Disclaimer: They're not mine, they belong to NBC and MTM, whatever. If they were doing their job maybe I wouldn't be so pissed at them.

by Laura W.

(aka kelsey)

Prologue

Most people don't know it but they feel it. What am I talking about? Love. Pure unadulterated feelings

that just can't be denied. I find it odd when people just ignore each other and hurt the ones they truly love.

The ones that they want to spend the rest of their lives with. I find it very amusing.

Me...

I'm here. Watching. Waiting. Ready to strike. She doesn't know it yet but I'm going to get her. Yes, this

time she will be mine. She ran away before but this time I found her. I thought she was gone all those

times before. I thought she had disappeared from my life. But I found her.

She is mine.

I can remember when we first met. I remember everything that happened between the two of us. Colors of

blue entwined with red.

Blue.

Her eyes.

Striking.

Possessing.

Urging me to come near.

Red.

Anger.

Blood.

Pouring.

Flowing.

Stains everywhere I turn.

It's strange. I almost fell apart when I thought she died. I nearly lost my mind. Today I saw her. She was

walking along, looking for something or someone, oblivious to her surroundings. I was going to touch

her. Get a taste, a smell. I would have grabbed her then and called it a day but decided not to. The time

wasn't right. I missed her. I missed her so much I was angry that I hadn't killed her myself.

You see, killing is like riding a bicycle. One never forgets after the first time.

Or the last.

Parker.

She was my air, my life, my soul.

I need it back.

I need her back.

I taught her everything she knows. All the anger, all the rage she emits on random strangers. I taught her

not to care. Not to feel. It's all part of the game. I made the rules and she played accordingly.

Now it's my turn to claim what's mine. I hope I do this right. I know what I'm doing. I know that this is

right. It has to be. It just has to. I went to a lot of trouble to track her down from her last spot. She moves

from place to place so quickly it's hard for me to catch up sometimes.

Not this time.

I'm ready.

I'm waiting.

I'm going to get you.

I hope you enjoy these last few days Parker.

I really hope you do.

If you don't realize it soon, you're going to die.

I laugh.

The sound echoes in my room.

In the dark.

The moon cuts a sharp light on the floor. I pause. If someone were to hear me now they would think I'm

crazy.

Or madly in love.

Whichever one suits your purpose.

Yes, this is definitely going to happen. Just wait and see.

I've thought about you for the last eight years.

Have you thought about me?

I look out through the window.

The shadows are calling me.

If I listen hard enough I could possibly hear the screams of Lindsay from the night before. She was so

pretty.

Only 19.

She looked just like you.

She could have been you.

Lindsay did everything right except for one thing.

She wasn't you.

And I had to punish her severely for that.

But it doesn't matter.

My darling, we'll be together at last.

If you only knew Parker.

If you only knew.

Present Day

"Parker!"

She was running. To where she didn't know. All she knew was that she had to get away from that voice.

Away from him.

He was following her, chasing her really. And he wouldn't stop.

"Parker!"

My God, she thought. I used to trust him.

The beach was widespread. It was a beautiful place for a sunset.

But that was not the case.

Her leg was throbbing while she ran. She wanted to stop. She knew that if she even dared to pause he

would get her.

"Please let me get out of this alive", she whispered to herself.

The glass was cutting deep into her skin. She looked down and saw where it had made its marks on her

arms and legs. Blood was streaming from a nasty cut on her head. It seeped into her eyes and mouth.

It was at this point that she got a cramp in her leg.

It hurt like hell.

She started to limp from the pain.

Please God, please don't make me die. Not like this.

A silent plea which she hoped would not go unanswered.

The water! For some reason it just occured to her to go into the ocean. She didn't know why but she knew

she would be safe there.

"Parker!" he screamed. His voice was becoming hoarse from calling her name.

"You stay the hell away from me! Stay away!", she cried.

It was at that moment that she fell. Hard into the sand.

The tears started to fall. She wanted to beg for her life and try to make him see that this was wrong.

The words were stuck in her throat.

"Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide."

He said this softly to her. He wanted to hold her so bad. It hurt to see her like this but it was the right

thing to do.

"May God forgive you for I sure as hell don't.", she said still looking at the ground.

The gun was in his hand. He twitched when she said those words. She just wasn't able to accept the hand

that she was dealt. It was that simple.

The tide was coming in.

Parker looked up at her captor. She then closed her eyes and let God do his will.

***********************

The police had surrounded the abandoned mansion. Only two of them were walking through the house

looking for the any sign of life. The once furnished house was now trashed beyond belief. Blood was

smeared on some of the walls. Candles greeted the officers everywhere they went. In one particular room

there was a shrine that was toppled over. Curtains were literally ripped from their windows. A scalpel and

two gutting knives were covered by one of the fallen curtains. One of the policeman, Detective Pike saw

Sydney as he entered the room.

"Where are they?", Pike asked.

Before Sydney could answer they all heard a gunshot.

It sent a shockwave through Sydney.

"What the..!?", one of the cops uttered.

"It came from outside. Everyone out now! You come with me.", Pike said motioning to Sydney.

They went out the open window and started walking as fast as they could to the sound. Then they saw

them out there on the sand.

Sydney started to cry.

Two months ago

10:30am

"Miss Parker? I have a message for you."

"What is it now Broots?"

"Jarod's been spotted in the area."

"What the hell? When did this come in? When?"

"About five minutes ago and.."

She cut him off before he had a chance to say another word. Jarod was in the area. It was time for the

finale to begin.

He won't get away this time, she thought tho herself.

Broots tried his best to finish the rest of his sentence when Parker just pushed him out of the way.

"Can't you see I'm busy here?", she said with arrogance in her voice.

"But..."

"No buts. I have a job to do. Come if you want.

If not tell Sydney where to meet me. And Broots..."

"Yes?"

"Tell anyone else about this and I'll castrate you myself."

Broots swallowed hard at this statement. He knew better not to get on her bad side. He did not want to be

there if she didn't catch Jarod this time. The previous attempts had left her clawing at everyone she saw.

Lyle wasn't a big help either.

"So, you still can't catch him? What else is new?", was his favorite remark. His smug attitude about

Parker's failures just drove her insane.

Please just let this be it, Broots thought. Personally, he didn't want Jarod to be caught but that kind of

attitude was not up to Centre standards. He had to constantly tell himself, if Parker is not happy, we're all

screwed.

*****************

11:15am

"Jarod!"

Jarod turned ever so slightly to see the leggy brunette coming his way. There is no way in hell I'm going

back, he thought.

He was running as fast as he could into the dark alleyway. He knew she was behind him. He could hear

her heels keeping apace with him. Jarod moved into a corner and tried to conceal himself between the

dumpsters.

"Jarod! I kow you're here! you're not getting away this time!"

The heels clicked as they made contact with the pavement. She was getting closer, that much Jarod knew.

It was hard to see in the small space he was in but he was able to make out a head nod she made to the

sweepers. He took a deep breath and hoped no one heard.

"Damn it!", she said. Parker kicked the dumpster on her left as hard as she could. It vibrated for what

seemed like forever.

Jarod looked up and tried his best not to utter a sound. The vibration startled him at best. He acted quickly

to cover up his surprise. If she had any idea of how close she was to catching him right now, she'd flip.

Parker was about to turn back when something caught her eye. A movement actually. What is that?, she

wondered.

She went into the darker section of the alley taking her time as she walked.

"Miss Parker?", one of the sweepers asked,"where are you going?"

She ignored him and continued to walk straight to the source. She took her gun out of its holster ready to

strike at the unseen shadow.

A man was kneeling as if in prayer over something. The sound of her heels caught the man's attention and

he looked up at her in surprise.

Parker looked down at what the man was kneeling over. It wasn't a thing. It was a person.

A girl.

And there was blood. So much blood.

A look of shock and recognition was on Parker's features. She couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. It was if

time had stood still and she and the stranger was the only ones in place.

The man stood up and smiled at her. A dangerous smile.

It was then at that point that she started to scream.

The homeless man looked at her wide eyes. He ran and left her screaming in the dark.

Well I did it.

I left her a piece of my handiwork. A piece of me.

I think she remembers.

It was so good to see her.

Walking down the alley. Entering the darkness. Discovering my gift.

Yes, it was a gift.

A little momento to remind her of the past.

As usual, the past comes back to haunt you. Isn't that what they usually say?

Hmm...

I didn't expect her to scream so loudly.

The girls got lungs let me tell you that.

I wonder if she's beautiful on the inside as well as out.

Ha ha.

Well, Parker. You received the first message loud and clear. I hope you pay attention to the next one.

Maybe this time she'll have a heart.

Maybe.

She couldn't stop shaking. That face. I know that face, is all she thought. Even when the police arrived

Parker couldn't pull herself together.

"Are you alright ma'am?", the officer asked.

"What does it look like to you? Do I seem to be okay?"she retorted.

Obviously the sight of the dead girl didn't change her attitude.

I have to calm down. I can deal with this. I'm a Parker. She repeated this mantra over in her head. Damn

you Jarod. Damn you for this.

"Ma'am?"

"Yes?"

Bitch mode was in full effect.

"I'll take it from here." said another voice.

Parker turned around and connected the voice to the body.

"Don't you know it's rude to sneak up on people?", she said.

"For someone who just discovered a body you seem too cool with the situation at hand.", he replied.

"You know what fuck all of you. I'm going home."

"Hold on. I don't want to give you a hard time but I have to know what happened. That's my job. You

provide me with clues and I'll help find this bastard. Let's start all over again. I'll introduce myself and

you can do the same. My name is Detective Charles Pike and you are?"

"Parker"

"Is that your first or last name?"

"Does that really matter? I don't see how it's relevant.."

"Ma'am. Don't make me ask you a second time."

He was a tall man at least 6'2", she guessed. Handsome, he could make any girl swoon. Not bad on the

eyes but that was not what she was looking for at this time. From the stern tone in his voice Parker knew

he was not one to be trifled with. She wasn't afraid of him. She then theorized if she didn't cooperate

somehow the Centre would get involved and that was not an option that she wanted to take.

"It's my last. I don't use my first. I'd rather have you address me as Miss Parker."

"Fine."

"I came down here because I thought I saw something. I saw a man kneeling in front of it. I mean her.

And he looked at me and then I saw her. She was..."

"It's alright. You don't have to.."

She cut him off. She took a deep breath and continued. "She was just lying there on the ground and she

was cut up so bad. All you could see was the blood. It was everywhere. On her hands, her mouth, and her

eyes. Her eyes. They were just open for everyone to see."

Pike watched her as she talked. She had this distant look on her face as she spoke. She started to talk

faster and then she slowed down to a steady pace. He turned from her to look at the walls of the buildings

until something caught his ear.

"I saw me."

"What did you say?"

"I saw me. I saw me in her. She looks just like me. I swear I saw myself lying on the ground. I.."

Pike could see that she was trying not to break down. She is so strong. Too damn strong.

Parker made a sudden movement and Pike caught her by her arm. He could see a faint scar on her inner

wrist. She grabbed it away from him and gave him a nasty look.

"Don't touch me."

Weird, she goes from angelic to bitch in a matter of seconds he thought.

"I want you to go with this officer here", Pike said nodding to the man on his right,"and tell him

everything you told me. Okay?"

"Fine" and with that she left.

Pike turned around in a circle. God help the man she ends up with.

"Hey Pike, get over here."

Pike walked to the site of the body. The coroner was already zippering up the bag as he got there. Herman

Shaw was his name and everyone liked him. He seemed aloof at times but what did you expect from a

guy who works with dead people all day. That was one of his favorite jokes to tell.

"Unlike the others we got an i.d. on this one. Lindsay Price. Know her?"

"No Shaw, I don't."

"Well it's the same M.O. on this one. Exactly like the others. Looks the same, probably around the same

age too."

"What are trying to say? We got ourselves a serial killer here?"

"Pike, I think we just found victim number 12."

Pike was about to say something when he looked up and saw words on the brick wall barely hidden by

one of the dumpsters.

"What the hell?"

In bold red lettering were the words:

'I hope you like what you see Parker. Soon it's going to be your turn.'

Jarod walked calmly into the police station. It had took him awhile to get of his hiding spot without being

seen by the sweepers. In fact if it were not for Parker's sudden outburst he wouldn't have been able to

elude the sweepers this time.

He watched as Sam and one other sweeper he couldn't identify run to Parker to see what had happened. It

was split second decision that he made. Any more time wasted would have guaranteed his capture. He ran

to the bookstore across the street barely getting hit by a car on his way there. That would have drawn a

heap of attention except for the fact people were starting to crowd where Parker was.

Jarod had never seen her so distraught. Not since her mother's death did she emit such pain. For honest

reasons he wanted to know what affected her so greatly. What had made her have that reaction.

Couldn't have possibly been something I did, he thought.

Looking through the window he watched as the police arrived at the alley. This is not good. Not a good

sign.

"Sir, can I help you?"

"What?" Jarod was startled by the elderly lady who had approached him. He was so caught up in the

moment he didn't even notice she had been standing there for the past ten minutes.

"Are you looking for something in particular?"

"No, I was just thinking. That's all."

"Alright, but let me know if you do." and with that she moved away. Jarod continued to look through

the window. He saw as Parker was escorted to the squad car and driven away. The two sweepers were no

where to be seen so he took a chance and decided it was safe to investigate.He managed to maneuver his

way through the crowd and to the scene.

"Hey buddy! Who do you think you are? This is a crime scene. Get back!"

"Agent Jarod Matthews. I happened to be passing by and thought you could need my help." Jarod flashed

them a badge. Thank God I kept this from last pretend, he thought.

"Oh, really. So now the bureau decides to call in the feds. Thanks for their great support in letting us

know."

"Excuse me sir. Who might you be?"

"Detective Pike. This is my case. I don't mind a little help but I do appreciate it when I'm informed about

these things." He looked Jarod over and for some reason he felt that he could trust him. Gut instincts was

what Pike ran on and this guy seemed okay. You never know though, he thought, anything is possible.

After a brief standoff he showed Jarod to the scene. "Listen, this is where the body was found. We don't

know how she got here. It's like the guy offed her and left her here to be found. The body is messed up. I

have seen a lot of things in my time but this was.."

"I hear you."

"Come on. Since you just happened to be here I guess my luck just might change. I'm going to need your

input on this case Matthews. If you decide to stay with it you have to be aware of some things."

"Such as?"

"Such as this is not the first time this has happened."

"Explain."

"We think we might have a serial killer on our hands." Jarod took a deep breath when he said that. I was

only to here to find out what got to Parker and now this.

"And the girls. They're all the same. Black hair and blue eyes. Some of them are different heights but he

does the same thing to all of them. What kind of creep does this to women?" Pike paused. "Then there is

this chick I met today, Parker.."

"What?", Jarod's head snapped to attention when he name was mentioned.

"She was the first one to find the body and then, then I find some freaking message written to her on a

wall. I mean, I just met her and I know she's somehow involved in it. I know it. I can feel it. Tell

me...how can this guy kill this girl and then leave the body in an alley ready and waiting for her to find it?

This guy has to have incredible timing." Pike pointed over to where the message was written.

Jarod watched as Pike ranted over this finding. His mind was completely elsewhere with Parker. What

she must be going through. He closed his eyes.

"What do you think it means? I don't know whether to put her as a suspect or protect her from this

monster."

"I don't know...yet. But I will help you though."

"Are you sure? Are you sure you want to get involved in this?"

"Trust me. I have been through worse. Nothing can scare me now. Not after what I've been through."

That statement didn't sit well with Pike. He looked at Jarod for a brief second. I'm going to have to keep

an eye on this one.

*************************************************

"Parker?"

Parker looked up when she heard a familiar voice call her name.

"Sydney. Oh thank God you're here."

Sydney was surprised to see Parker sitting in the police station. She was waiting there patiently for any

means of escape. He looked her over and saw that she had not been attacked in any way so that idea was

dismissed from his mind. Could this possibly have to do with Jarod? Hmmm....

"Syd, I just want to go home. Please let's just go."

No, there was definitely something wrong with this picture. Parker sounded as if she was almost begging

to leave the station. Sydney took a close look at Parker's face. He could see that her face was tearstained,

her eyes an unsightly shade of red. How could I have missed that before?, he thought.

"Are you alright? Is Jarod..?"

"No, you're little labrat is not in trouble. Of course if he were dear Sydney would quickly rush to his

rescue", she sneered. Her eyes narrowed when she said this. "It's all his fault why I'm in this mess."

"How?"

"I followed him into an alley and what happens? I discover a body. Instantly I get teemed with cops and

brought to this god-awful place. I've been questioned and put through hell. I just need to get out of here

before anything else happens. I don't think the Triumverate would approve if they found out the cops

were trying to question my occupation." She glanced at her watch. 2:55. Damn. What I would give for a

cigarette at this time. Sydney looked at her with sympathy. Parker could be such a pain in the ass but he

understood. He understood her better than her own father did. All through her life Sydney was there for

her to lean on when he wasn't there.

"Come, let's get out of here."

Parker rose to leave with Sydney when one of the officers called to her.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm leaving. What does it look like to you?"

"Sir, please stop her. Pike said that you are to stay here until he returns and..."

"Well I really don't care." Too much time had been wasted and she had to get back to the Centre soon.

The sweepers must already be there and I'm not, she thought. Oh this day was not going to be good.

Sydney stopped the officer as he came to approach Parker. "Here is my card. I'm Dr. Sydney Green. If

this man Pike wants to contact her tell him to call me."

"What are you, her doctor or something?"

"You could say that."

The officer took the card and watched as they left. Parker brushed right past him muttering to herself all

the way.

"Damn him. Damn him."

*************************************

By the time Pike and Jarod reached the station Parker was gone. Jarod quickly said to Pike "Do you mind

if I use your office? I have an important call to make."

"Sure, it's just around the corner."

"Thanks."

Jarod went into the office and shut the door. He saw the computer was already on to some smut website.

This is just too easy, he thought and started to write his resume.

Pike turned from the direction Jarod walked and nodded to the standing officer. "Where's our favorite

lady?"

"You just missed her by a few seconds man."

"Damn it!" Pike took a breath and then said "You got a number for me to contact her?"

"Yeah, this guy gave me his card and said to contact her, call him."

Pike took the card and read it over. "Dr Sydney Green. Great, our lady's seeing a shrink." He looked up

and saw Jarod coming near him.

"Matthews, I really wanted you to meet her. I..she...it's hard to describe the way she is."

"I have an idea."

**************************************

"Hey guys, you should come and take a look at this!"

"Shaw, I'm not really in the mood for games."

"No, in all seriousness, I think you should see this."

Jarod and Pike followed Shaw into the morgue. The room was cold and it made Pike shiver. Jarod and

Shaw seemed to be oblivious to this. What is with this guy?

"Matthews, this is Shaw. He does all the dirty work"

"Very funny Pike. Ha ha. Anyway, gentlemen I want you to meet our newest addition."

Shaw pulled the sheet from the dead girl's body.

"Oh my",was uttered from Pike. Jarod just seemed to take it all in with no emotion.

"Let's get down to the point. Our lady friend was killed by severe mutilation. There is no sign of forced

rape but there is indication of sexual intercourse. See, she has bruises on her arms. She was killed after

intercourse I'm guessing 18 hours ago or so. It was the way that he did it. Ugh."

"What?"

"Well she was cut open by a sharp object. I'm guessing a scalpel or razor. No way it could have been a

regular kitchen knife. The cuts are precise. If it were done by a regular knife there would be some choppy

marks along the skin. See, here?" He pointes to her open chest. "This man had to be a doctor or something

from the way this was done."

"Sick."

"What's even sicker is that she is missing her heart. I mean it's gone. That sucker was cut out of her chest.

Done in a swift and effective method may I add."

Jarod's mouth tightened into a thin line. Pike looked around in disgust.

"I just can only come up with one way of how it went down."

"What do you mean?", Jarod asked.

"I think there's a possibility that she was held down while he did this to her."

"What?"

"I thought she got the bruises from my previous idea but now I'm beginning to suspect that he held her

down and cut her heart out of her chest while she watched. From the expression on her face, you can tell

she knew her killer. He must have been strong as hell to hold her down and cut her up with a steady hand.

You guys better catch this guy. I don't know if I can tolerate much more."

Coming from Shaw, that said a lot.

You have to admit the man knows his stuff.

I found this poem in one of the old books in the library. For some reason it just seemed to touch me.

I knew this.

It was her.

It was her in words.

I couldn't think of a better way to describe her.

I wish I could be a poet and just unleash my thoughts as they do.

I am so envious.

Should I send it to her?

Would she like it?

Maybe.

No.

Have to be cautious.

It's too soon.

Can't do it.

Not yet.

My angel.

My pure in heart little girl that I know she is.

The street is so noisy.

A girl passes my way.

She is so full of life.

So innocent.

She looks just like her too.

I quickly call to her. She turns around.

"Hello."

A simple word. It says so much and yet so little. She pauses and gives me this look. It makes my heart

flutter.

"Are you talking to me?"

Five minutes pass by and we're talking like we've been friends for years.

"Sienna, has anyone told you you have a beautiful smile?"

She blushes. Oh, it's getting warm. It starts to rain.

"Come", I say, "let's get to shelter before it starts to pour."

She readily agrees. Oh, my dear Sienna.

Unlucky number 13.

The Centre hallways was very narrow and dim. Not exactly a happening place but those who worked

there thought of it as second home.

"Miss Parker! There you are!"

Parker was sitting behind her desk with her head in her hands. She looked up

as she saw Broots come near. He quickly shut the door and tried to talk in a hushed voice.

"Lyle has been looking for you. He's been asking where you've been in the last hour. He already

questioned me twice. I tried to lie and come up with some excuse but I think he saw through it. He's a

bloodhound. I swear.."

"You swear what Mr Broots?"

Broots turned to come face to face with Lyle. He was wearing a blue pinstripe suit and his trademark

glove.

"You were saying? Please continue. I love to hear what the replaceables have to say about me."

"I..uh.."

Lyle smiled at him. Intimidation at it's best.

"Broots was just leaving Lyle. He came to talk to me about a report." Parker paused. "Let him pass."

"Does it have anything to do with Jarod?"

"No."

"If you say so."

Broots quickly passed by Lyle without looking at him. If it weren't for Parker's interruption Broots would

have had a heart attack.

"Now, we have business to discuss."

"Like what Lyle?"

"Well...I would love to hear your explanation for the sweepers returning

without you for starters. I mean, I want to know how the people you're in

charge of just somehow lost their leader."

"Gee, I guess they took a wrong turn."

"You know Parker, you really have to learn to share."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning anything that is related to Jarod has to be told to me. You can't keep me out of the loop. I was

waiting to see if you were ever going to mention your botched attempt at capturing him. Yes, I know.

You really didn't think you were going to be able to keep that from me did you?" Parker looked down at

the papers on her desk. Too much had to be sorted through.

"Lyle", she said with her hands in her hair, "I'm not in the mood to discuss this. Can we talk about this

later. I have a lot of work to do and.."

"You're not going to weasel your way out of this one. You failed again. Failed miserably by the way from

what I heard. You might as well give it up. You're never going to catch him without my help. Face it

Parker, you're washed up. I'm just waiting for the termination order."

"Oh my dear brother, what a wonderful way to show your love for me" she said in a sarcastic tone. In a

serious voice she then added,"For your information that will never happen. I have come close to catching

Jarod more times than you ever will."

"Is that so?"

"Never underestimate me Lyle."

"We'll just see about that."

Parker turned in her chair. Will he just leave? I can't put up with the bantering, she thought. Lyle walked

to door and opened it to leave. Just before he exited he paused and faced her.

"By the way, did you have fun with the corpse? I'm sure the two of you became fast friends."

Parker sat very still and watched as Lyle laughed. She sat in her office by herself and started to cry. Lyle's

laughter echoed in the office for the rest of the day.

*******************************************

Sydney came to visit Parker to see if she was alright. Since the car ride from the police station she seemed

to be lost in her own world. He came to her office to find it completely surrounded in darkness. He was

going to leave when he heard a voice say, "Watch out for the chair." He almost jumped out of his skin

when he realized that it Parker's voice who called out to him.

"We need to talk."

"Please, not now."

"This is serious. You can't go on pretending nothing happened today. I'm here Parker. Talk to me."

"You know what Syd, I'm so tired of people making decisions for me and telling me what to do. I'm tired

of feeling, of being. I'm tired of this!" He could barely see her outline in her chair but he was able to make

the hand gesture she did.

"If you don't talk about it, it will continue to eat away at you. You need closure."

"closure, huh? Is that what you think? Syd, I found her. I looked into that girl's eyes. I cannot forget the

look she had in her eyes. Everytime I shut my own I see her. She didn't desrve that. No one does. It's just

that.."

"What?"

"Syd, I'm not sure of anything anymore."

"Start from the beginning."

She told Sydney of how she found the girl and all that she felt when discovering the body. It felt good to

dispel all this information to Sydney. He wasn't like the other officers who were quick to judge her on her

comments. Every so often they would interrupt with questions of "Are you sure? Can you try again? What

makes you an expert on such..?,etc." Sydney listened and didn't make her feel small.

"I'm not sure about the man I saw. I mean I think there was a man over her, at least that's what I told the

cops.

I'm afraid, Syd. I'm afraid to admit that he wasn't even there." Sydney sat in the chair processing the

information given to him. It was going to be a long day.

"Syd? Sydney? I'm talking to you."

"I think that you should contact the officer and tell him this additional information."

"For what reason? It's not going to make a difference to the case anyway. I don't feel that I have to talk to

that man again. Detective Pike. Just who the hell does he think he is? I.."

"Stop trying to change the subject. Parker, until you contact him this is going to remain on your

conscience. You do realize this. I want to let you know right now, I will be there with you every step of

the way. You have my word."

"Thank you", she said in a tearful voice. "Thank you."

*************************************************

"Well now, look who's back."

"Pleased to see you again Pike."

"As I Miss Parker. I see you've brought company. No, let me guess. This is the shrink right?"

"Sydney Green."

Pike took note of the man's accent. He seemed friendly but from the look he gave Pike a little mysterious

as well.

"Alright you two. Come to my office."

They proceeded to walk into the room. Parker was going to comment on the decor when she saw a

package lying on his desk.

"Yours?", she asked.

"No. Must be my partner's. Matthews. He's an odd one. Smart as a whip though. Kicked my butt in

Jeopardy."

Pike took the package up and was about to put it in his locker when he noticed who the package was

addressed to.

"Would you believe that this is addressed to you?", he said nodding to Parker.

"What?"

"Yeah. Here take it. On second thought, I better open it."

Pike held the package on the desk. It was wrapped up in blue, red and white wrapping paper. On the card

it said:For Parker.

"Hmm...let's see. I just rip right here and.."

"Oh my God!"

That idea seemed to be shared by everyone in the room. In the box that laid on the desk was a heart. A

human heart. The note inside the box said: 'I have given you my heart. Will you return the favor?' Parker

couldn't breathe. The room was spinning. Pike was furious.

"How the hell did he get in here?". He ran outside the office and started shouting,"Who left the package

on my desk? Did you do it? Did anyone see?" Everyone looked at this man who was now the center of

attention on the floor.

"When I get my hands on this bastard I'm going to kill him."

"Here drink this."

Parker took the cup from Pike with shaking hands. Herbal tea always calmed her down before but it was

not doing it's job today. First it was the body and now a heart. It can't get any worse than this, she

thought.

"Thank you. I guess that shook us all up didn't it?"

She tried to control her voice but one could tell she was deeply affected by the turn events.

Pike studied her for a while. Such a beautiful woman. If only she wasn't such a pain in the ass...

"I'm going to find out who did this. We're going to get him."

Parker nodded and Sydney leaned over to whisper something in her ear. Pike got up and left the room to

take a breather. How does this happen?, he thought.

After the heart was discovered Pike promptly called Shaw to come and pick it up. He couldn't stand to see

the sight of it on his desk. Nevermind the look on Parker's face when she and Sydney saw the organ. This

is what I look forward to everyday threats and body parts.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

"What? Oh, Matthews it's you. Where the hell have you been?"

"Getting a gyro. You know those things are delicious. You should really try it."

"You don't get out much do you Matthews?"

"I've kind of been a mover in the last few months."

"Well you should have moved your ass here a few minutes ago."

"What does that mean?"

"It means our killer decided to contact us and you should have been here. He sent a heart Matthews. A

freaking human heart to Miss Parker. Here read this."

Jarod took the freshly tagged card and scanned it. He was not too happy with its message. "Is she still

here?"

"Yeah, she's in the office. You want to go meet her?"

Jarod tensed up when Pike said that. Seeing Parker might agitate her mental state and make the situation

worse, he decided. This pretend was starting to interest him for personal reasons and he was not about to

be discovered as a fraud. It was alright when he would annoy her with his pranks and gifts but to have

another person do this to her disturbed him. She didn't deserve this, he thought.

"No, you can handle that. I'm just going to go and check up on Shaw. He might have some extra

information to share with us."

"Matthews, you sure? She doesn't bite you know. Just take a quick peek and.."

"I'm sure", he said quickly and started to walk away.

"Matthews! Matthews! Whatever", Pike said shaking his head.

********************************************

Jarod didn't go see Shaw. He was leaning against a wall trying to get into the killer's mind. It was

frustrating because his feelings were coinciding with his thoughts. He couldn't fully concentrate when

other thoughts plagued him.

He closed his eyes. Just then he heard a voice say softly,"Jarod?"

He opened them and found himself looking at his former mentor.

"Sydney. I didn't know that you were here."

"Likewise. I suppose you've heard about Parker."

"Actually, I'm working the case."

"You're what? Are you crazy? What are you thinking?"

"Relax, I've gotten the situation under control. everything will be okay. I'm going to help stop this maniac

before he has a chance to hurt Parker."

"What do you mean 'hurt Parker'?"

"I'm sure you are aware that this killer has targeted Parker. Didn't Pike mention the writing on the wall

that was next to the body Parker found? He has it out for her Sydney."

"That information was not disclosed to us. This changes everything Jarod." Sydney sat down on a nearby

wooden bench. "How am I supposed to tell her this? How could Pike keep this from her?"

"I don't know. I thought you knew. Maybe Pike was going to tell you on his own terms."

"Jarod", Sydney began, "I don't think you should be on this case at all. It is good that you are concerned

for Parker's safety even though she is ready to strike out at you even as we speak. It is too dangerous. If

she were to ever find out that you were involved, I would not be able to help you."

"Sydney, I'm not a little boy anymore. I know what I'm doing. I have already committed myself to this

case and you can't do anything about it."

"I assume that it's pointless to try to persuade you to change your mind then." Sydney rose from the bench

and looked Jarod squarely in the eye. "Promise me one thing. You will be very careful in this

investigation and you will tell me everything you know. I will try to keep Parker from learning about this

arrangement but you have to keep your end of the deal. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

********************************************

"Miss Parker?"

"Yes?"

Pike kneeled down in front of her. "I want to tell you something and I just need you to trust me, okay?"

"Go ahead and shoot" she said all nonchalant.

"This killer is going around targeting young girls. They all look the same and they have an uncanny

resembelance to you."

"Go on."

"I think the killer is going to come after you."

"Is that so? Are you just going to base that on a stupid little note. You don't know who he's going to go

after next."

"That part is true. But I do know that he wants to hurt you. I didn't want to upset you at the time but I was

holding back before."

"On what?" Parker didn't want to sound nervous but she could hear the fear creeping into her voice.

"This is not the first message that was meant for you. This is actually the second."

"The second? The sceond? You knew that the whole time and you just decided to tell me now." Parker

was getting angry. It was the only way she could maintain control of the situation. The only way she

could deal with the news. "How long were you going to keep this from me Detective Pike? Were you

going to wait until I showed up with my throat slit?"

"Parker, it.."

"I told you my name is Miss Parker. Get it right."

Pike could only stare.

"You thought you could protect me, didn't you? Let me just inform you:I don't want your protection and I

sure as hell don't need it. I can handle myself just fine. If that bastard decides to come after me I will

personally drive a stake through his heart. Might as well repay the favor, right?"

And with that she stormed out of the office.

Pike put his hands to his temples and started to stroke them.

"Patience Pike. Patience."

It hurts.

It hurts so much to think of what has happened since then. I don't want to close my eyes anymore for fear

they will come back to haunt me.

I have tried to be the better person. To change.

It doesn't work.

Everything I touch I destroy.

And it's not my fault.

It's not!

I have put so much energy into getting what I want.

What I deserve.

And still it blows up in my face.

I have theorized this: there are no substitutes when it comes to love.

None.

Over and over again I've been looking for someone to take her place.

To make her shadow disappear from me.

And it doesn't work.

There were times that I almost gave up completely.

Days when I wished she would look my way.

To think of me as I think of her.

I have dreamed of her many times.

Hoping, wishing for the day she would look at me and feel what I feel.

But no.

That day will never come.

So I have to punish her and take what's rightfully mine.

I just wish she'd understand.

The planning takes a lot out of me. To research and practice.

Oh, yes. Practice with a lot of patience.

It wasn't that hard to sneak into the police station and leave the gift there. Any idiot could have pulled it

off.

Even though it's a slow place no one notices anything out of the ordinary. I was in and out of there in

record time.

Great, huh?

And her reaction. I saw it all.

Her eyes widened when she saw what I left her. For a second there I could have sworn she was about to

pass out.

The card was a bit over the top I think.

Maybe she'll enjoy the next gift.

I guess I'll be holding my breath.

"Where did she go?"

"I don't know. She just stormed out of here."

"Man, Pike. That's a record. Next time I'm placing bets on her kicking your ass in there. The whole office

could hear her blow up at you."

"You know what Murphy? Mind your own damn business."

The heavyset cop looked at Pike with a satisfied smile on his face. Pike turned his head away from him so

he couldn't see the disappointment in his eyes. Pike was a good guy with not many faults. They all loved

to tease Pike every now and then to get a good laugh. He stood in the doorway for a few seconds before

chuckling to himself. That girl is a riot.

"Detective Pike, do you know where Miss Parker is?"

"I thought I told you she wasn't freaking here! Didn't you hear me the first time?" Pike whirled around to

come into view with Sydney who was giving him a displeased look. Murphy was long gone.

"I'm..I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else."

"Then where is she?"

Pike looked at the ceiling and said,"She walked out."

"For what reason may I ask?"

"I told her something that should have been said in the get go."

"You mean the killer setting his sights after her." Pike looked at him sharply."How did you know that?"

Sydney dismissed his statement and continued. "You know what Detective Pike? You should have told

that information to her. You've heard of the phrase 'Honesty is the best policy'? Well, this is true of

Parker. If you keep things from her, she will never trust you."

"Point taken. Mind telling me how you know that he wants her?"

"Now I can't reveal my contacts Det. Pike. That would break a promise."

"Right."

********************************************

11:47pm

Parker sat down on her couch. She tried to relax but the images still plagued her mind. There were at least

seven messages on her answering machine, five of which were from Lyle.

The phone rang.

Parker ignores the sound. I'm not in the mood today.

<Beep>

'Parker...are you there? If you are pick up. I'm tired of leaving messages on this damn machine. Dad told

me to call you to meet for dinner tomorrow night. A family event. 8pm at Bertucci's restaurant between

Primrose and 18th.'

He pauses.

'You can't hide forever, you know. Eventually you're going to get caught in your own web. I just want to

be there when it happens.'

<Click>

I should have killed him when I had the chance, she thought. I am not going to let Lyle or anyone else

ruin the rest of my night. She rubbed the soles of her aching feet and turned on the television. What's

good on the news tonight?

"Another body was found today in the city of Baltimore. The victim, nineteen year old Lindsay Price was

a freshman at American University. She was studying to be a lawyer. Her friends and family are

devastated by this tragedy.

'I saw her like last week in class. We were just hanging out and everything. I was going to see her for help

in English. She was really cool, you know? It's a shame.' 'Who would do this? Who would do something

like this? She was a good girl. She got good grades,never hung out with the wrong crowd, never bothered

a soul. Why? Why my child? Why?'

Parker's eyes were glued to the screen. Lindsay's family were taking turns talking about her and

expressing their grief. Pictures of them at happier times. She saw the pictures of Lindsay from a little girl

to her graduation from high school. She had so many dreams and they were taken away by a madman

who wants me, she thought.The tears started to well up in her eyes. Parker was always emotional but was

never able to express it due to her father's influence.

'Angel. Look at me. Stop crying. Stop it this instant! You were born to succeed. We have no use for

failures. You're a Parker. And Parkers never show weakness.'

Oh,Daddy. How wrong you are.

"Police are still searching for suspects at this time."

He cellphone rang. It startled Parker because she was so fixated on the image of Lindsay at her death.

"This had better be important", she said wiping a tear from her eye. "Well?"

"How are you Miss Parker?"

"As fine as I'll ever be Jarod. Why the hell are you calling?"

"I heard about today.."

"From Sydney I'm sure. Why am I talking to you anyway? If you had just stopped I wouldn't have gone

through on of the most horrible days of my life."

"It's not your fault."

She was not in the mood for fun and games. "What are you talking about?"

"You couldn't have prevented her death. It happened unexpectedly but you are

not to blame."

"Who said anything about blame? I found her. You didn't. You don't know anything of what I'm feeling at

the moment so please don't try to psychoanalyze me Jarod."

"I'm telling you to be careful. You never know when he might strike."

"Thanks for the concern",she said sarcastically,"but you're not my parent."

"Just trust me on this one Parker. If anything happens we both lose."

"Lose? What do you have to..?"

A dial tone greeted her ear.

Typical Jarod style.

She closed her eyes and wished only for pleasant dreams tonight.

**********************************************

12:55am

Jarod looked at the phone on his hand. He had to call her. It would be wrong not to do so. 'Trust can

kill you or set you free'. A rule her own mother lived by. He just wondered if it were going to take forever

for her to do the same with him.

"We got a call. There's been another one."

Murphy's interruption disturbed Jarod's thoughts. Jarod looked over at Pike. He was very quiet sitting in

his chair. He was clinging to the arms of his chair for dear life. The stress of this case is going to eat him

alive, he thought.

"Another one?", he whispered.

Jarod answered him,"Let's go."

"How do you do it Matthews? How can you go to the crime scenes and not feel. That madman is taking

the lives of these girls and just butchering them."

"I told you before. I've seen worse. I don't like thinking about it much."

"Yes, I know..but how do you deal with it? I..I have a sister around the age of all the girls who are being

killed. I think of all the families and all the pain they are suffering. If my sister were to ever be...I don't

know what I'd do. And I can't help but wonder..."

Pike closed his fists. Jarod knew what Pike wanted to say. I would move heaven and earth to protect my

own sister too. Every moment Jarod spent with Pike, he learned a new thing about him.

"Come on. We have to go."

They found Sienna Montgomery later that night. From a phantom phone call they were able to locate her

body. She was found in an abandoned apartment two blocks away from her own.

Jarod and Pike entered the room and gasped at the same time.

Sienna was ready and happy to greet them.

The bastard had impaled her to the wall.

Open and exposed to the public.

The once beautiful girl was now a deformed figure.

Her mouth was positioned in a wide grin while her dead eyes betrayed that emotion.

Blood stained the wooden floor. It was smeared in in streaks along the walls.

Jarod looked away.

"Good God. Why? Why?" was all he heard from Pike.

Beside what was left of Sienna was a short note.

Red letters.

Cute and sweet.

'Hearts entwined we will forever be. Loving you is a wonderful thing.'

Jarod took a deep breath and strode out the door. He didn't say a word to Pike or Shaw who was

frantically trying to get his attention.

I promise, he said to himself, if he ever touches her I will kill him myself.

I promise you that Parker.

I promise.

**************************************************

You can't save her. You will never be able to save her. She is mine. Accept it.

**************************************************

Three weeks later

"The bodies. They never seem to stop,do they?"

Jarod looked over at Shaw. He was not enjoying his job. This was number twenty two. As the days

progressed the bodies just seemed to increase.

"Didn't get much sleep?"

"Is it that obvious? Matthews...this case is just eating me. You guys get to do the easy work. You find

them and then bring them to me. In between that you go looking for the killer. I have to deal with the

aftermath of this guy. What he does to them,ugh."

"We will get him. I'm planning on it. Here, take it easy."

"I'll try."

At the station they had a large map of the area where the killer had struck. Little pushpins were in

different patterns on the map. Everyone was starting to take interest in this case. The mayor himself came

down to the station to demand progress on the investigation.

Parker was still around. Jarod checked up on her every now and then to make sure she was alright. He

also kept his promise to Sydney in notifying him on any recent developments.

"Sydney... this killer has been on the loose and we still can't find him."

Sydney could hear the disappointment in Jarod's voice. He knew that this case was getting to Jarod more

than he rather admit. When Jarod was younger any problem that he couldn't solve started to consume him.

He had to get an answer or else he wouldn't rest.

"Jarod?"

"What do I do now? I can't give up. Not on her."

He turned his eyes to door and saw Parker standing there.

"Jarod? Jarod? Are you there?"

His eyes were still on Parker as she slowly made her way to him.

"What are you doing here Jarod?"

"Miss Parker, you're here."

She turned her attention to Pike for a second before reverting her eyes back to Jarod.

"Yes, I am."

"I see you've finally met Agent Matthews. Matthews, this is our friend dear Miss Parker. Our killer's

target."

She bristled at this comment.

"Jarod...isn't it time for you to go back to where you belong?"

"The two of you know each other?"

"Yes. We know each other."

"We were friends once."

Pike was a little confused by the turn of events. Then why did Matthews not want to see her?, he thought.

Pike watched as they bantered back and forth. His head was starting to get tired from watching the

shouting match.

Jarod finally settled down and talked in a serious voice.

"Parker, do you mind if I talk to you for a minute? It's important."

She studied him for a minute. "Make it quick."

They didn't even notice when Pike left the room.

"Before you turn me in to the Centre please know that.."

"That what? All this time you were on the case? You're not my guardian angel so don't try to be. Now that

you're here I can call the sweepers and have them take you back to your cell. This is over."

"You can't take me out of this yet. I'm going to find this guy. I have to. You just have to trust me. Please

trust me."

What do I do now? Do I trust him and let him help me? If I do, will he get away again? Sending him back

to the Centre is in his best interest, doing otherwise would be complete madness. If I do send him back,

will that be the end for me?

Parker carefully weighed thes ideas in her head and made her decision.

"Jarod",she started,"if I let you go right now you will have to swear you will go back to the Centre. Make

your choice."

He could see that it took a lot out of her to come to this point. He knew that if he went back to that

awful place he would never be able to live it down.

But for her...

"I will go back with you Parker. If that's what it takes."

Parker took in a breath. It felt good to have Jarod on her side to protect her. She would never admit that to

him, ever. She left Jarod and walked away so she wouldn't change her mind.

"Hey there. Where you walking off to?"

Murphy smiled at her and she turned to him. He mentioned something that caught her interest. They

talked for a while until Pike interrupted.

"Come on. You look hungry. Let's get something to eat."

"Alright."

"Let's go."

"Where are you?"

I slam the door so she knows that I'm home.

She comes out of the bedroom with a towel wrapped around her head. I can see she just came from the

shower. Probably trying to erase all the evidence.

"What.. what's going on?"

"Don't tell me like you don't know. I saw you. I saw the two of you together. Looking all smug."

She has this confused look on her face.

"What are you talking about?"

"I saw you. With him." The anger in my voice is rising. I can feel it coming on.

"Who? Who are you talking about?"

The little bitch is trying to bluff me! Does she know what she's doing? Does she realize that she has really

pushed me to the limit? I guess I have to show her. She asked for it.

"Don't lie to me! Don't you ever lie to me!" I shake her by her shoulders hard and throw her against the

wall.

She slides down the wall and looks at me with these eyes. They read 'What did I do wrong?'

I continue to yell. "You know what you did. You betrayed me. You betrayed us. We are supposed to be

together forever. You promised. You swore to me."

"I don't remember...I don't.."

"Shut up! Yes you do! Yes Parker, you do!"

"I'm not Parker! I'm not! Please stop shouting at me!"

I slap her across her face. She has the nerve to deny it. To deny me. How dare she.

"Get up!" I pull her up by hair which has come out of the towel and is covering most of her face.

"Please stop! Please! I haven't done anything wrong! Please."

Those pleas fall on deaf ears.

I pull her from the floor and drag her into the living room. She is crying all the way. Sobbing I don't know

what and I frankly don't care.

I drop her on the wooden floor.

"Stop crying! Stop it!" I don't like her crying and I don't want to hear it.

The whole room goes red.

I don't remember exactly when but I started kicking and punching her. She wouldn't move. I walked to the

kitchen and pulled out my beaut.

I have to show her. She doesn't believe me. She doesn't believe that I love her enough. She doesn't think

that I can feel, that I can love.

Well I can.

Watch me.

I walk back into the living room. It's a mess.

She has her back turned to me.

She is bleeding my favorite color.

Red.

I stand over her.

"I have to do this baby. I have to. It's the only way I can set you free."

I kneel down to the figure and hold her wrist with my hand.

She turns over and bites me.

Stupid bitch!

You'll pay for that!

"Let me go! Let me go!" she screams.

I straddle her. She can't move from underneath me.

"Please don't hurt me."

It's too late for that.

"You have to pay the price for your actions."

The razor shined in the light.

"Shh...it won't hurt a bit." I took the razor and preceded to make cuts. On her arms, her legs and her face.

She screams everytime I touch her. The blood spurts in my face.

"I told you to trust me, didn't I?"

Her eyes are closed.

No answer.

With precision I start to slowly open her chest. The first layer of skin comes apart and she is open to me

like fresh bread. Her heart is still beating. I watch that vital organ beat. It's rhythm fills my head and the

smell intoxicates me.

Her eyes open and she stares wide at me.

At her open chest.

At her heart starting to beat rapidly each second.

She starts to wail.

"I told you to shut up! Do you hear me? Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"

With each line I say is the force as to which I am stabbing her heart.

The blood splashes my eyes, my nose, my mouth. I can taste the essence that was her. My clothes are

completely soaked with her blood.

I look down at her. At her ruined form.

My rage has passed. I finally see that is not my love I am looking upon but a complete stranger.

Oh God.

I remember. Her name is Karen. Karen Michaels. I just met her last week in the park.

I could have sworn...

I thought...I thought it was her.

Oh God, what have I done?

I feel it coming on.

I have tried to run away from madness and hold on to what's left of my sanity.

Yet it keeps inviting me in.

I'm so afraid.

I don't want to go in.

It's a dark place in there.

It calls my name.

It surrounds me and envelops me.

I cannot see.

I have no choice but to embrace it.

I feel nothing now.

No pain, no guilt, no sorrow.

It is all gone.

What is left is anger and insanity.

Desire.

I have nothing to fear, for it has left me.

It is I against the world.

And they cannot stop me now.

I see her face.

Her.

She mocks me.

She taunts me with her eyes.

"Try if you dare."

She has that spark that everyone wants.

And despite her nature a warm heart.

I don't care about any man who decides he wants to have her.

She will never be theirs.

They can have her body.

But I possess her heart.

It is her heart that is the key.

"Come to me"

I hate the way you taunt me.

Oh, how I hate you.

I hate the way you smile at me.

I hate the way you walk and laugh.

The way you can go from hot to cold in a matter of minutes.

How any man within a hundred yards or a foot can be drawn to you.

I hate that you have this effect on me.

I hate that I am still weak in your eyes.

Damn you.

Curse you.

Over and over again.

I hate that despite everything I've said I still love you with all my heart.

.

"I want to know this...were you guys ever involved? I mean..did you two used to date or something?"

Parker looked at Murphy when he said this comment. Obviously everyone was paying attention when she

had her confrontation with Jarod. Personal problems are more interesting than crimes, she mused.

"No. We were never involved. I highly doubt that would happen."

"You know, cause the two of you seemed to be spoutin' off these vibes and.."

"Murphy, that's enough."

Pike seemed to be irritated with the comment. He tried to give Murphy a warning look.

"excuse me for a while", Parker said. She rose from their table and headed in the direction of the ladies

room.

"Murphy what is wrong with you? Can't you see that if you aggrevate her she's gonna blow up on me

again? I don't want to deal with it today. I'm not in the mood."

"Live a little. Just want to know. You know the two of you could hook up or something. She ain't that bad

a looker."

"Murphy!"

"I'm on your side buddy. Just looking out for you."

And with that he took a forkful of salad in his mouth. Pike just rolled his eyes. He looked up when he

saw her returning to the table.

"Murphy promises to keep his mouth shut for the rest of the meal if you agree to one thing."

Murphy looked at Pike with questioning eyes. He started to slow down his chewing as Pike continued.

"And that is..?"

"If you will go out to dinner with me later on tonight."

"As much as that sounds tempting I will definitely pass."

Murphy almost choked on his salad when she said this. He made a head motion to Pike to fix the situation

at hand.

"Why? I don't bite."

"I don't need to be involved with anyone at this time. I tend to bring bad luck to any given situation."

"But.."

"No. And that's my final answer. Now, let's just eat right now and forget that this whole discussion ever

took place."

"Fine. Whatever."

Murphy swallowed the rest of his food which had been sitting in the inside of his cheek. His eyes roamed

from Pike to Parker and he kept his mouth shut for the rest of the meal.

Parker started to pick at her food and Pike looked around the cafe. It was going to be a tense afternoon.

***************************************

"Hey! You not going to believe this!"

Jarod saw Shaw coming directly at him with a bunch of papers in his hand.

"We might have a break in the case Matthews! Look here. Look at this."

Jarod read the papers carefully. It wasn't until he scanned them again that the information jumped at his

face.

"There are two blood types here", he murmured.

"Yes, two. One was identified from the victim, Karen Michaels, and the other is still unknown.

I'mguessing it just might be the killer's."

"How are you so sure? It could be another one of the killer's targets. You just can't jump to any

conclusions."

"Well how about this. The victim had blood and muscle tiss ue in her mouth. Actually,on her teeth.

Whoever this person is, they were bitten hard. I've see her xrays. Excellent dental work."

Jarod raised his eyebrow at Shaw.

"Talk about your jaws of life."

"Shaw..."

"She would make Mike Tyson cry."

"Shaw!"

"What?"

"Go and see whether the samples match any of our previously convicted criminals."

"Alright,I'll do it. But you know.."

"Please. No more jokes."

**********************************************

Parker sat in her office contemplating the days events. Her lunch with Pike didn't help her situation much.

She was flattered by his dinner invite but it was wise for her to avoid any contact with anyone at this time.

What he wanted she was unable to give. She already lost the two people sheloved the most and she was

not willing to go throught it again.

She closed her eyes and thought about what Jarod had told her that afternoon. The killer had been

attacked by one of his victims. The bastard deserved it.

When she opened her eyes she saw Broots in front of her.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Don't you ever knock? You scared me!"

"I'm...I'm sorry. I did knock. The door was open and you were sitting at your desk and so I thought..."

"You have a mouth. Use it."

She calmed down some and then said,"What do you have for me today?"

"Well, we were able to locate one of Jarod's lairs. It's in Bethesda and.."

She didn't even hear the rest of his sentence. Her eyes were focused on the bandage on his left wrist.

Her mind started to work fast.

He couldn't have could he? Would Broots do that to me? Would he deliberately try to hurt me? Everyone

knows that he's in love with me but would he go so far to as to stalk me? Would he?

The more she thought about it the more plausible the situation seemed. She slowly reached for her gun.

Come at me asshole. I dare you. I trusted you and now you're out to get me. I don't think so.

"Miss Parker!"

"Don't move. Don't even breathe."

The gun was trained at Broots' head. He was too scared to even blink.

"But.."

"But what? You thought you were going to get me? Was it good? Was it good for you to make me feel

like shit? Did you enjoy seeing me freak out at the body? Huh? Please tell me. Tell me when you got this

idea.

Go on."

"M..M..Miss Parker you know that I would never hurt you. I would never do that to you. You have to

believe me. Debbie.."

Parker paused and put her hand down. This is Broots. He couldn't pull something off like that. He doesn't

have the balls to kill a fly let alone a person.

I am definitely losing it.

"Broots, what happened to your hand."

"I took a spill on bike this morning. Debbie had to wrap it for me."

He said this staring at the ground. Looking at her would just bring up what just happened and he didn't

want to remember that easily. He was so sure that she was going to pull the trigger that he almost wet

himself.

"Broots. Just go."

He didn't need to be told twice.

Parker rubbed her neck. I need a break, she thought.

"Already attacking your co-workers I see. Maybe you should try that tactic on Jarod sometime."

"Lyle",she said through clenched teeth,"I'm not in the mood."

"What? Did I say something wrong? Come on Parker. Have a heart."

"Get the hell out of my office! Out! And I swear if I see or hear you for the rest of the day I'll kill you. If

you know any better you'll take my words to heart."

"Whatever. Focus on your job Parker. Who knows. You might not have your position in a matter of

weeks from what I'm told."

She glared at him.

"See you later sis."

With that he walked out of the office with a large smile on his face.

"I swear the only thing I need is a shot of tequila. That is the only thing that could possibly get me off

edge tonight. I've..I think I'm going insane. I really do. Today, I've just gotten news poured into my head

and then I guess I let my imagination run away with me. I almost shot Broots. I did. If he didn't look like

a rabbit caught in deer headlights I swear I would of killed him and not think twice about it."

He nodded at her as she continued.

"I need a break. A desperate break from reality. My life is a joke. I dislike...no, not a strong enough

word, I hate..I despise my job. My brother is a leech sucking the life out of everything. His role is to make

me miserable and he's doing a damn good job of it. Then we have Jarod. And of course let's not forget the

killer on my tail. I just might walk up to him and say,'Hey, kill me now. It can't possibly get any worse

than this. What's taking so long for you to do the deed? Get it over with!'"

"Why don't you just leave?"

"I can't", she whispered. "Not yet. There's still too much to do. To find out and I'm running out of time."

She ran her fingers over the rim of the glass.

"I just wish that time would stand still. That I could take back some of the things in my life and change

everything else. I would've prevented my mother's death. I could have told Tommy everything. How

much I loved and needed him. How much I need him right now. It's not fair. It's not."

The unshed tears were shining bright in her eyes but she would not allow them to fall. She looked away

from him. I don't want pity. I don't need it. I don't want.. I don't want to die. It's not time for me yet. I can

see that now. Despite everything I've said I know it's not my time...and I'm willing to fight back. I just

wish...

"Do you want another drink?", the bartender asked.

"No." She looked at her untouched drink on the counter. It's time to change. "No, I won't be having any."

"But you didn't touch your first!"

"Here." She paid for her drink and walked out.

He accepted her money and watched her as she left.

All you need is faith, he thought. Faith.

***********************************************

"Where have you been?"

Pike gave Jarod a weary smile. "Trying to see what I can do."

Jarod continued to read the folder in front of him when Pike's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Just how close were the two of you? You don't have to answer if you don't want to. But..I wouldn't mind

knowing."

So he's interested in Parker. Well buddy, you don't stand a chance. She doesn't go for your type. Even if

you do have the chance with her she'll break you in a second. If you know what's best for you, you would

stay away from her. Of course Jarod did not say this aloud but his mind wished it could force his tongue

to do so.

"Parker and I knew each other from when we were kids. There weren't that many children around so we

had no one else but each other. The place we grew up in was not exactly kid friendly."

Pike made a mental note of that.

"We broke apart some years later. Her father sent her away and we didn't see each other again until

some years back. We didn't part on friendly terms."

"I see."

"But..we communicate every now and then. Phone calls and such. On certain days we're not civil to each

other and it shows."

"Like when she saw you here?"

"That was a toned down version."

"I can imagine." He paused. "So the two of you are just friends?"

"If you want to call it that."

That was not a clear cut answer. There was something more to this story. Matthews is hiding something

and I will find out, Pike thought.

***********************************************

"Miss Parker would you sign this for me please?"

Parker eyed her techie. He wouldn't even look her in the face. Can't say I blame him. I would be scared

shitless too after this afternoon's confrontation.

"Right there." He indicated the line she was supposed to sign without really touching the paper. Getting to

close to her was a death sentence.

"Alright. Here you go." She handed the paper back to him. He was about to walk out her door when she

called him back.

"Broots...we need to talk."

Why now? I was so close to the door! Images of her 9mm came back into play. Well, do you want her to

shoot you in the back or in the head? Make up your mind, the clock is ticking!

"Yes..?",he said slowly.

"I just want to say that I'm sorry for what happened in my office today. My nerves are out sync so I'm just

trying to hold myself together. You do understand don't you? No harm done, right?"

Even though the apology seemed rushed and forced Broots looked into her eyes. He knew she was trying.

It was hard for her to even say the words 'I'm sorry'. He's never even heard her say that before.

"Apology accepted Miss Parker. I know that you're a little on edge. It's okay. No hard feelings."

"Good. Now get out of my office."

He gave her a tiny smile and walked out the door. He had to get out of there quick. He had important

things to do. His bandage started to itch.

*****************************************************

"Come here!"

"No! I don't want to! Let go of me!"

"I said come here you bitch!"

He took her by her neck and slammed her head into the glass table.

It broke instantly.

"Why don't you ever listen?"

He said this in a soft voice. Her head was throbbing. Shards of glass were embedded in her face.

He smiled at his work. The impact of the glass ripped away one side of her face.

Two faced, he mused.

Like gemini. The good and the bad.

Enigmatic.

Misunderstood.

Complete opposites, but when they come together and fuse: unstoppable.

Her breathing distracted him.

"I'm going to put you out of your misery. I'm going to set you free. Free from all the hurt you despise so

much."

Her voice gurgled. Her blood was slowly choking her, cutting off her airway.

He was getting too into his work and failed to notice the stranger who entered and and noticed what he

was doing. Frozen with fear with what they were seeing they stood by and watched as the figure with his

back turned to them started attacking the body.

The stranger crept softly out of the apartment and ran to the nearest payphone.

"Hello 911."

"Yes... I would like to report a murder..."

********************************************

"Someone just called in about a murder. It fits the profile. Get this: the person said that the guy was still

in there doing the deed."

Murphy looked at the officer and yelled,"Then what the hell are you waiting for? Let's go!"

"I'm coming too", from a female voice behind him.

He knew that voice from anywhere. The voice that hurt his buddy. Miss Parker.

"No, you're not."

"Watch me."

********************************************

"It's a mess up there."

"No kidding."

The two EMT workers were discussing the scene. The living room of the apartment was covered with

blood.

"Can you believe that she's still breathing? After that attack I was sure she was gone."

Pike and Jarod caught the end of that sentence. They had just arrived on the scene.

"She's what?!?"

"Man, if you can believe it, she still has a pulse. That guy fucked her up real bad. Who know if she may

survive."

"We have to talk to her. Find out anything before it's too late."

The desperation in Jarod's voice was made evident in his features.

"What's going on?"

"Parker?", Pike said.

"I tried to stop her Pike. I did but she's too darn stubborn."

Pike gave Murphy a sympathy look. He turned around as the stretcher was coming out of the building.

"My God", Parker whispered.

Without thinking parker ran to the woman lying there. She had to look. She had to see what he was

capable of. She could tell that this woman was beautiful from one side of her face. The other was battered

beyond recognition. Her chest was partially covered by many blankets, all in the effort to stop the

bleeding.

"Who did this to you? Who?", she asked.

The woman looked at her with her one good eye and tried to make a sound. She kept on babbling

frantically to make Parker understand. Her head started to bob in a direction to show her but Parker

couldn't understand.

"Miss Parker!"

Parker saw Broots and Sydney waiting by the squad car. She tried to say something but nothing would

come out. She looked down at the woman on the stretcher. Her body shivered violently and then there

was calm.

"All my fault. All my fault."

Parker started to cry. The EMT workers covered the victim's body with a sheet.

"Damn shame."

"Well, he left another message. This one goes 'If only to touch, if only to feel..every second, every minute

is a lifetime. I miss you.' What does that make it, number 30?"

Murphy put a hand on Parker's shoulder. She seemed numb to the touch.

"You okay?"

"Yeah..I'm fine."

Her mind was elsewhere. Remembering.

What have I done?

*****************************************

The killer stood among the crowd, watching the turning of events. He noticed her sad expression and

wished he could be the shoulder for her to lean on.

His expression changed and he fell back into civillian mode.

"Soon."

I swear.....

I could keep on counting and I don't think anyone would give a damn. No one cares.

No one.

I am alone.

Yet again.

Frustration bothers me.

I've been on my quest for some time now and I know I got the hang of it.

I have been doing the killings without guilt now and I have to say it feels great!

Not funny?

Well..I try to keep a humorous approach to it.

It's too bad that they don't get the joke.

Damn.

I have that nagging feeling again.

Why is it that it seems my plan is not flawless?

How do I say this?

I've...I've been in a rut.

Actually, in all honesty, I've been screwing up.

Not on purpose.

I didn't expect them to almost catch me that time.

That was an error on my part.

I put a lot of concentration into the things I do.

The way my method works effectively.

The way I handle myself.

The way I leave a smile on their lips at their final resting point.

How was I to know that it would take so long?

You can only do so much in little time.

And how the hell were the cops able to locate her so quickly anyway?

I didn't call....this time.

But someone else did.

And I will find out who it is.

They're going to learn to respect the privacy of others, I'll tell you that much.

Ugh!

She almost identified me!

She was supposed to die instantly!

She was!

I don't know how she didn't. I really don't.

Stamina.

Strength.

I don't know what it was but it made them come close.

Too damn close.

I was about to scream when I thought they would catch me.

But I calmed down and put on my face.

The unsuspecting face that no one questions.

They would never suspect that I, me, would ever do those horrible things to those women.

No!

Of course not!

I have the perfect face. They have no clue it's me.

Even after all the lies I've told, who would believe it?

I'm the least suspectful person in the world.

And that is their fateful mistake.

Can't stay too long.

Work calls and their going to be pretty mad if I'm not there.

Another day at the old grind....

I have a confession to make.

I know what's going on.

I know what has happened and despite what Jarod says it's still my fault.

I have not been totally honest with them.

Or myself.

Jarod, Pike, Sydney and even Broots.

If I told them what I know...

Oh God.

Where to begin?

Should I just jump to it or explain it from the beginning?

Deep breath.

Some time ago before I came back to the Centre, I became friendly with someone.

I kind of grew fond of him.

You could even say that I cared.

His name was Christian.

Christian Mark Graham.

Name almost sounds angelic.

I met him when I was at odds with Daddy.

Daddy wouldn't see me or let me do what I wanted to do. He wouldn't even acknowledge my presence in

a room. He sent me away at the drop of a hat and didn't bother to visit me.

I was angry and so tired of being ignored.

Christian took that all away.

Jarod was my childhood sweetheart but Christian was a bit more.

He gave me so much support. Treated me kindly. Made me the center of his world.

And I loved it. I loved being adored by him.

Slight problem.

I never returned the favor.

I was his breath, his soul. And it felt good.

Then things changed.

After awhile it started to get tiring.

Boring.

I needed space.

Freedom.

He was in a sense swallowing me whole.

I hated it.

Tied down to this thing...

I was not one to be sucked down by a scrub.

No way.

It was just one day that I woke up and realized exactly what was wrong. He wasn't really anything to me.

I had no feeling for him. None. I was smarter than him. I had influence. I once had power and now look at

me.

Daddy's Angel.

Pure bitch.

Eventually, I started to feel superior to him.

My attitude also proved that many times in public.

After my constant criticisms didn't have the desired effect to make him resent me and leave, I chose to go

on with my other option.

I decided that it was time for me to leave.

When he saw me packing my things he had the nerve to ask me what I was doing.

"What does it look like to you?"

He was playing dumb. I hate it when people do that. It completely insults my intelligence.

"You're not leaving...are you? I know that we've been through a lot but that doesn't mean that we have to

call it quits."

I continued to stuff a shirt into my bag.

"I love you. I do. And I know that you love me. This is ridiculous. Deep in my heart I know that we

belong together. That our hearts are forever entwined. That you wouldn't leave me. Never leave me.

Not...not like this." He continued to beg and plead for me to stay.

I swear if he could he'd probably attach himself to me with a ball and chain. He might even hide the key

so I really wouldn't be able to go.

You don't know who you're dealing with.

My back stayed turned to him. I finally answered:

"Grow up. You know very well as I do that this is going nowhere fast. Might as well admit it to yourself

and go on with your life. You're holding me back. Let go."

He could only stand there and stare.

Then he gave me this look. I think I will never forget that look. It scares me to think about it even now.

"You trifling little bitch. You..you..how could you? After all I have done for you! I've sacrificed..I've..you

have no idea what I've done for you what I'd still do for you even now. How dare you! How dare you

leave me!"

I swear he changed. People say that I go from hot to cold in a matter of time. They have never seen a

change like this. His face contorted and his eyes....his eyes were so angry. So pained.

AAand honestly, I was the one to blame.

He lunged at me. Trying to hurt me.

Me.

His heart.

His precious treasure.

He came at me and I raised my hand to shield my face.

I felt something slide by my hand. He had cut me right where I had once tried to slit my wrist. Today, if

you look at my arm the marks are still there. They are faint now but if you look closely you'll see that

they overlap.

I looked down and saw my hand bleeding.

Blood.

My blood.

I watched it drip from my wrist to the end of my elbow.

I felt something vibrate within me.

Images burned in my head.

Our first encounter.

His presents, his poems and the warmth within each gesture.

All the joy and happiness he brought me was shattered in my mind.

All those scenes were no longer there.

They were gone. I forced them out of my mind.

Never.

Never again.

My father had always pushed my buttons and tried to test my mettle. He has done things that to this day I

secretly can't forgive him for. I have taken a lot of heat from him.

Never though will I take it from anyone else.

I refuse.

He came at me again and I didn't stand there and take it.

I fought back.

He couldn't believe it. Didn't believe it. Wouldn't accept it.

Then I did something that I've tried desperately not to remember.

I killed him.

I did.

When he tried to cut me again, instinct took over and I managed to cut him with his own knife.

He grimaced and I took control of the knife and stabbed in random areas. I didn't really care where it was

going as long as it was hurting him. As much as he hurt me.

I left him there on the floor bleeding from his wounds.

There was blood. So much blood.

A day or so later I went back to clean up the mess.

Could have called in for help but I decided to do it on my own.

He will never hurt me ever again.

I left him and ran back to the place where lost souls are never found.

The Centre.

I managed to work my way up on my own without Daddy's influence. I was going towards Corporate

until Daddy dumped Jarod in my lap.

Everything was going fine. I was going to capture Jarod and this happens.

It just so happens to bring back things I'd rather forget.

I can ask myself this question and know the answer:

From what I've said, is Christian really dead?

Yes, he is.

I know he is.

I know Christian is dead because I buried him myself.

Away from where anyone could possibly find him.

The Centre has a lot of space for the missing.

This does not ease my mind.

There are still questions to be answered.

Who is this tormenting me?

Who is doing all these horrible things?

But that's not the scariest part.

What scares me is that someone is copying everything Christian did for me.

The way the 'gifts' were sent. All those notes that were sent to me. The form in which they were written.

It's all Christian's style.

Someone went to a great deal to uncover all that information.

All the things I've tried to bury with Christian.

Who would want to dig into my past?

All I know is that I have to do everything possible to protect myself.

Whoever this copycat is, they will be in for a surprise.

I'm ready for him.

When he attacks I'll know what to do.

Actually..I know what I'm going to do.

I'm going to kill him.

Jarod ran to Parker. He took her by the hand and led her away from the ambulance. Her face just held this

expression. He couldn't tell if it was fear or guilt that was on her features. He tried to talk to her but she

just stood there shaking her head not wanting to listen to anything he had to say.

"It doesn't matter anymore. Leave me alone. Let me be."

"Parker...come on. Talk to me. Please. You can't shut down on me now."

"Jarod, it's not that simple. You don't understand. I could have prevented this! I could have stopped it!"

"What are you talking about?"

"I..I can't say right now. But I promise I will tell you soon enough. Just don't ask anymore questions."

"Parker."

"Jarod, please."

She looked at him pleading with tears in her eyes. He couldn't bear to look at her like that. It tore at his

heart that she was feeling this way. He brushed away her tears as they started to flow down her cheeks.

They stood like that for a while until a voice interrupted.

"Did she talk to you? Did she say anything?"

Parker turned her attention to Pike. He seemed to be just as concerned as Jarod. He looked at her

anxiously, waiting for her answer. He didn't want to rush her for fear that she might breakdown in front of

them.

"No. She didn't. She was trying..trying to tell me something. And I couldn't hear. I couldn't understand. I

couldn't help. I couldn't do anything to save her. I tried and it didn't work." Her voice broke as she said

this.

She closed her eyes and felt a pull. She was enclosed in strong arms.

"It's alright. You can let go whenever you want", he whispered.

She didn't want to let go.

She tucked her head under his chin and they stood there as the ambulance drove away.

Pike couldn't help but feel a touch of envy.

***********************************************

One week later

"What are you doing? It doesn't go there!"

"What?"

"Broots, if you're going to help me move furniture the least you could is pay attention to what I'm

saying."

"But I was. You said put the chair over by the fireplace."

"No, I said put it by the corner of the room. Where is your head today?"

"Obviously elsewhere", he mumbled to himself.

"What?"

"Nothing, nothing at all."

"Are you sure?" She raised her eyebrow at him.

"Why so suspicious? It's not like anything going to happ..oh, I forgot."

"There are days that I wish I could forget too Broots. But it's not that simple."

"Miss Parker, if you mind me being so blunt. I think that you are doing the right thing. You're not

showing any weakness that this is guy can take advantage of. Doesn't matter though. You got me to

protect you."

"Oh really?", she chuckled.

"Yeah, really. You guys don't know but I can be a real badass when I want to be. you just haven't seen it

yet. Trust me. I know."

An image of Broots cowering before her with her gun at his head flickered in her mind. Right.

"Yes, Broots. I trust you. I trust you with my life. Now go on and get out of here."

"Okay. I'm leaving. Oh, before I forget...take this. Debbie made it. I didn't tell her everything that was

going on but I did emphasize you weren't feeling well. She says she hopes it brings a smile to your face."

He pulled out of his pocket a bracelet she made.

"Tell her thank you for me."

"No problem."

"Broots, where are you going anyway?"

"I have an appointment that I can't miss."

"Your arm?"

He looked at her and said,"Yeah."

*************************************************

Let's see. Everything is in place. Matches. Check. Jacket. Check. Razors. Two. Roses. Do I really need it?

Aw...what the hell, double check. What does it look like I'm missing. Nothing? Alright. The place is in

order. Let's get this show on the road. Damn,what time is it?

***********************************************

He walked into the station in a rush. He was a tall fellow about 6 foot or so. Had sandy blond hair and a

dimple when he smiled. It was eyes that were his intriguing features. They were bluer than blue and

seemed to look almost silver when he was angry. He wore an olive green suit under a black coat. Heads

turned as he walked in.

"Take a look at that."

"I know."

A female prostitute sitting on the bench was trying to catch his eye.

"Want to swing my way?" she purred.

He just ignored her and continued in the direction he was heading. His face looked pained as if he were

about to crack.

"Hey man. what's your rush? Are you here to see somebody?"

"Yes...yes, I am. I need to talk to a officer immediately."

"What, you got a bad parking ticket?"

"No", he said pointedly," I wouldn't talk to you about that. I'm here about the murders. Jennifer Davis's

murder. I know who did it. I saw the whole thing."

"Whoa. Hold on a second. You know who it is? You saw..you saw him doing it?"

"Did I stutter?"

"Cut the snide remarks. I'm going to get an officer handling the case to deal with you. Wait right here.

Don't move."

The officer ran down the corridor as quickly as she could. This could be the break they needed.

Suddenly his phone rang.

I told the office not to call. Mom and Dad are in London. If they were to call they leave a message with

his secretary. Who is it? Curiously, he answered,"Hello?"

"Cameron, is that you?"

No. Can't be. Can't be.

More words. Familiar sounds.

He started to shake.

He heard her. Her voice.

It sounded like music.

But how can that be? She's dead.

He blinked.

He looked around.

Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.

I can't be here. Her voice.

Her voice is inside my head.

The room turned upside down.

He saw a cop try to approach him.

I have to get out of here.

I have to go.

And with that he ran.

"Hey! Hey! Hey come back here!"

He ran as fast as he could away from that place.

********************************************

Later that day

"There's been a shooting."

"Where?"

"Mansfield Park. And you won't believe who it is."

"Who?"

"That guy that came down here today. He's dead. Blew his brains out. He did it in the park."

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah. He's this business exec. Name Cameron Thompson. Family well off. Wanted to be a doctor but

failed out of medical school."

"No way! Where did you hear that from?"

"Kalmanson was talking about it to Mendiz. Get this: he dated that Davis girl. Very jealous. Possesive.

Her friends say that he used to stalk her."

"You think he's the one?"

"I sure hope so. If he is I'll be able to sleep tonight."

"I know."

"They're going to go to his house and do a search. If he's our guy, open and shut case."

"Hey...you think it's really him?"

"I don't know. I don't know."

"Look Murphy's back from the search. Hey Murphy! What did you guys find?"

"A little nosy aren't we?"

"Don't give me that crap. Spill."

"Don't tell anyone I told you. Can you keep a secret?"

Leaning in she said,"Yeah."

"Well so can I."

He burst into laughter when she pursed her lips into a displeased frown. "You are so full of it. Come on

and tell me."

"Alright. I think we got him. We went over there, you know. Fancy place and all. The 'respected and

wealthy' my ass. Usually they get away with all the crimes. Not this time. He got caught in his own web."

"What did you find?"

"Pictures of all the girls. Before and after. He photographed them. Sick, sick perverted bastard. He has

this huge photo of that Parker chick. Pike and Matthews weren't too pleased with that. Anyway, we found

three razors. Bloodied. We also found clothing and what looks like another organ. If that's not evidence I

don't know what is."

"Told you so. We got him."

"Yes we did. So as of now this case is closed."

"How's Pike going to take it?"

What do you mean?"

"Murphy, we all see the way he looks at her. She seems to be the only girl that's turned his head since

Kara."

Murphy noted the resentment in her voice. Officer O'Brien has a thing for Pike. Interesting.

"Well, he's going to get over her." And into you, his mind finished.

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

She turned and walked away from him leaving Murphy with a grin on his face. It was wiped away

when she said,"And if you think about playing Cupid you're making a big mistake."

Sheesh. Women. I will never understand them. He started whistling a tune when he saw Jarod pass him

by with a box in hand.

"Where are you going?"

"The case is over. There's no use for me here anymore."

"Hey. I'll tell you it's been a rough ride but I'm glad I got the chance to know you. We'll miss you around

here. You brought a change to this place. You're the only guy I know that doesn't cheat when it comes to

cards. Where ever did you learn how to play?"

"I pick up a few things here and there. It's not hard really."

"Well you need to teach me them tricks. Come back soon. You're welcome here anytime."

"Thanks Murphy."

"A pleasure."

Jarod walked over to Pike's office. He was going to miss Pike. Who else was going to go all the way to

Annnapolis to get him the best crab he's ever tasted.

"Hey buddy. I'm out."

"You're leaving already? The dust hasn't even settled on the folder and you're going? What gives?"

"I came to help you out. It just so happened that the case sloves itself. I'm not needed here anymore. It's

time for me to go."

"Well, I'm not going to stop you if you made up your mind. It's going to be boring without you here. I

know you'll land on your feet fine."

He got up out of his chair and gave Jarod his hand.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you Agent Matthews."

Jarod took his hand and shook it.

"Likewise Detective Pike. Likewise."

"So where you heading off to?"

"Dunno. Might take a needed break from this."

"I hear that. Go on. Go. Take your vacation. You deserve it."

Jarod smiled at him and walked out of the station.

************************************************

"Hey Pike. Why don't you come and get a drink with me?"

"O'Brien, as much as I'd loved to I can't. Gotta do that paperwork on this case."

"Raincheck then?"

"Definitely."

She sauntered out the room. Have to watch out for her. Who knows what she's capable of. Might hurt me

in the process.

He chuckled to himself. Pike, you have lost it man.

A sudden thought just occurred to him. Matthews never did say where he was going for vacation. I could

find out from the main source.

Through a lot of searching he was able to find the number for Jarod's supposed workplace.

"Hello?"

"Hi, this is Detective Pike from the 39th precint in Baltimore Maryland. I would like to know if you have

any current information on Agent Matthews status."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm a friend of his down here and I was wondering if he happened to mention to any of you where he

was going on vacation and stuff."

"Vacation? Is this a joke?"

"No. This is not a joke. I'm calling about Agent Matthews. He was sent down here to help in a murder

case that we solved together."

"Sir, I'm afraid that's impossible."

"Why?", Pike said clearly annoyed.

When he received the answer, Pike dropped the phone.

****************************************************

"You can sleep fine now. They caught him. They caught the murderer today. Parker, are you there?"

"Jarod...are you sure? Are you sure you got him? It might not be true."

"We found evidence of his involvement in the case."

"I want to see him."

"You can't."

"And why not?"

"Believe me. It's not a pretty picture."

"Tomorrow, I'm going there and I'm going to see him."

"You can do that, but I won't be there."

"You promised! You said.."

"Promises are comforts to a fool Miss Parker. I thought you learned that by now."

"Jarod, you.."

Dial tone.

"Damn him to hell!"

She felt anger and relief. Anger for the way Jarod had lied to her and relief in the fact that he called her to

tell her the ordeal was over.

"Doesn't matter. I'll catch him eventually."

She heard a creak on the stairs.

What was that?

She pulled out her gun from underneath her pillow and crept softly to the door. Darkness greeted her.

Calm down Parker. It's over. It's over.

She put her palm against the wall to steady herself and then she took a deep breath.

By the time she exhaled, she felt arms embracing her body. Lifting her.

No! No! No!!!!

"I missed you."

His voice was muffled and strained. What on earth?

Where's my gun??

She was not ready for the attack but her defenses sprung up when he grabbed her. Parker moved her legs

to trip him but it didn't work. He guessed what she would try to do and prevented himself from getting

hurt. She tried to raise her arm from under him but he twisted it behind her. He was counting on her

delayed reaction. He knew that by getting her unsuspectedly he would be the victor.

"We have to get home now. We have to go."

"Let me go! Ow!!"

She felt a sharp prick on the side of her arm. It took a few seconds but she was starting to get woozy.

"Lllet go." she slurred.

"Can't do that babe. We have a lot of work to do."

I have a headache.

That headache seems to stem from someone who just can't keep their mouth shut.

I found out who saw me.

Her ex-beau.

Cameron.

He just happened to have kept his set of his keys when they were together.

Never bothered to give them back.

They think that I'm sick?

He stalks her. Smells her clothes. Touches the furniture.

Buddy...she ain't coming back.

This asshole still goes back there to look at the place. I know. I've caught him a few times but I never said

a word. I had to go back because I accidently left one of my possesions there.

A song.

Her song.

My One Temptation.

Mica Paris.

It's an old one. I like it. Damn shame that they do not make the album the song appears on anymore. It

was a miracle when I found a compliation album that had it.

To remind me of her.

He never saw me but I heard him. I heard him whispering of what I did. Saying he'll find me and make

me pay.

Like hell!

Despite the bloodstains and the tape, he goes there in the middle of the night to weep. Clutching her scarf,

calling her name.

Get it through your head. She'd dead my friend!

You can't bring her back!

Now..I have done some things in my time. But I will not go back to the scene where something like that

can be replayed in my head.

What are you trying to do? Focus and remember?

I don't think so buddy.

You're going to have to forget.

I will make you forget.

He shows up at the police station ready to tell all he knows.

How do I know this?

I always make sure I know everything about all the women I meet. From their shoe size to what their

mother is allergic to. Learning about him was a no-brainer.

In other words...I've been keeping tabs on him.

When I saw him at the station looking real nervous, I just so happened to overhear a few things.

He was about to say another word when his phone rang.

Who's calling you Cameron?

"Cameron? Is that you? I told you to stop messing with my life."

It's her voice he hears.

But it's me who's calling.

He face turned white as a sheet.

What do you think? What are you thinking? Your girlfriend, no ex-girlfriend is talking from the grave.

She came to fuck you over and say you killed her.

I made her say that much when I did it.

Of course...you can't prove it.

I keep myself hidden from his view. He cannot see me and I am filled with...

Is it elation? No, it's giddy. I want to laugh so hard in your face that it hurts.

I want to laugh at your pain as many have laughed at mine. I want my laughter to be in your head as you

think of her. You think of me. You think of what you made me do to her because she wasn't mine.

She was still yours.

Her heart was bound to you.

But I messed it up!

I messed it up!

Cruelty is a privlege. Not a right.

And I exercised it.

He leaves the station very shaken.

Who can blame him?

The officers call back to him.

Reasonable doubt must be forming in their minds.

Cameron, where are you running to?

Why are you crying?

Crybaby!

I take my time and slowly make my way out of the station. No one notices. No one seems to care.

As I said before, these people don't notice anything.

I followed him. He's not running far, I can see that.

Almost gets hit by a car.

If you want to meet death, I can introduce it to you myself.

Death is a kind friend of mine and he does not discriminate.

Neither do I.

He finally stops and sits on a bench in the park. It's around 11:30 or so. Traffic is passing smoothly for

now. People have not gone on their lunch break yet. Great time for a murder.

He sits on the bench with his face in his hands.

Crying.

You're breaking my heart!

Quit wasting your tears. She was a whore anyway.

You didn't need her. You really didn't.

I didn't either.

I walk to him. Patiently I stand in front him. My shadow blocks the sunlight where I stand.

He looks up to see who it is.

Who the hell do you think it is?

Don't you know?

I gave you a little time to run but you just sat there.

"You!?!"

His eyes widen. You bet they did. I saw a flicker of rememberance. He tries to hide but I already saw it.

It's too late.

"You really should knock when entering a room. It's not polite to watch and stare. So I've been told. Of

course when I was doing it, it wasn't a crime in most of the United States."

He's about to say something when I cut him off and said,"Say hello to her for me. Tell her she wasn't a

good fuck at all."

And I shot him.

It was like that scene that you see in all the great movies. You know, the guy gets shot and then they cut

away to the pigeons flying from the ground up to the sky.

It was exactly like that except that this time I got a chance to see the parts that they cut out.

The sight of the bullet blowing his head apart. Brain matter flying. His head lobbed to one side as his

back rested against the bench. His last look of realization of the situation at hand. And the look.

It was a beautiful sight.

I dropped the gun in between his legs. I walked away calmy and crossed the street. I replayed it over and

over again in my head as I left.

Then there were screams.

I got away with it.

That's the exciting part. Getting away with it.

It was simple. Extrodinarily simple.

He heard her voice on the phone, not mine. A tape recorder doesn't hurt anybody, does it?

If you think the gun didn't make a noise...well it did. It drew attention. But I had planned on that.

You have to plan the situation out throughly in your head before commiting the act. Any fuckups and

you're screwed.

I picked, or rather he picked a place that was not full at the time. I know everything that works around

here like clockwork. I know when the park is full and when it's not. The park would be the most logical

place for him to be considering he used to walk with her there every Sunday afternoon. Rain, sleet, or

snow.

He sat at their bench. A little secluded by the trees but not by much. The action would have to take

place quickly and effectively. My conversing with him just delayed the situation by roughly two minutes.

As I said, I planned everything.

Doing the deed just leaves me with enough time to walk and buy a soda. The vendor asked me what I

thought the sound was. I replied I didn't know.

I glanced at my watch. 11:37.

This is around the time that Miss Julie whatever does her morning run. Same route everyday. If you clock

her she makes that corner at 11:37 every morning. Precisely. It was she who discovered my work.

Well... that takes care of that. I have the police off my trail now that ex-boyfriend is the new likely

suspect. A few things have to be planted in his house quickly and then I can focus on the most important

thing of all.

Parker.

He pulled her, actually, yanked her out the car.

She tried to keep steady as he pulled her towards him. The blindfold was not helping much. It was itchy

and it caused her major discomfort.

"Hold still!"

His voice was muffled. He was wearing a mask. She knew at least that much when he grabbed her.

"Come. I will show you the way."

He led her up to a series of steps and held her arm as she climbed them.

It was a warm day. Afternoon. Not a cloud in the sky. Perfect weather for a celebration. My own, he

thought.

The mansion, which she couldn't see, was the last house on the lane. He had picked this house because it

seemed to appeal to him. Wasn't extravagant. Didn't project an unfriendly atmosphere. The house never

failed to fascinate him. When he first discovered it he made the time to explore every secret that was in it.

The were three floors within the house but only the first was in use. His sacred possessions were on the

first floor. The house had its own secrets like himself. It was an abandoned mansion because the previous

owner was found dead in his bathroom. The servants were long gone when the body was found.

Supposedly, it was rumored as suicide but not enough evidence was found to back that theory up.

The mansion was a site to be seen. It looked almost like a castle from the way its gates pointed at the sky.

There was beach in the back for private use. The sand looked white compared to the blue of the ocean.

The house reminded of him of a castle on a cloud. The place where he wanted to spirit her away to. The

mansion was surrounded by trees in the front. They were decked out in their green foliage. Lovely red

roses did he choose to be the border. He wouldn't have it any other way. The windows of the house was

open to receive the breeze from outside. You would almost wished the place could be your own if you

had not seen the inside.

She could hear the birds in the background as she walked. Tranquil. Soothing. Very suspicious.

He had to lead her into a large foyer. She was still woozy from the injection he gave her.

"Welcome home."

She felt him whisper this into her ear. He slowly took the blindfold off her eyes.

"What?" She said this softly. She was swaying, she knew that much. The drug was taking its effect. He

caught her before she tumbled to the ground.

All she remembered was seeing a rainbow of colors on the walls. A bright spectrum stung her eyes. Is that

a mask? She wasn't sure bit it looked like a white mask was on his face. She tried to touch the mask to

remove it but her fingers just scratched the surface.

He picked her up and carried her into the living room. He then laid her down on the floor and walked

towards the window.

"Perfect."

He knew she was still breathing because her chest rose and fell at a steady rhythm. She was so beautiful

lying there on the ground. So peaceful. He didn't want to disturb her.

He walked back over and knelt where she lay. He caressed her cheek and then stroked her hair.

He didn't know why but he wanted to cry right now.

"Forgive me."

*************************************************

Colors.

Colors of various shapes and sizes.

Where am I?

Her eyes opened and she tried her best to focus them to its new surroundings. She touched her chest and

arms to feel if any injuries were made while she was asleep. She discovered that she was only wearing

her slip. Her black slip that matched the rug underneath her. He took my clothes off me, she thought. He

touched me. She shivered at the thought. Her eyes roamed the room. Candles. And there were pictures.

Pictures of her. At each crime scene.

She and Broots at Jarod's lair in Vermont.

Sydney and her arguing in Michigan.

Alone in the park.

At the coffeehouse.

In her motel room.

He's been following me all this time...

Parker saw him in front of an altar. He was kneeling as if in prayer to something. She didn't make a sound

and quietly watched him. He sounded as if he was crying.

He turned from the altar and she could see that it was a picture of her. Her.

Oh God.

She closed her eyes.

"I know you're awake. Stop pretending. Get that idea out of your head. There's no way out of here. You're

not going to leave me. I won't allow it."

Christian's words. His words coming from this monster's mouth.

He walked to her and lifted her by her arm.

She came face to face with the mask. It was a white mask resembling a cheribum with its mouth in a pout.

It would have been cute had she not felt repulsed by it.

"Let go off me. Now."

"You never listened to me, did you? Always had your own set of rules to follow. Didn't care. It doesn't

matter. I told you. You need me as much as I need you." He brought her close to him. He breathed in the

scent of her hair. "I missed you so much. I hate being away from you."

She tried to decipher the voice but it didn't click. She lashed out at him. "Damn you! I hate you! Let go of

me! Damn you Christian!"

He laughed. A deep throaty laugh.

She did not like that at all.

"Whatever."

He pushed her down. She sat there and plotted her next move.

"I'll give you a chance to repent. I will forgive you this once if you say you were sorry. If you take back

all those mean things you've said. I promise i won't hurt you. I would never hurt you. I loved you. I

worshipped you. You were mine. And I know that deep down inside you do feel for me as I do for you.

You just won't admit it. By the way, I know. I could even forgive you for that mistake you made with

him. Oh, yes. I know everything of what happened between the two of you. I'm also glad the situation

took care of itself before I was forced to get involved. Watching him die was one of the best experiences

I've ever had. Now..I will give you this last chance. Parker?"

"Go straight to hell."

She could tell she hit a nerve. His hands started to close and he made fists at his sides.

"I was going to give you a second chance. You were going to atone for all the things you did. I was going

to spare you. But no. No. No. No." He paused. "I'll have to punish you now. That is your fate. You chose

it. Now you'll deal with your mistake."

He walked to her and stood in front of her lying form. She raised her head and she kicked him as hard as

she could in his shin. He fell and tried to grab her foot. She scrambled up,tripped, fell and kicked him in

the face to make him let go. She got up and ran, looking for a way out of the hellhole. She ran to the altar

knocking down everything that was in her path.

My private moments, she thought, and began to tear every picture in sight. He invaded my privacy, stole

me away, tried to drive me insane. I have to get out of here.

She looked for an exit and could not find any.

"Shit!"

"Going somewhere?"

He was behind her. He tried to grabbed her by her neck but she dodged his hand. She tried to punch him

and saw that he had something shiny in his hand.

Oh, hell no.

He made a sudden movement. She felt a pain near her temple.

No!!!!!

She kicked him swiflty in the groin and he released his grip on her shoulder. He started to double over

and she tried to jump over his body. The razor cut her on her leg as she went past him.

She pushed past the furniture. There were sheets covering some of the chairs to prevent damage. It didn't

matter since her blood was staining the material.

She ran down the hall knocking into random furniture thrown in her path. She grabbed the drapes and

ripped them down.

"Parker!"

He was caught underneath one of the curtains and tried to wrestle his way out. It was proving difficult

because the fabric was so heavy. She didn't waste anytime watching him on the floor.

All of a sudden she heard a gunshot.

What the!?!

His hand clutched a gun which he was aiming randomly. He was still under the curtain but he managed to

fire his weapon through the fabric.

I'm dodging bullets and knives. Where's the circus when you need it?

She finally saw a way out on the far side of the room. It was a glass door showing the outside she longed

desperately for. It was there for decoration and made good use of its talent. Escape! Have to get out of

here. She ran to it and tried to open it. It was locked. She tried to bang on the door to break it.

No luck there.

A hand grabbed her from nowhere.

"You're not leaving me. You're not leaving me!"

"Christian let me go!"

He held her by her neck and started to squeeze.

Help me. Help me.

She did the only thing she could do in those precious seconds.

She reached and grabbed the mask off his face.

She looked at him in a state of shock.

It wasn't Christian. It wasn't Christian at all.

She felt him loosen his grip on her neck.

"Oh, my God."

He could only stand there as she started to stare at him.

The world stood still.

She trusted him. She trusted him.

It rocked her. The knowledge of what she saw. She finally put everything together and saw for the first

time the true face of the stalker.

The killer.

Her self-proclaimed lover.

And she hated it.

How was I so blind? Why didn't I see?

"Trust me.."

Those word were now going to haunt her for life.

Finally unmasked he could only stand there. He looked at her with his eyes searching for anything that he

could find there. He wanted to know if she would still love him. Now that she knew. Now that she

understood.

"You filthy son of a bitch. You fucking asshole. You make me sick. You are evil. Evil incarnate. And

you're going to pay for what you did."

"What?"

"Did I stutter? Where do you get off killing all those girls? All for what? Some sick twisted fantasy?"

He did not like what she said. It was not what he expected and it...it was making him angry.

"You..you..",he sputtered.

And that's when he threw her through the glass door. She landed on the ground with the glass around her.

Her face was on the ground and she was not moving. The blood seemed to pool underneath her body.

"Look at what you made me do! Look! This is all your fault! All your fault!"

He paused for a second when he thought he heard a noise within the house. He thought Parker said

something but she remained quiet.

Looking at her body lying there.....

He screamed and turned and put his fist through a window.

His heart was dying with hers.

"Damn you Parker! Look at you! You're.."

He turned back to look at her.

She was gone.

"Parker? Parker?" He walked to where her body was supposed to be and saw the trail of blood on the

ground. He followed the blood and saw that it seemed to extend down the beach. He then saw her running

furiously down the shore.

"Parker! Parker!"

And that is where the chase began.....

The phone rang at Parker's house.

"It's not like her to be this late. She should be here by now."

"What's the matter Syd?"

"I called Miss Parker's phone. This is the fourth try and no answer."

"Maybe she's on her way here."

"No. I called her cellphone as well. I don't like this Broots. I don't like this at all."

"And where is my sister? Is she off having a good time at the Centre's expense?"

"No Lyle. We don't know where she is. I highly doubt that Parker is purposely away from here."

"Sydney, you always seem to stick up for her. I hope you're going to do the same when she is punished

for her traitorous ways. Are you willing to go down with her when that happens?"

"Mr Lyle, I can assure you that nothing of the sort will happen."

"I do hope so Syd. It would be a shame if you had to lose your head."

Turning to Broots he said,"As of this morning my sister is gone. I sent a sweeper team to give her a

wakeup call and what do they find? Her house has been broken into and she is missing. So....who's going

to protect you now?"

"Miss Parker is missing?"

"Yes Sydney", his eyes still trained on Broots. "Now that she is unavailable a new person has to step up to

the plate. Oh, yes. That would be me. This means you two will report to me."

Broots swallowed.

Lyle leaned in closer to him and said in a barely audible tone,"If you think my sister was hell, wait until

you get a load of me."

"It is a beautiful day to celebrate. The two of you get to work."

Broots waited until Lyle left the room and said,"What are we going to do?"

"I don't know what you are doing but I'm going to try to find Parker."

"But what about Lyle?"

"I'm more concerned about our colleague Broots. She's our friend and she needs our help. If you're going

to come with me come on. If you want to take the coward's way out stay here."

He left Broots standing alone in the office.

************************************************

"What did you find?"

"The guy's not dead. He's not dead. I knew it was too good to be true. We received a random call this

morning. He let us know that he had her. Why, we're still not so sure. Anyway we're off to go and get

him. Traced the call to this house out in the burbs. Ritzy area I might add.."

"Detective Murphy I could really care less about who live where. We need to save Parker now."

"Dr Green we're going to do that. But you know, I'm kind of curious. You're a psych doctor and all. I

want your take on how things are going down."

"What?"

"I just want your honest opinion. What do you make out of him calling us like that?"

"Honestly?"

"Yeah."

"I think he has a death wish to fulfill."

************************************************

The car ride to the house seemed to take forever. The squad car stopped at a huge mansion. Breathtaking

to those who were allowed to enter it. Sydney got out of the car and quickly went inside.

The place was a mess. He had no words to describe how he felt entering the rooms. They all had an evil

feel to them.

Pike saw him and told him to come. He move forward and heard the sound. When he heard the gunshot, it

felt like his insides had welded themselves together.

A nauseating feeling crept into his stomach.

Please let everything be okay. Please let it be alright.

The glass on the floor and the blood on the walls gave him little comfort.

He started to cry when they came upon them. The sight broke his heart. The white beach was stained with

blood.

Her blood.

Catherine forgive me.

It was a time before they reached them. Jarod was already there by her Parker's side. He looked intently at

her as if commanding her to wake up.

He brought her hand to his lips and held them there.

"Parker? Parker? Oh no!"

Sydney tried his best to run to where they were. He saw that Broots was coming down the stretch of sand

along with two other officers.

They were following the bloody trail.

He knelt by her side. The tears were stinging his eyes. He had promised her. He told her he would be

there for and now this has happened.

"Dr Green, let her go."

It was Pike who said this. Sydney just looked at him with pain. He had promised her, promised himself

after Catherine died that he would watch out for her.

He watched her as she grew older and her defenses grew stronger. He was there when she went through

the most painful periods of her life. Catherine. Then Thomas. He was her support system. Her friend.

They had finally reached the point where she admitted that she needed him.

And now she was gone.

"You...get away. Get away. You have no right to be a part of this."

"Syd,please. Let her go."

"Broots I can't. I can't. I can't do this."

"I know." The tears were flowing down his cheeks. How could she be gone? She was so strong, so

determined. She's...

"Sydney please go. You don't need to be here."

Jarod placed her hand down and stood up. He was going to get through this somehow.

"Like hell I do Jarod. I have every right to be here. As much as you do. I loved her as my own. I know

you care for her as well. You can't expect me to leave. I won't. I won't."

"Very touching. You need to move. We are placing Jarod under arrest."

Murphy looked at Pike and said,"Agent Matthews?"

"He's no agent. He's never worked on the force. In fact he doesn't even exist." He paused and looked at

Jarod. "I called around checking to see if anyone knew you. Gave a description and some of your claim to

fame. I was told that was not possible. It seems the real Agent Matthews died in 1996. The officer on

the phone told me that he was at the funeral himself. Now this just leads me to question...who the hell are

you?"

The earth stood still.

Jarod could not respond.

Sydney and Broots did not say anything.

Murphy's mouth was still in a shape of an o.

Pike answered his own question. "I know who you are. You're the killer."

Sydney looked from Jarod to Pike. He refused to believe what he just heard. The officers themselves look

a little perplexed.

"You did it. You killed her. You knew everything about her. You pretended to be a cop to get close to

her. Did all those cruel things to her to hurt her. You lied to everyone here about who you were and

managed to have everyone believe your lies. I mean,who would suspect you? A cop. No, you're not even

a cop. You're not worthy of the title. I know you did it. I know you did this to her and you're going to

pay."

"No, he didn't. Jarod would never hurt Parker. Never. I brought them up from when they were kids. He

could not do this."

"You know Jarod? You raised them? What else did you decide to leave out? Anything else that needs to

be in the open? What about you? What do you have to do with the situation? Are you a part of this as

well?"

"Me?" Broots answered. "I'm just a friend of Parker's and ...Jarod's. Jarod didn't do it. I know him too

well."

"A supporting cast. They're here supporting the murderer."

"I told you he didn't do it. Jarod...you didn't do this, did you? Did you?"

Sydney looked at his prodigy. His eyes pleaded for Jarod to look at him, but he wouldn't. He stayed

focused at Pike. Jarod would never hurt... No. No. He couldn't do this. I know he didn't do this.

The tears were in Jarod's eyes. He was standing over her body. So frail. So peaceful.

"Take him", Pike commanded. "It's over."

Jarod whipped out his gun and trained it at Pike.

The officers took a step back.

Jarod shook his head.

"Not yet."

Parker opened her eyes.

I did it.

I killed her.

I killed the only person I truly loved.

It hurts.

Oh God it hurts so much.

But I had to.

I had to do it.

She left me no choice.

She wouldn't play by the rules.

My rules.

She knew what would happen and she still decided to risk it.

I've never seen her look so hurt...

Or so angry.

She rejected me.

When I finally revealed myself to her, she didn't take it the way I expected.

She yelled and screamed at me.

She said some really mean things.

I didn't deserve that.

I did it all for her.

For her.

And she didn't like it.

It doesn't matter now.

What's done is done.

You can't change the past.

Focus, have to focus now.

I'm in a tense situation at hand.

All of us are here, standing over her.

Mourning. In our own pathetic ways.

Wipe away the tears.

She doesn't deserve them.

Not from any of you.

None of you should be here.

Me.

Only me. I'm the only one that loved her. That cared.

That did the right thing.

I set her free.

All of you just pretended. You didn't know her.

You didn't understand.

She treated you like dirt.

She wasn't that way to me.

She said things that she didn't mean. At times it was taken out of context but it's been fixed.

I corrected her.

Sydney is crying for her.

Who would have thought?

Looks of disbelief and glares.

Each suspecting the other.

Well here I am!

Come and get me!

Look me in the eyes and see the truth!

Go on!

Tell me what you see.

Come and get me!

Ha. They actually believe they're going to get me.

Fat chance of that.

I'm not giving up.

I'm not turning myself in.

I wouldn't have to do all those mean things if they hadn't pushed me to it.

It's all their fault.

All their fault!

She would still be alive if he didn't interfere.

Him.

Couldn't save her, could you?

It's eating you up, isn't it?

You tried and failed miserably.

How does it feel?

How does it feel to have your heart taken from you?

Ripped away in shreds?

You may not have actual markings but I can see the scars.

Feel the pain?

Does it hurt?

Are you going to cry?

Stop staring.

You can't get me so don't even try.

I put the cruelty in Parker.

I made her angry. Made her crazy. Even made her cry.

I dealt with her.

And I won.

So there.

Try to get me asshole.

I dare you.

I dare you.

You still can't catch me.

Can't catch me.

All of you.

Can't catch me you stupid fucks.

I am the sole winner of this game.

I don't get the girl but I damn well get the chance to walk away alive.

Ha ha.

Maybe one day I'll even love again.

Who knows?

I'm cool.

I'm free.

I'm...

I'm...

I'm totally fucked.

She didn't..

She didn't just move.

Did she?

She can't.

She's dead!

She's dead!

She has to be dead!

Her eyes are not open!

She is not blinking her eyes!

She's not!

She's not!

It's not fair!

She died!

75

I saw her!

I closed those beautiful blues myself!

I felt her heart stop.

My heart stopped.

But the blood.

It's there.

I....

No...

No... this is not happening.

It's not real!

It's not real!

She...she's staring.

She's looking at me.

Focused.

Narrowed.

Oh God.

Tightening.

Squeezing.

No air.

Can't breathe.

Can't move.

Can't think straight.

Just feel.

Must destroy.

Must destroy her.

Can't have her.

She will tell.

Must make her suffer.

She will leave me again.

Alone.

If she's alive I'm left all alone again.

She won't stay with me.

Can't do that again.

CAN'T BE ALONE!

Make her hurt.

Can't have her.

No one else can.

Urge to touch.

Have her blood and tears mix.

Salty and sweet.

Wonderful taste.

They will find out.

They will know.

Must attack now.

Slipping.

Parker...

"Don't stand there! Get him!"

"I would think twice about that. No one is going anywhere. This is going to be settled right now."

Pike looked at his fellow officers. "Who is in charge here? I order you to take him into custody. Do it

now."

"Funny you should be the one giving orders. Of course, you always liked to be in charge, right Pike?"

"You goddamn-!!"

"Mind telling us the story or shall I?"

Jarod stood there and said this aloud. He was ready to pounce on him.

"It's true that I don't work for the FBI. I don't really exist. But I do know who the killer is. And that my

friends...is our dear friend Detective Pike."

A gasp escaped from Murphy's lips.

"That's bullshit! That's not true! You are a fucking liar! My pal would never do anything like that. Stop

trying to dodge the blame."

Pike stood there staring at Jarod. His mouth was curled into a tight lipped smile. He just looked on as

Jarod continued to accuse him of the crimes.

"Yes, Pike did it. Hard to believe huh? A dedicated cop is the killer. The least suspectful person in the

world. Who would ever accuse the cop in charge of the case of the crime? No one! It would be

unfathomable! A psycho working for the police department. No. No one would ever suspect."

"Stop your lies! Or else I'm going-"

"No, Murphy. Let him continue. I want him to run himself out. He has nothing to back this up. I'm not

worried at all."

"But you should be afraid. You should be very afraid of me."

"Oh my God! She's alive! She's alive! Miss Parker's alive!"

"What?!?"

This thought was said aloud by everyone in the vicinity. How was that possible? She died on the beach.

They all saw the body. But it was true. She had her eyes wide open and they were blazing with fury. She

didn't say anything but from her look alone she chilled everyone with her gaze.

"Parker?" a voice whispered.

"Yes?" Her voice spouted venom as she spoke. It hurt to pull herself into a sitting position but she did so

without the help of those surrounding her. "You thought you were rid of me, didn't you? No. You didn't

think I'd really go to hell and not take you with me now?"

She stared at him accusing him of his crimes. He had nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. It was her eyes

that convicted him of his crimes and he was going to pay for his mistakes. Everyone turned in the

direction to see who she was addressing.

Disbelief.

**************************************

Just breathe.

I loved you Parker.

I still do.

Forgive me for my sins.

I ask, no I implore that you grant me forgiveness.

I see that one bullet wasn't enough.

I guess two will work. One for me, one for you.

One finger on the trigger right now.

All so simple.

Nothing to lose.

Close your eyes.

Just breathe.

**************************************

Life can be so cruel at times. But what can you do? You act on your feelings and you get hurt. What you

did I will never, ever forgive. Call it lust or blame it on unrequited love...I refuse to be punished because

of your feelings. I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid anymore because you can't hurt me. I won this time. You

can't hurt me. Can't own me. Can't love me. And it tears your heart to pieces. Well... I warned you.

Now I'm going to rip your heart out.

***************************************

"No!!!!"

Jarod pushed Pike back as he tried to attack Parker. His was waving his gun. He tried to aim it at her to

shoot her.

"Damn you!"

A shot rang out.

Pike laid in front of them. A pool of blood was pouring from the wound in his chest. His eyes looked

down at the site and he then realized that he was dying. Jarod could only watch. He saw that the man had

nearly snapped when he saw that she alive. He didn't say anything but his eyes conveyed what he felt.

"It's not fair!", he sobbed. "She was mine!"

He reached for her but was held back by his own force. They were not letting Pike near her for a sceond.

Parker sat straight in front of him holding Jarod's gun. She had taken it from him with every intention of

using it.

"I told you. One shot to the heart."

She watched as he slowly succumbed to death. Until he took his last breath she was unable to breathe

once more. Broots could only stare. How far this man would go was so unreal to him. But one question

burned in their minds.

HOW THE HELL DID HE DO IT?

"Hey! We need room!"

That sentence came from behind the group. The ambulance had arrived and the workers were busy

loading Parker onto the stretcher.

"I told you we'd get him, didn't I?"

"Yes, Jarod. So you did. So you did."

He took her hand and kissed it softly and she was led away.

"I never doubted you. I knew you wouldn't do that." Jarod looked at his mentor.

"Syd, I think it's time that we go on that fishing trip you promised."

"I think so too."

"Hold up. No one is going anywhere. You think you're going to get away with impersonating a cop? I

don't think so."

"Murphy..please. Just this one time. Humor me."

"I don't know what to believe. You expect me to just turn my back and say that this all didn't happen?"

"Precisely."

Murphy turned. "If you think that you can play me for a fool you're in for a big-"

"Where'd he go?"

"He was just here. Where did he go?"

"I don't know."

"We're on open ground. A man doesn't just disappear into thin air!"

"Then you really don't know Jarod."

"Nice, doc, nice."

Sydney could only grin.

Epilogue

You know...

It's not easy to be convincing.

But, I sure do one hell of a job at it, let me tell you that.

You really didn't think I was gone did you?

Shame on you!

I told you.

I plan everything out perfectly.

No way they were going to catch me.

I suppose you're wondering how I did it.

Na na na na na na.

Alright, I'll stop being childish.

First of all, I didn't grab her. No, that was not done by me. That was all Pike. Influencing people to do

certain things is not a hard thing to learn. Some people call it brainwashing. I call it letting someone else

hold the reins. Pike is an unusual one. All I did was play on him. I could tell that he had a thing for her.

Saw him stare at her like she's some goddess.

Well, she is. My goddess.

I know her. I know everything about her. From head to toe. Finding about her past is easier than pie. She

is an open book. I've been able to track down everything she's done. Her thing with Christian struck me

and I felt that he needed closure.

He definitely did. I felt his pain. He needed to be remembered.

Pike didn't.

Almost made me kill him that's for sure. But I couldn't.

I needed a fall guy.

Pike is the perfect candidate. He has an amazing guilt factor. If you tell him to do certain things or

imagine it, he takes the blame onto himself. He feels things.

He sucks.

I sent him pictures of what I did. I made sure he'd see them everywhere. At work. At home. He couldn't

go a day without seeing it.

And so he began to crack.

People say that after a while of tolerance, some of the viewers want to get involved and act out what they

see. This is true of many shows that we watch on television and see in the movies. We quote the lines and

we imitate their actions. But we still have a hold on ourselves to know fantasy from reality.

But...

What would happen if that hold was broken? Constant exposure and perhaps feelings that were embedded

within just decided to make their way known to the public. Could you control yourself then?

How about that?

And that is what I did. I used his jealousy, which by the way destroyed his relationship with his last

girlfriend Kara, and used it against him.

How you like me now?

He snapped. I didn't.

He wasn't supposed to take her so soon. That was my job. He interfered. I had another week. I wasn't

ready yet.

He took her to this beautiful mansion. I don't know where he found it but I am jealous of that. Never

would I wear a mask. It's not my style. All the women I've killed have seen my true face.

Always.

I found out how he did it though.

Moron had thrown her through the door. I wouldn't have done that. Okay, that's a lie. Maybe I would have

but...ah forget it.

I was there the whole time. Watching. Observing all that he was doing and he wasn't really professional

about it. The sound he heard. That was me. Didn't mean to but

I had to let her get out of there.

He can't have all the fun.

He chased her down the beach. She fell and he stood over her. And he shot her.

He shot her.

I don't shoot them!

I stab them!

Why?

Shooting is too easy. You feel less pain. Killing with a knife takes precision and endurance.

It's very bloody and painful to experience. Has he not been paying attention?

He shot her in the back. She has been shot in the back before so I knew that she was going to survive this.

Parker can play possum very well. I've seen her do this.

He ran back to the mansion trying to coverup anything that could clue the rest of cops to him.

The gunshot?

It was rigged. I used a tape recorder before and so did he.

When the gunshot was sounded it was from the out side because he had it projected from the outside. The

guy has a stereo outside on the balcony in the back. When you hear it, it sounds like it was coming from

the outside. It was a bit muffled but...you know you aren't dealing with a professional. It's the sound that

causes everyone to freeze and go outside. The blood is out there leading to her. If one of the officers had

just taken a pause and questioned from which position the gunshot came from our dear Pike would have

been busted then.

You see, if you have the sound coming from above it's sounds like someone shooting from the ground up.

We're on flat ground people!

A beach!

No one questions. All they saw was blood and the rest is history.

I suppose I should crawl back into a hole and die but I won't. I've stopped for now.

Not for good.

But for now.

Understand this...

She trusts me.

She completely trusts me and now I know that she will rely on me even more.

I don't doubt that.

Hey, maybe soon things might happen between us.

You never know.

"Come on, it's time to get back. They're going to want an explanation for this."

I can only nod my head.

"Come on Broots. Let's go."

"Alright Syd", I respond.

What would they do if they found out.

I wonder.

If they only knew.

End