From:  lukerulzgh@a... 
Date:  Mon Sep 30, 2002  2:48 am
Subject:  Xmas Response..final chapter.

 
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and here it is, the long awaited final part of "What A Difference A Year Makes".  At least I hope it was long awaited.  Please let me know what you thought....I'm wearing my suit of armor.  I can take it!

Thanks everyone for reading...it's actually been fun writing a Pretender fan fic!!!  I'll probably do more..if you'll let me.

--Lisa Q

*~*~*~*

(Parker's House)

"Are you telling me Parker was definitely behind Sydney's escape?" Raines spat.

Lyle nodded. "See for yourself."  He seethed, thrusting a stack of papers in Raines' direction. 

Raines frowned, his gaze never shifting from Lyle's angry expression. "What are those?" He asked.

"Documents.  Proof that Parker not only engineered Sydney's escape, but she's been covering his trail ever since." Lyle explained, his voice a low growl.  "I found them hidden under a loose floorboard in the dining room."

Raines' eyes darted from Lyle's hand then back to his face. "What is in them?"

Raines was getting on Lyle's last nerve.  "Like I said, proof."  Lyle told him, tossing the papers one by one on the table.  "Centre floor plans, pamphlets on mental illnesses, brochures for nursing facilities from all over the country…"  

"That doesn't mean anything." Raines countered.

Lyle rolled his eyes.  "Then how about this."  He slammed the remaining file on the table with a flourish. "It is full of reports, written by some shrink on Sydney's progress.  The most recent is dated a few months ago."

Raines breathed harder as the truth sunk in. "She knew." Raines hissed.  "She's known the entire time where Sydney was."

"Save the 'I told you so's' for another time." Lyle snarled.  He spun around and slammed his fist into a nearby wall.  "Damn! How could I have been so blind!"

"She had everyone fooled, Mr. Lyle." Raines hissed, watching Lyle's anger grow.  "Including your father."

"Dad." Lyle realized his father would be none too pleased upon hearing this latest bit of news. "He's going to have an aneurysm when he finds out."

"Is there anything here that would indicate where Miss Parker is hiding Sydney now?" Raines asked.

"Nothing yet."  Lyle sighed in exasperation. "But I'm not through looking.  I've got a team on their way here to rip this place to its foundation. If there is anything here, they will find it."

"And in the meantime?" Raines inquired.

Lyle rubbed his sore fist with his other hand. "I'm going back to the Centre and I'll search Parker's office." He smiled. "Maybe I'll have a few words with Broots as well.  He just may know something."

"Do what you must."  Raines said.  

Lyle just smiled evilly. "I intend to."

*~*~*~*

(Syd's)

Parker absently flipped through the pages of the book on her lap.  She couldn't concentrate. Her mind was replaying the events of the day. What a busy day it had been.

It was an awkward morning, waking up in Sydney's bed, with him smiling beside her. They had slept until nearly noon, lying comfortably together. That surprised Parker more then anything - how comfortable she was with him.  They had spent so much time together that this seemed like a natural progression of their relationship. But still, it was awkward. He had known her since she was a child and she had looked at him like a father figure. Now she's looking at him in a whole new light.  It was little unsettling to say the least.  

I think I need a shrink, she thought to herself as she mindlessly turned another page. Then she laughed slightly - the 'shrink' was her problem!

Parker had vowed to make sure the day was event filled; keeping Sydney so occupied that he wouldn't have one moment to think about Jarod. The snowstorm had died down enough that after a late breakfast, Parker was able to convince Sydney to take a hike in the woods surrounding the house.  They spent much of the afternoon exploring nature, talking about meaningless things - light topics that stayed far away from anything that could remotely remind either of them of last year.  

And it worked.  Sydney's mood the entire day was upbeat, so much in fact, that he convinced Parker to make snow angels on the ground, something she hadn't done since she was a little girl. That segued into a messy snowball fight, which left them both breathless and soaking wet.

When the sun began to set, they headed back to the house and Sydney whipped up a great Christmas Eve dinner; a five course meal that would rival the best of chefs.  Parker never knew he could cook; but he explained that with so much time on his hands, he had to stay occupied so he learned to cook!

Sydney stood quietly in the kitchen doorway just watching her, curled up on the sofa, book in hand. He knew she wasn't really reading it; he could tell by the constant turning of the pages and he wondered what she was thinking about.  Maybe she was thinking about the same thing that was on his mind - their changing relationship, their sudden kiss. He really wanted to talk to her about it, but she had kept him so busy during the day, there wasn't time.

However, he had one thing he wanted to do first and he rolled off the doorway toward the living room, his hand reaching into his pocket.  He stopped in front of the couch and she looked up and smiled.

"This is for you." Sydney said.

Parker's eyes left his face and her gaze fell to the small gold box Sydney was holding out toward her.

"What's this?" She asked.

Sydney laughed. "It's your Christmas present." He cocked his head to the side when she didn't move.  "Aren't you going to take it?"

Parker closed her book and rose from the couch.  "Syd. You shouldn't have."  She said quietly as she took the box from him.  

"Go on….open it." He instructed

Parker sat back down on the couch and Sydney joined her.  She pulled the red velvet bow off the box and set it on her lap.  She pulled the lid off to reveal a layer of red tissue paper.   She gasped when she pulled the paper aside.

"Sydney…" Parker finally spoke.  "This is beautiful."  

Sydney beamed with pleasure. "That is the one you saw at the boutique, correct?"  He asked, briefly recalling one of their visits to town.

"Yes."  She looked over at him. "I can't believe you remembered."

"I told you there was nothing wrong with my mind."  He joked.  

Parker smirked at him. "Very funny." She muttered. "How did you…..?"

"Get into town?"  Sydney smiled as he finished her sentence.  "I asked that infuriating nurse to take me."  He told her.  "Shall I put it on you?"

"Please."

Sydney took the box from her and slowly pulled the gold, antique necklace from the inside.  Parker twisted around on the couch so her back was to him and she moved her hair aside.  Sydney put the necklace around her and expertly fastened the clasp.

"There!"  He said triumphantly, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"I don't know what to say." Parker whispered. She let her hair fall back into place and looked down, holding the locket out so she could see it clearly.

"Turn around and let me see." Sydney instructed.

Parker did as she was told and squirmed nervously before him; his gaze was intense.  "How does it look?" She finally asked.

Sydney was still beaming. "Perfect."  He whispered.

Parker grinned.  "Thank you."  She said sincerely. She leaned forward and gently kissed his cheek.

He signed contently, feeling her warm lips on his skin. "You're very welcome."  Sydney murmured as she pulled back.

Parker nervously looked at her lap. "I'm sorry, Syd.  I rushed so quickly to get up here that I didn't get a chance to get you anything."

Sydney held up a hand to silence her. "Stop."  He told her. "You've already given me the greatest gift anyone could ever get for me."

"And what would that be?"

Sydney smiled warmly. "You gave me my life back."  He whispered. 

Parker smiled shyly. "I'm not taking the credit on that, Syd."  She told him.  "You're a very strong man.  You reclaimed your life on your own. I just provided the house."

"You gave me more then just this house." Sydney insisted. "You gave me support, encouragement….love."

Parker blushed. "Better watch it.  All these compliments are going to give me a swelled head."  She cracked lightly.  "I'll become impossible to live with!"

Sydney laughed.  "You could never be impossible to be with." He whispered, looking at her intently.

Parker quickly spun to the side and let out ragged breath. He was doing it again.  Looking at her in that way that made her heart jump into her throat.

"Are you all right?" Sydney asked after a moment of silence.

"I'm… a little sore." Parker sputtered, rubbing the back of her neck. "I think I over did it nailing you with snowballs."

"I can fix that."  Sydney promised.  "Turn around."

Parker turned her back to him, wondering just what he was up to.  She quickly figured it out when Sydney placed his palms on her shoulders.  He used both hands, one on each shoulder and he begin massaging his way up her arms in a slow, methodical fashion. 

Parker's eyes grew wide at first, but she had to admit, he was good at what he was doing.  She began to relax and he smiled as he felt the tension slowly ease out of her body.  He worked his way to her hands, his fingers twining with hers as her body sunk back against his. She could feel his breath on the back of her neck and she jumped when he softly kissed her ear. His kisses were tender, loving and she had to admit, she was enjoying each and every one. Parker settled back against his chest and she closed her eyes.

Sydney's lips moved to the back of her neck and when he kissed her; she moaned slightly with satisfaction. He continued to gently massage her shoulders while at the same time, trailed little kisses along her neck and over the tops of her shoulders. 

Parker was definitely getting wrapped up in the moment and she pushed herself off him and spun around to look at him.  She didn't move a muscle as he moved toward her.  His lips met hers in a soft, gentle kiss, lingering against hers for a few seconds. He pulled back just a little, wanted to look at her for another moment. He flashed a warm smile and she surprised herself with her reaction. Sydney's eyes bored into hers as she leaned up, kissing him full on the lips. He reached around behind her and pulled her body to his, feeling her heart beat faster against him as she clutched at the back of his head. His hands ran up and down her back as their kissing grew more furious with each passing second.

Parker let out a slight pant when Sydney suddenly pulled back. He ran his hand down the side of her face, smoothing her hair as they each tried to catch their breath. She nervously faced him, locking their eyes together as feelings she didn't know she had for her friend washed over her.

"What the hell are we doing?" She asked after a moment.

Sydney ran his thumb along her jaw. "I do not know.  But I know I do not want to stop." Sydney briefly wondered if he was doing the right thing, wondering if maybe he was pushing too hard. But her reactions to his kisses and to his massage convinced him that maybe she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

He looked down, staring at an imaginary spot on the cushion. "Unless you want me to stop."

"I'm not sure what I want." Parker replied honestly.  "This is all so sudden."

Sydney sighed. "We do not have to figure anything  out right now."  He told her, feeling a slight disappointment.

Parker smiled. "Thank you." She quietly stood up, nervously clasping her hands together.  She needed to time to think "I…. I'm going to go off to bed."  She told him. "I'm, ah, a little tired."

Sydney stood up as well. "It is late."  He acknowledged.

Parker looked down at her new necklace. "Thank you Syd, for the present."

Sydney smiled. "You're welcome."  He whispered.

Parker took a step toward him and kissed him on the cheek. "Good night."

"Good night, Parker."

Sydney watched as she turned and headed to her room, wondering if he hadn't just made the biggest mistake of his life.

*~*~*~*

(Syd's, following morning)

Parker paced frantically on the porch listening to the panicked man on the cell phone. "What the hell are you talking about, Broots?" She hissed into the receiver.

Broots slinked further under his desk at the Centre, the phone clutched in his trembling hand. "They are on to you, Miss Parker."  He whispered nervously.

Parker was getting exasperated; that's all he had said for the past two minutes.  "Who?"  She asked, her teeth clenched.

Broots peeked out around the desk before crawling back under it. "Lyle and Raines." He replied, in a shaky whisper.  "They are tearing your office apart as I speak."

Parker felt her heart start to race and she glanced back at the house.  She saw Sydney puttering around the living room through the window. He wasn't paying her any attention. "Broots, you'd better tell me what the HELL is going on and you'd better tell me right now." She ordered, keeping her voice low.

"Ok, ok."  Broots stuttered. He took a deep breath.  "When you didn't arrive in Florida, Lyle and Raines started looking for you."

"I know that much, Broots!"

Broots shook under the desk. "Well, I was talking to Veronica in Dispatch.  You know her, she's the one with two thumbs on her right hand." He let out a nervous laugh. "I'm surprised Lyle didn't take one of them to replace the one that was cut off seeing that she has an extra and all---"

"FOCUS!" Parker interrupted harshly.

Broots jumped at her tone. "Ok.  She was telling me that Lyle sent a sweeper team to your house!"  He related, his words tumbling out of his mouth. "Rumor has it that they found something, Miss Parker!  Now Lyle is looking all over for me and he's searching your office and I don't know what to do!"

"Broots..."  Parker whispered.

"If they find out that I've been helping Sydney, helping you help Sydney, they are going to kill me."  Broots continued in a panic.  "That's after they torture me, probably start cutting off fingers trying to get me to talk…"

"Broots!" Parker said louder.

"Then what is Debbie going to do without a father?"  Broots rambled.  "She is only a little girl and she needs me. I can't go off and get myself killed…"

"BROOTS!" Parker yelled. 

Sydney turned toward the window, hearing Parker's loud voice.  Something was terribly wrong; he could tell by the way she was pacing around the porch. He moved toward the door.

Parker saw Sydney in the doorway and she stopped moving and she turned away, her back toward the door.  

"Parker?"  Sydney called out. "What is wrong."

Parker ignored him. Everything was going to hell and she had no idea what to do first. A million thoughts were going through her mind at once.

She turned her attention back to Broots. "Do they know where we are right now?" She asked.

"I don't know.  But I don't think they do.  Yet."  Broots whispered. "If they did, they wouldn't be here right now, ripping this place apart.  Looking for me to sacrifice at the alter of the Centre."

Parker started thinking. "Ok."  She whispered, still not turning to face Sydney. "Here is what you are going to do. First off, calm down and find your spine.  Then make tracks and get out of the Centre before they find you."

"How?" Broots asked.  "Everyone is looking for me. I can't just walk down the hall to the front door!"

Parker let out a breath. "Find Angelo.  He'll get you out."  She ordered.

"Like he did for Sydney." Broots recalled. "Ok. Ok.  I can do this. Then what?"

Parker tensed when she felt Sydney directly behind her. "Pick up Debbie and get the hell out of Blue Cove. It's not safe for either one of you to remain in town."  She finished. "You have access to my private account. Take what money you need and go."

"Ok."  Broots replied.  "What about you and Sydney?  What are you going to do, Miss Parker?"

Parker sighed. "I'm getting the hell out of Dodge."  She told him before snapping the phone shut.

"Miss Parker?"  

Parker slowly turned around, her mind still reeling from Broots' news.  Sydney stood in front of her, his arms folded across his chest.  There was a clear look of terror on his face, in his eyes.  She knew the signs; she was feeling the same fear herself.

Sydney frowned as he studied her pale features. "It's all over, isn't it?"  He asked.  "Your involvement with my disappearance has been discovered."

Parker reached forward and squeezed his arm, nodding slowly. "Raines and Lyle are on a warpath." She told him.  "Broots said they've searched my house, my office."  She let go of his arm and moved away, a new plan forming in her mind.  "I've got to get you out of here today, then I have to get back to the Centre and fix this mess."

Sydney reached out and grabbed her elbow, spinning her around to face him. "Have you completely lost your mind?" He asked angrily.  "You can't go back there! They will kill you!"

Parker pulled her arm away. "I have to!"  She yelled. "Someone has to make sure that the trail to find you leads nowhere.  I can't protect you unless I'm inside the Centre."

"Are you listening to yourself?" Sydney argued. "Raines and Lyle are LOOKING for you! And they are not planning to welcome you with open arms."  Sydney shook his head in anger. "You just ordered Broots out of town for his own safety!"  He reminded her. "You wouldn't have done that unless you had good reason to believe he was in danger.  Which clearly indicates to me that your own life is in jeopardy."  She started to move away again but Sydney grabbed her upper arms, forcing her to remain in front of him. "They know you've helped me, Parker.  They will punish you for your betrayal!"

Parker glared at him. "So what the hell am I supposed to do, Sydney?"  She yelled.

"You cannot return."  Sydney said, his voice lowering.  "You will be killed."  

They were quiet for several minutes.  He watched as her expression changed from one of fear and anger to one of resignation at the situation she was now faced with.  

Parker blinked back the tears that were forming in her eyes. "What am I going to do?" She repeated, her voice nearly childlike.

Sydney saw that she was beginning to get shaky.  "Come.  Let's sit down."  Sydney said softly. He motioned to the bench by the railing and the two of them quietly sunk down in the cushions.  

Parker leaned her head back and closed her eyes.  "I'm screwed."  She muttered bitterly.  "We are both screwed."

Sydney smiled, an idea forming in his mind.  One he had thought about many, many times but never verbalized. "Not necessarily." He said, turning his body toward her.  He leaned sideways on the bench and dropped his hand to her shoulder, massaging it gently.

Parker turned to him, her cheek coming into contact with his hand. "What do you mean 'not necessarily'?" Parker asked, her voice edgy. "My life just blew up in my face, Syd."

"What life?" 

"Excuse me?"

Sydney continued to rub her shoulder with one hand and the other one covered hers in her lap. "Spending all day at the Centre then going home to slave over paperwork is a life?"

"It's the only one I know."

Sydney moved closer. "Now is the time to change it." He countered. 

"Not like I have too much of a choice now but to sail off into the sunset and reinvent myself."  Parker smirked at his expression; he seemed to have something cooking inside his head.  "Okay, Doctor Spock.  I see those wheels turning.  Just what do you have in mind."

Sydney drew in a large breath. It was now or never.  "Run away with me."  He proposed nervously.

Parker's eyes widened. "W-what?" She stuttered.  "Are you serious?"

Sydney smiled. "Why not?"  He asked. "We are both in the same boat, having to hide from the Centre.  Instead of sticking me at another safe house and you 'sailing off into the sunset', why not stay with me?"

Parker sat up, his hand falling from her shoulder.  She studied him intently noticing the unspoken words behind his eyes. "What are you really trying to say, Sydney?" She asked.

She always could read him like a book.  "I want us to be together." Sydney admitted.  "I want you with me all of the time, not just for infrequent visits." He paused deliberately, wanting his words to sink in.  "Parker, I need you."

"Sydney…I don't know what to say."

"Parker, I never expected my feelings toward you to be this strong. It doesn't make sense, but emotions never really do make sense."  Sydney smiled. "All I know is that I cannot lose you. The thought of you going off alone and leaving me again is unbearable."

"I never said I wanted to be alone."  Parker honestly told him, surprised by her words.  

Sydney smiled softly. "Then what are you saying?"

"I'm saying I'm just as confused, Syd, about my own feelings for you." She let out a nervous laugh. "Actually, I'm scared to death.  I haven't felt these…emotions….since…"  

"Since when?"

"Since Tommy." Parker whispered.  She took a deep breath and thought a moment. "Running away with you is a big step, Syd."

"The biggest."

"What if it doesn't work out?" Parker asked cautiously.

Sydney laughed; she was always the skeptic. "What if it does?"

Always the optimist, Parker thought to herself.

"What do you say?"  Sydney asked, the hope in his voice unmistakable. "Please stay with me. I promise you that you will never regret it

It only took her a second to make up her mind. The love in his eyes convinced her that this was definitely a risk worth taking. Taking a nervous breath, she leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips.  After a moment, she pulled back and gazed into his eyes.

Parker smiled. "So where do you want to go?"

*~*~*~*

(couple days later)

Lyle gave the door a swift kick and it shattered as it flew open.  Several sweepers entered the cabin and fanned out, looking for their prey.

Lyle remained in the entryway, barking orders at the men as they moved through the house.  He glanced around, his eyes studying his surroundings as he listened to the sweepers scurrying about.  After a few moments, he knew that they were too late, that once again, he was going to come up empty.  Dad would not be pleased.

"Sir!"

Lyle spun around. "What?"  He snapped.

Willie holstered his weapon as he slowly approached. "Nothing here, sir."  He reported. "No sign of Miss Parker or Sydney."

"Dammit!"  Lyle shouted, causing the sweeper to jump.  He began to stalk around the foyer in frustration.  "Were they ever here or is this another wild goose chase?"

"They were here."  Willie confirmed.  "They must have known we were coming because they obviously cleared out quickly.  They left a bunch of stuff behind."

Broots, Lyle thought to himself.  The weasel must have tipped them off before he too disappeared into thin air.  "Anything useful?"  Lyle asked hopefully.

Willie shrugged. "Clothes, dirty dishes, that sort of stuff."  He ventured hesitantly, seeing Lyle's anger grow.

Lyle was steaming.  "Alright. Search this place thoroughly. I want everything inspected right down to the contents of the garbage disposal. Bring me SOMETHING that could tell us where they flew off to."

Willie nodded. "Yes sir!"  He replied before leaving the foyer.

Lyle closed his eyes, took a deep breath and leaned back against the wall.  He wasn't looking forward to facing Raines or his father when he returned to Blue Cove.

*~*~*~*

(new hideout)

"I need to go shopping."

Sydney continued to hang some clothes in the closet as he glanced over to Parker.  She was rummaging though the few items of clothing she managed to stuff in her bag before they hightailed it out of the cabin. After nearly a week of non-stop traveling, they finally settled on their new home - a small bungalow on an island in the Caribbean.

"Why?" Sydney asked before shutting the closet door.

Parker held up a shoe when he turned to face her. "Prada pumps do not go with sand and sea." She commented irritably, tossing the shoe in the corner. She then picked her bag off the bed. "And neither does any of the other crap I brought.  I swear, I packed for the Arctic."  The bag quickly joined the shoe with a loud thud.  "

Sydney silently chuckled at her tirade. He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Tomorrow morning, I will take you into town and you can buy a whole new summer wardrobe." He promised, kissing the back of her head.

Parker laughed. "While we are at it, we should get you some shorts and shirts as well."  She commented, leaning comfortably back against his chest.  "Then you can sit on the beach and get some sun on that cute little butt of yours."

Sydney spun her around and snaked his arms around her waist. "Now how would you know if my butt is 'cute'?"  He asked, his eyes twinkling.  "Peeking while I was in the shower?"

Parker gulped and rolled her eyes. "No." Glaring at his amused expression, she pushed him away and he stumbled a little, surprised by her sudden movement. She turned to the bed and quickly plucked a throw pillow from on top, flinging it hard at him.

Sydney caught it in mid air before it hit him and expertly threw it right back at her, smacking her in the side of the head.  Fuming, she turned to get a larger pillow but he grabbed her from behind.

"Let me go, you little shit!"  She said, struggling against him.

Sydney laughed and pulled her tightly against him until she settled down.  "You're so much fun to tease." He said, knowing she was a little embarrassed. "Sometimes, Parker, you are an easy mark!"

"Better watch it, Syd."  Parker retorted.  "I still have my gun."

Sydney laughed again and spun her around, keeping his hands on her waist.  He smiled at her and watched as her annoyance melted and she was smiling as well.

"That's better!" Sydney exclaimed.  He continued to stare at her, grinning like an idiot. 

At that moment, life seemed perfect.  They were in paradise and they were together.  And there was no sign of the Centre anywhere.  Finally, they were safe.

Parker ran her hands up his chest and around the back of his neck. "What are you staring at?" She asked him.

"You." He replied softly. "You are simply breathtaking."  He chuckled when she blushed. "Well you are!"

"Flattery will get you everywhere." Parker whispered, pulling his head down for a sweet kiss.

He pulled reluctantly from the kiss and held her closer.  "Is that a promise?" He asked.

"We'll see." She replied with a wink.

Sydney smiled. "So, what do you want to do for the rest of the evening?"  He asked.  "We could, a) finish unpacking or, b) take a walk on the beach or, c) we can go find something to eat. The refrigerator is bare, or d) insert your own idea here."

Parker signed. "So many choices."  She muttered.

"Pick one."

Parker thought for a moment. "I'll take option 'd'."  She decided.

Sydney raised an eyebrow. "And what is option 'd'?"  He said, wondering what she had in mind.

Parker smiled mischievously she leaned in close, bringing her lips to his ear. "I want to check out your cute little butt." She whispered seductively. "So the next time, I'll know what I'm talking about."

Sydney smiled. "Really?"  He asked.

Parker nodded. "Oh yeah…" 

Sydney leaned forward and kissed her, much more deeply then he ever had before. His tongue pressed against her lips and she opened her mouth, allowing him to taste her and her to savor him. He reached around behind her, his trembling fingers sliding up her back until he found the top of the zipper. He slowly lowered it and he stepped back to allow her dress to fall to the floor, leaving her standing before him in her black lace bra and panties. He gasped, completely in awe of her beauty.

Sydney pushed her gently onto the bed, their gaze never breaking as he crawled over her. Sydney leaned down, kissing the side of her neck as she clutched at the back of his head. Parker' eyes drifted shut and she let out a satisfied moan as his hands explored her body, and he grinned involuntarily, knowing he was pleasing her. His lips left her neck and found hers, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss.  The rest of their clothes were quickly discarded, thrown aimlessly to the floor as they got lost in each other, their bodies molding together as he slowly began to make love to her for the very first time. 

*~*~*~*

(later…)

Sydney smiled as he watched her sleep, lying peacefully on her stomach, her hair splayed on the pillow. He reached over and pulled the sheet up around her waist. He dropped it over her and let his hand roam up her bare back, feeling her steady breathing under his touch. Parker stirred slightly as his fingers touched her but she did not wake up. He was glad; all he wanted to do was watch her sleep, naked in their bed.

Sydney slid closer to her, his body craving her warmth.  He softly draped an arm across her back, being careful not to wake her and he leaned forward, planting a tender kiss on her shoulder before resting his head next to hers and closing his eyes. His smiled, wondering what Jarod would say about him and Parker, had he still been alive to see it.

Ah, Sydney thought as he drifted off to sleep….what a difference a year makes.

*~*~*~*

(SL-28 - Raines Private Lab)

"134, 135, 136…"

The squeaking of the wheels coming down the hall startled him and he briefly stopped counting the small tiles in the ceiling.   Raines stopped in front of the cell, making sure he was far enough back so that the younger man couldn't grab him.  He learned that lesson the hard way several months back; it took over 40 stitches to close the wound on his head from the impact with the bars.

"137, 138, 139, 140…"  He continued, ignoring the man's presence.

Raines stood very still. "Get up."  He ordered.

He glanced over at the request and sighed loudly. He rubbed his face with his hands and he rolled off the cot and he stood up, doing his best to look annoyed at the interruption.

"See what you made me do? I lost count."

"My heart bleeds." Raines shot back.

The man inside the cell stood as powerfully as he could in the middle of the room. "What do you want?"  He asked, bitterness dripping from his lips. 

Raines wheezed. "You do not seem very happy to see me."  He said.

"Like that surprises you."  He shot back.  "Just tell me what you want and let me get back to my counting."

Raines narrowed his eyes sinisterly and smiled, his thin lips twisting into an evil expression. He had the man over a barrel and he knew it.

"Spit it out, Raines!"

Raines sucked in a ragged breath. "I have a new project that requires your, how shall we say it, special talents?"  He watched the man shut his eyes in disgust.  "Interested?"

"Do I have a choice?"

Raines shook his head. "No."  He turned to walk away. "We will discuss it further in the morning.  Make sure you are well rested."

"I'm really looking forward to it."  He said sarcastically.

"I am sure you are." Raines replied.  He started to leave but turned around just before he moved out of sight. His eyes locked with the other man and he just smiled.

"Have a nice evening, Jarod."

Jarod sneered at him. "Go to hell, Raines!"  He shouted as the man squeaked down the hall.

*****

See...I could NEVER kill Jarod... :)