Rules of the Game
folder
M through R › Pretender
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
7
Views:
4,014
Reviews:
2
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
M through R › Pretender
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
7
Views:
4,014
Reviews:
2
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own The Pretender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Rules of the Game
Disclaimer: I don't own 'em... never did... never will... will never earn a penny... no infringement intended... please don't sue me... life is complicated enough these days.
*Girlfriend...*
Parker's stomach soured as Lyle's words thundered in her head. Having to maintain her composure made it even tougher on her already ravaged digestive tract.
"You mean you didn't know? I find that interesting considering it's your full-time job to know what's going on in Jarod's life. That's what happens when you devote too much time to chasing ghosts and not enough time to chasing Jarod." He slid the surveillance photo across the table at her and practically beamed. "Cute, nice body, that is, if you like that type."
She glanced fleetingly at it then blinked up at him. Setting her jaw, Parker warned, "I wouldn't pull a stunt like that again. You really don't want to antagonize Jarod or he'll bury you. And we both know he can do it if he wants to. Besides, it's never a good idea to drag a 'civilian' into Centre business - it draws unwanted attention, leaves us exposed."
"Speaking of exposed, she doesn't wear much, does she?" Lyle smirked.
"I'm not kidding, Lyle, if you or Cox ever go near... what's her name again?" She knew damn well what her name was.
"Zoe."
"Whatever... if you go near her again, I will have to report to Daddy that your irresponsible, not to mention stupid, actions are jeopardizing the entire operation."
"Relax, Parker, she's nowhere to be found. Must've gone off with the Major when he," Lyle rolled his eyes, "leapt to her rescue while you and Jarod were off train-hopping with Ethan. Or else she's on the lamb with Jarod, you know, playing house with our pretender."
"No, she's not," she replied, sounding more harsh than she'd intended.
"Well, I guess you'd know, wouldn't you," he remarked, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an importannch nch engagement." He swung around in his chair and stood. "Please, feel free to stay as long as you like. Oh, and if you want to hang on to that," he gestured toward the picture on his desk, "feel free." He grinned. "I have others."
Lyle strolled haughtily across his office and pulled his jacket from the hook on the back of the dbefobefore opening it. Turning back to where Parker remained in front of his desk with her back to him, he commented, "And, to think, my instincts have been wrong all these years. I always thought he had a thing for you." With that, he stepped out of his office and closed the door firmly behind him.
Parker took a deep breath and allowed her gaze to drift down to the photo. Staring into the face of the smiling young woman, her hands balled into tight fists as the now unchecked rage churned within her. "Girlfriend," she seethed through clenched teeth, trembling as tears welled in her eyes. The sensation of moisture in the palms of her hands finally drew her back to reason.
She took another deep breath and unclenched her fists, raising her hands up to inspect the damage before calmly reaching over and grabbing a tissue to wipe her bloodied palms. "Okay," she muttered shakily, then repeated, "okay," more steadily. Straightening her stance and smoothing her hair, she plastered on a calm exterior then turned and strode determinedly out of Lyle's office, leaving the photo behind where it lay on his desk.
* * * *
"Taking Saturdays off these days, are we Jarod?" Parker whispered as she watched her prey pace nervously beside his car in a deserted corner of a parking area in the Shenandoah National Park. After a while, another car pulled up and a woman now familiar to her emerged, flinging herself into his arms.
"Well, hello there, Zoe," Parker grinned, lowering her binoculars. "Virginia IS for Lovers."
She had guessed correctly; they were taking HER car. Fortunately, Jarod was a good boy and brought along his jacket, the jacket on which she had planted a miniscule, but highly powerful and extremely accurate, tracking device. She had managed to slip into his car while he stopped off at a greasy spoon to consume what was, no doubt, a high-calorie, fat and cholesterol-laden breakfast. She would hang back a bit and let them get a head start, maybe even take a little walk and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Even though he wasn't the one driving, and would likely be somewhat 'distracted,' Parker did not want to risk Jarod picking up on a tail, forcing her to abandon the scheme when she was so close. Besides, the lovebirds wouldn't be wandering too far afield, probably to a motel along one of the highways that ringed the park - the 33, 211, 340, maybe the 250 - so a half-hour of lead-time would be more than sufficient. All she needed to do was exercise a little patience... just a little patience. She was so close.
Good thing he's thinking with his little head today, she mused with a snicker as she practically skipped down the tree-lined path. What a glorious day to be alive!
TBC...
*Girlfriend...*
Parker's stomach soured as Lyle's words thundered in her head. Having to maintain her composure made it even tougher on her already ravaged digestive tract.
"You mean you didn't know? I find that interesting considering it's your full-time job to know what's going on in Jarod's life. That's what happens when you devote too much time to chasing ghosts and not enough time to chasing Jarod." He slid the surveillance photo across the table at her and practically beamed. "Cute, nice body, that is, if you like that type."
She glanced fleetingly at it then blinked up at him. Setting her jaw, Parker warned, "I wouldn't pull a stunt like that again. You really don't want to antagonize Jarod or he'll bury you. And we both know he can do it if he wants to. Besides, it's never a good idea to drag a 'civilian' into Centre business - it draws unwanted attention, leaves us exposed."
"Speaking of exposed, she doesn't wear much, does she?" Lyle smirked.
"I'm not kidding, Lyle, if you or Cox ever go near... what's her name again?" She knew damn well what her name was.
"Zoe."
"Whatever... if you go near her again, I will have to report to Daddy that your irresponsible, not to mention stupid, actions are jeopardizing the entire operation."
"Relax, Parker, she's nowhere to be found. Must've gone off with the Major when he," Lyle rolled his eyes, "leapt to her rescue while you and Jarod were off train-hopping with Ethan. Or else she's on the lamb with Jarod, you know, playing house with our pretender."
"No, she's not," she replied, sounding more harsh than she'd intended.
"Well, I guess you'd know, wouldn't you," he remarked, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an importannch nch engagement." He swung around in his chair and stood. "Please, feel free to stay as long as you like. Oh, and if you want to hang on to that," he gestured toward the picture on his desk, "feel free." He grinned. "I have others."
Lyle strolled haughtily across his office and pulled his jacket from the hook on the back of the dbefobefore opening it. Turning back to where Parker remained in front of his desk with her back to him, he commented, "And, to think, my instincts have been wrong all these years. I always thought he had a thing for you." With that, he stepped out of his office and closed the door firmly behind him.
Parker took a deep breath and allowed her gaze to drift down to the photo. Staring into the face of the smiling young woman, her hands balled into tight fists as the now unchecked rage churned within her. "Girlfriend," she seethed through clenched teeth, trembling as tears welled in her eyes. The sensation of moisture in the palms of her hands finally drew her back to reason.
She took another deep breath and unclenched her fists, raising her hands up to inspect the damage before calmly reaching over and grabbing a tissue to wipe her bloodied palms. "Okay," she muttered shakily, then repeated, "okay," more steadily. Straightening her stance and smoothing her hair, she plastered on a calm exterior then turned and strode determinedly out of Lyle's office, leaving the photo behind where it lay on his desk.
* * * *
"Taking Saturdays off these days, are we Jarod?" Parker whispered as she watched her prey pace nervously beside his car in a deserted corner of a parking area in the Shenandoah National Park. After a while, another car pulled up and a woman now familiar to her emerged, flinging herself into his arms.
"Well, hello there, Zoe," Parker grinned, lowering her binoculars. "Virginia IS for Lovers."
She had guessed correctly; they were taking HER car. Fortunately, Jarod was a good boy and brought along his jacket, the jacket on which she had planted a miniscule, but highly powerful and extremely accurate, tracking device. She had managed to slip into his car while he stopped off at a greasy spoon to consume what was, no doubt, a high-calorie, fat and cholesterol-laden breakfast. She would hang back a bit and let them get a head start, maybe even take a little walk and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Even though he wasn't the one driving, and would likely be somewhat 'distracted,' Parker did not want to risk Jarod picking up on a tail, forcing her to abandon the scheme when she was so close. Besides, the lovebirds wouldn't be wandering too far afield, probably to a motel along one of the highways that ringed the park - the 33, 211, 340, maybe the 250 - so a half-hour of lead-time would be more than sufficient. All she needed to do was exercise a little patience... just a little patience. She was so close.
Good thing he's thinking with his little head today, she mused with a snicker as she practically skipped down the tree-lined path. What a glorious day to be alive!
TBC...