
"Hello, Lyle."
"Hello, Jarod."
"Where's Parker?"
"With Sydney. Where you're supposed to be."
"I try never to be where you expect me."
"Actually, I rather expected you here." Lyle pulled his gun from behind his back. Jarod followed suit.
"So, now what, Hero? Do we stand like this till the others figure out you're not showing, or do we take each other out in a blaze of glory?"
"I'm not waiting for your reinforcements. One question though, how did you get Miss Parker to help you take the baby?"
"At the time she had little choice."
"What about Sydney?"
"That's a second question, but since you ask, he came to understand what I'm doing. He was willing to listen."
"Listen to your lies? I find that hard to believe." Jarod took a step into the doorway.
Lyle sidled to keep himself between Jarod and Thane, "You'd never let truth interfere with your beliefs."
"No more than you let morals interfere with your actions. Step away from the baby, Lyle."
"I don't think so. By the way, his name is Thane, and here's a shocker, he's my son."
Lyle was gratified by Jarod's surprise. "Well well, something you didn't know. And there's more."
"It doesn't really matter. I'm not listening."
At that moment Thane rolled over and saw the angry stranger. He immediately felt the tension in the air and it frightened him. He announced his fright with a wail.
Lyle glanced at his son, distracted. Jarod flinched; then rushed forward. Lyle brought his gun up, but it was too late, Jarod knocked the gun from his hand as he brought his own to bear. Lyle grabbed Jarod's gun with both hands, and took a left cross. He saw stars but refused to release the gun. He slammed Jarod's fist against the doorframe and the fight moved into the hall.
Jarod shoved Lyle against a wall, the gun now held above their heads.
"I won't let you turn him into another you."
"You can't have him."
The two men wrestled for control. Lyle smashed Jarod's gun hand against the wall several times. Finally, when he hit it against the banister, the gun slipped from Jarod's hand and fell to the bottom of the stairs. It did not discharge.
The wrestling turned to hammering each other with their fists, a scene accompanied by Thane's weeping. The fight circled into the room and back out again. Neither man was winning; both were getting bloody. Lyle got in a good right cross and Jarod stumbled back against the banister. Lyle pressed the advantage, intent on pushing him over. Jarod bounced off the banister and returned the right cross, Lyle staggered to the side and Jarod hit him again. Lyle's foot slipped off the edge of the top step; he fought for balance. Jarod did not care that his opponent was in trouble; he hit him again. Lyle lost orientation. He was falling. All he could hear was Thane's scream. Then he felt excruciating pain when his back hit the steps and he bounced to the landing. Then blackness.
Jarod stood at the top of the steps, catching his breath. Lyle lay unmoving at the bottom. Jarod battled a wave of vertigo. He turned, bracing himself with the wall and found the bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face until his head cleared.
He returned to the Thane's room. The baby stared at him uncertainly.
"I hear your name is Thane. Hello, my name is Jarod. I'll be taking care of you for a while." Jarod smiled.
Thane was not completely convinced, but stopped crying and allowed himself to be picked up. Jarod carried Thane down the steps cautiously, keeping an eye on Lyle.
They were just above the landing when the front door burst open. Miss Parker rushed in, gun in hand. She glanced at Jarod; then saw Lyle and ran directly to him. "Jesus God, Jarod, what have you done?!"
Another woman, auburn-haired with flashing green eyes, followed her. Her gun was pointed directly at Jarod's head. "Stay where you are, you son-of-a-bitch, or I'll drop you. Parker, is he..."
Parker had her fingers against Lyle's throat, "I've got a pulse."
Parker looked up at Jarod; Thane put out his arms for her and would have taken a dive if Jarod hadn't restrained him. "Give me the baby."
"Maybe not. Your friend here might be more inclined to shoot."
"That's right, coward, hide behind Thane." Corinna's words dripped with fury.
Jarod was about snap back, and probably get himself shot when Parker interceded (to protect the baby), "Lyle's alive. Let's worry about him first." Corinna did not lower her gun, but she took a deep breath and relaxed her stance.
Parker turned to Jarod, "Give me Thane." He did, and slowly raised his hands. Thane threw his arms around Parker's neck and popped a thumb into his mouth, sniffling slightly.
"Where are the Neus?" Corinna asked.
"Neus?"
"The Truongs, the family whose house you invaded."
"They walked down the street before I came in."
Sydney and Broots walked in. Both stopped in shock at the sight of the bloody man on the floor.
"What kept you?" Parker asked.
"Every red light we came to," Broots replied, "Is he?"
"No. Sydney, come look at him." Parker moved so Sydney could take her place. "Broots call for an ambulance."
"No ambulance," Corinna ordered.
"But Corinna..." Parker started.
"He would never want to involve the Neus. Or take a chance on leading The Centre here."
Parker nodded understanding. Lyle groaned, and Parker returned to his side. "Lyle can you hear me? Can you speak?"
Lyle groaned again. He blinked his eyes; then focused on his sister. He tried to speak, coughed from blood in his throat, and tried again, "P-Parker," he whispered, "so much for the Plan."
For a second she was not sure whether to laugh or hit him. He tried to smile but it turned to a grimace of pain.
Sydney took over, "Can you feel your legs?"
"Yeah, every bruise."
"Move them for me." Lyle did so. "Your arms." Again he complied. "Do you have any numbness?"
"I wish."
"Pain in your neck or back?"
Lyle thought for a few moments. "My neck may be the only thing that doesn't hurt. Let me sit up." Sydney assisted him into something resembling a sitting position; he was listing heavily toward the wall. "My back hurts like hell."
Sydney ran his hand experimentally over Lyle's backbone. When he pressed on the area over his left kidney, Lyle grunted.
"You should go to a hospital."
"No, not here. I'll see an Agency doc when I get back to DC." He paused collecting his thoughts, "Thane!" His head came up, bringing on another groan and a curse.
"Right here." Parker showed him the baby.
"Okay. Where's Jarod?"
"Standing above you."
Lyle turned his head slightly. "Okay. I assume your Plan failed?"
"He came straight here," said Parker.
"Next time I'll stick to improvising."
"Lyle," Corinna interjected, "do you know where the Neus are?"
"Leann left the number in the kitchen. I guess you better call her now that the action's over."
Corinna was unwilling to move. Parker looked from her to Jarod and back. "Jarod, are you going to listen now?"
"It seems I have no choice."
"You always have a choice," Corinna told him. "Feel free to try something else."
Parker looked at her and cocked an eyebrow. She watched Corinna as she spoke, "Jarod, go sit on the couch; move slowly. Broots, check him for weapons."
Jarod complied. Once he was seated, Corinna put the gun down but did not holster it; she waited for him to twitch wrong. He sat very still.
Sydney and Parker offered to help Lyle to the other couch but he declined, not quite ready to move.
Broots gathered up the dropped weapons and neatened the fight scene.
Parker called Grandma Chen's house and the Neus returned home.
When all were gathered, Leann told Jarod what Lyle had done for her family. Broots entertained the children while Corinna retold The Life Story of Lyle. Jarod listened with stubborn skepticism. Finally, when Parker explained why Thane was conceived and why Lyle removed him from The Centre, Jarod grasped the truth.
Sydney monitored Lyle's condition and he was not pleased. Lyle's blood pressure was slightly low and he looked pale. At first he refused pain medication but finally relented. After thirty of morphine he let Sydney and Corinna help him to bed.
Corinna finished the presentation with a synopsis of what the Agency had planned for The Centre. "...and if I don't shoot you we might be able to use your help."
"I guess I should offer to help then. I'll think about it," Jarod replied. He turned to Parker, "I guess I owe you an apology."
"Me?"
"At first I worried that I'd gotten you kidnapped. But for a bit there I thought you were in league with Lyle."
"I am," Parker said, still a little unable to believe she truly was.
"I mean...I guess...I should..."
"You mean the fictional Lyle. You guess you were wrong. And you should apologize to him."
"I don't think I'm ready to go that far."
"No, neither do I." Parker stood. "Corinna, did you bring any good restraints? Until Lyle's back 'home' I think Jarod will have to stay here." Corinna rose to look as Jarod gave a surprised look to Parker.
"You're not going to try to take me back?"
"Not unless Lyle wants to as part of his strategy. Consider it a reward for coming to my 'rescue.' As for me, I may not go back at all."
Corinna put Jarod in her room, and took first watch. Leann insisted on setting up the couches as beds for Broots and Sydney. Parker went to Lyle's room. She sat by the bed and wiped dried blood from his face with a warm cloth. Lyle dozed.
"I'm sorry, Lyle," she said softly.
"About what in particular?" he mumbled, surprising her.
"I'm sorry about trying to shoot you, before I knew you were family."
"Not to worry, Parker. You may find it hard to believe, but compared to some of the things they've done to me, that was a love tap," Parker looked at him, shook her head and smiled. Lyle smiled back and fell asleep.
That's it for this round. Stay tuned for more :)
