Cat and Mouse


written by Ivy and Jessi

Chapter 11

As soon as the four big men exited the bus, Parker sank down onto the sofa and rested her head against the cushions. It had been a very long day...first dealing with five sulking pop stars...then dealing with one angry, surly security guard. And this hellacious day wasn't over with yet. Parker closed her eyes, suddenly longing for the peace and quiet of her own home.

"I think that went...well," Claudia offered.

"You're just saying that to make me feel better," Parker replied wryly.

"No...really, I think it's going good so far," Claudia insisted.

"Then expect it to get worse...it's true what they say you know...things always get worse before they get better."

Claudia merely shrugged and returned to her computer. Parker ended her brief period of rest by opening her eyes and reaching for the lists she'd left on the table earlier. She read through them all again, making even more changes as she went. If the Boys thought she was a bitch now...they'd hate her in a few minutes.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud pounding from the front of the bus. Sighing heavily, she stood and went to answer the knock. Nathaniel stood with all five of the Boys outside the bus. Parker didn't speak as she let them in. Instead she turned and headed back to the office area, leaving them to follow her. Once there, she only said, "Have a seat gentlemen." The five of them filed past her and sat down in various places around the room.

Nathaniel held his radio in one hand. "I'm having a little trouble with this thing," he said, a confused look on his face.

"Talk to Claudia about it," Parker replied, dismissing him without looking up from the lists in her hand. For a good five minutes, the only sound in the room were Claudia and Nathaniel's voices as they worked through the radio problem.

"What's this about?," Nick suddenly demanded. "We're tired, it's late...we should be on the road by now and-"

"I trust each of you has been informed of the security guard appointed to you," Parker interrupted, ignoring Nick's complaints.

"I wasn't," Nick sulked.

"That's because you're with me," Parker said, meeting his stunned blue gaze with her own even one.

"What!? You can't be serious! I want someone else!," Nick shouted.

Parker's nerves were wearing thin. By this point, she'd taken just about all she could take for one day. Everyone in the room knew that by just looking at her. Her eyes were a dangerous black, her lips pressed together in a straight line, her knuckles white from gripping the sheath of papers in her had too tightly.

"What you want is of no consequence Mr. Carter," she said between clenched teeth. "I was appointed to this case and it will be left to my discretion and my better judgment. If you have a problem with that, then I suggest you take it up with the FBI."

Tension hung heavy in the air as the two continued to glare at each other. All eyes were on them, waiting to see if Nick would argue with her. He finally looked away from her in disgust, an angry glare still on his face.

Parker glanced back down at the lists, "The common thread with each of these," she said, flipping through the papers, "is that each of you want your family members to join you on the road at some point during this tour. I'm afraid I can't allow that until this matter is resolved."

"No!," Howie exclaimed, sitting up from where he had reclined on the sofa, "You can't do that..."

Parker turned her level stare to him, "Let me explain something Mr. Dorough...whoever is behind these attempts on your lives could easily use your family members to get to you. I believe that it would be in their best interests to remain at home."

Dead silence met her explanation, until Kevin finally said, "She's right. I don't know about you guys, but I don't want my family in the middle of all this." Howie reluctantly nodded, as did Brian. Nick continued to sit with his arms crossed over his chest, a sullen pout on his face.

"What about my mom?," AJ asked quietly.

Parker looked at him, feeling a sudden pang of sympathy. His brown eyes were filled with worry. "I'd offer to send her home," she replied, "but it's obvious that she's needed here. My advise is that you avoid close contact with her in public situations. I don't have the manpower to provide her with a security guard. I'll watch her as closely as I can, but please realize that my main responsibility is to the five of you."

AJ glanced up at her, surprised at the softness of her voice. For a brief second, Parker had actually sounded like she genuinely felt sorry that she could do no more to protect his mother if need be. And for a brief second, a wistful look of understanding crossed her stony features. Then it was gone as quickly as it had come, replaced by the usual mask of indifference she normally wore.

"I've read each of your lists, and I've come to the conclusion that some things are unacceptable at this time," Parker continued. "If you venture out in public, especially for recreational purposes, it must be during the day, and always with your respective security guards accompanying you."

"But you said you didn't care what we did as long as we have a guard with us!," Brian argued.

"After reviewing the case file again, I've changed my mind," Parker replied. "Each of the four attempts have all been at night...so from now on, you don't go anywhere at night. I do realize however, that in certain situations, it will be necessary for you to go out after dark. Since each attempt has occurred after midnight, I'm imposing a curfew of no later than 1 a.m. every night." All hell broke loose, as all five erupted in a barrage of complaints.

"That's not fair!"

"I haven't had a curfew since I was sixteen years old!"

"You don't have the authority to tell us what to do!"

"Who the hell do you think you are anyway?"

"You can't do that!"

"Quiet!," Parker shouted. Silence descended on the room...five angry pairs of eyes stared at her. Parker ran a weary hand through her black hair and gave a quiet, tired sigh. She glanced around the room, realizing that she had easily become public enemy number one in the last few minutes. Even Claudia's emerald eyes held a look of distaste. Nathaniel was staring at the carpet.

Parker knew her actions seemed extreme. It was one thing to introduce unorthodox high tech surveillance features...it was another entirely to give grown men a curfew, as if they were children.

"Listen to me," she said quietly, her normally straight posture slumping a bit. "I know that this may seem drastic to you, and I understand why. I'm asking you to give up life as you all know it. All I ask is that you at least try to understand why I'm going to such extremes. I'm certainly not doing this for me okay? I'm doing it to ensure your safety...your lives, and I'd appreciate a little understanding, if not cooperation."

Everyone was left speechless...for the first time since coming into contact with her, Parker actually seemed human. She wasn't exactly pleading with them, but everyone heard the quiet desperation in her voice. Claudia was stunned...she'd never seen Parker look so exhausted...not even after the fight on the pier. Parker was simply running out of steam for the day. She felt vulnerable, exposed...what she needed was a good night's sleep and time to get herself back together. She hated herself for the little speech she'd just made. She mentally told herself that she didn't need their understanding or cooperation. She was just tired...that's all.

"I know!," Kevin suddenly said, his excitement evident in his voice. "I know where I've seen you before! It was national news....about a year ago...that Senator from Texas...he got shot or something..."

Parker literally flinched, and the glare she gave Kevin was a silent command for him to shut his mouth. Realizing that he had obviously touched upon a sore subject, Kevin didn't continue. AJ's curiosity was piqued, but the hard glare in Parker's eyes stopped him from pressing the issue further. Claudia broke the odd silence.

"So are we all okay with 1 a.m.?," she asked, her voice nearly a whisper. Everyone nodded, though somewhat reluctantly. Parker wanted to hug the smaller woman, grateful for the distraction she had provided. She regained some of her composure, angry at herself for exposing even minute evidence of her vulnerabilities.

"If there are no further questions," she said returning to her normal rigid demeanor, "then I suggest that we wrap this up. Nathaniel will escort you back to your bus."

"Just a minute," Claudia said, "we're not quite done working this glitch out." She held up Nathaniel's radio. Parker nodded.

"Of course," she stated, "if you'll excuse me..."

Parker stalked out of the room, trying not to run. She suddenly wanted to get away from all of them. She sank down onto her bunk and pulled the curtain closed, shutting the light out. Her head was pounding, her heart beating fast. She couldn't explain what had just happened in there. The question AJ had posed about his mother's safety had touched a nerve deep within her...mainly because she knew more than anything the pain that came with losing a loved one. AJ's concerns had been written all over his face, it was obvious that he cared deeply for his mother. Parker still held onto to the thought that she could've saved Patton and Paiton had she been there the night the died.

AJ's obvious distress at the thought of harm coming to his mother had brought all the suppressed pain to the surface. Then Kevin's startling admission of remembering her connection to Senator Kravik had caught her off guard. Why wouldn't he remember? It had been national news...her face had been plastered all over CNN for months. She rolled over and bit her bottom lip hard, squeezing her eyes shut. Tears that she'd never allowed herself to cry were suddenly brimming behind her eyes. Parker prided herself on being a strong person...she had never cried before, and she refused to now. Still, one solitary tear escaped trace a crooked path over her cheek. Parker resolved to never let her guard slip again.

*****

Nathaniel starred down at the array of boisterous red curls with a half smile. The woman in front of him hardly reached the middle of his chest, and that alone was enough to tug softly at his heart strings. Claudia was so slight in appearance he was almost afraid a strong gust of wind might very well carry her away on it’s current. She reminded him of a drawing of a wood nymph he’d once seen in a book of Greek mythology. And she had the personality to match. Earlier that afternoon, at the security meeting, she had spoken only when necessary, preferring instead to be a silent observer. Already, Nathaniel had taken notice of her habit of sitting with her legs crossed beneath her, adding to the childlike aura which surrounded her.

“I think I’ve almost got it.” she mumbled to no one in particular. And she was smart too -genuinely intelligent. Nathaniel admired that quality in Claudia.....he had never known anyone like her before. She had a soft way about her, something in her manner which made a person want to speak in hushed tones.......but at the same time, her rapidly moving thoughts made her a nervous creature, a trait that was easily observed as she worked.

“Okay, let me just adjust this......where are those electrical pliers?”

But she was entirely different from her partner. Those two were an oddly matched pair; as opposite as they come. And yet....somehow, it worked. Maybe it was Claudia’s quiet way with things or Parker’s take charge attitude.....but the team fit together, defying all stereotypes which could be drawn.

Parker.......that woman was a dictator if he’d ever seen one.....but the difference between Fidel Castro and Parker, was the fact that behind her stoic demeanor and harsh words, she had the best interest of every party concerned at heart. She truly cared, that much he’d seen just minutes before as the Boys’ security meeting had come to a close.

Nathaniel looked over at the five bodies still sprawled across the couch to their right. As they were waiting impatiently for the radio problem to be resolved, AJ starred out the window, and Nick persisted in sulking, while Brian and Kevin each had their heads tipped back against the seat, resting their eyes. And Howie......Nathaniel was startled to find the Latin man’s gaze focused on Claudia. He bore an expression of interest mingling with something Nathaniel couldn’t define as he snuck covert glances in the petite woman’s direction.

“Done!” came Claudia’s triumphant cry. She looked up into Nathaniel’s face with her bright green eyes, instantly reclaiming his attention. “I rewired the receiver, so we should definitely be ready to roll now. Go ahead, strap it on.” she urged him, orbs sparkling with the light of victory. At her announcement, the Boys brought their focus to rest on the pair, anxiously awaiting the trip back to their bus. Once everyone was settled, they could be on their way toward the next venue. Nick and Brian sat forward on their seat, holding their breath and praying the radio would work so they could finally get out of there. Nathaniel attached the pack to his belt before running the ear piece up to his head, settling it in his canal. Clipping the mic to his shirt front, he turned to Claudia.

“What now?” he asked with a shrug. She reached for a wireless headset, slipping it on over her uncontrollable tresses.

“Say something.” she told him as her eyes focused intently on the computer screen, fingers dancing across the keyboard.

“Testing 1...2....3?” Nathaniel hazarded. A grin broke out over Claudia’s features as his voice came through clearly on her headset. The column on the screen which read “Nathaniel -Radio 1” came to life with a green glow. Watching this technical genius at work was going to be almost as much fun as using her devices, Nathaniel concluded silently. AJ released a pent up sigh.

“Finally! Now can we get going? Please?” The others echoed his sentiments as they bid Claudia hurried goodbyes before filing out the door toward the front of the bus.

“Thanks.” Nathaniel quietly told the little woman in the chair before the terminal.

“Your welcome. If at any point you feel it’s not working right, call this bus on the CB, all right? And don’t forget about the alarm.....”

“Will do. Anything else?”

“Yes, tell the others that I’ll be up at their hotel rooms bright and early to fit them with their radios.”

Nathaniel cringed, remembering with distaste that since he had drawn sentry duty, the rest of the team was free to wait until the following day to become ‘active’. The complaints from the Boys were coming quite loudly from the front of the vehicle, so he began to make his way past the bunks to the entrance. “No problem. See you then.”

As Nathaniel left, Claudia settled into her seat more comfortably, once again tucking her feet beneath her. Cocking her head to one side, she gazed intently at the computer screen, though her thoughts were elsewhere.

Leaning forward and to the side in her chair, Claudia peered out into the short hallway of the bus. The curtain on Parker’s bunk was still drawn, indicating she had decided to turn in for the night. Claudia starred at the fabric several moments longer, hoping she would see a sign of life. After the meeting that night, Parker worried her immensely. Claudia had been surprised to see her partner so open....so soft.....so.....human. Though much of it could be attributed to exhaustion, there had been something there........ something which told Claudia that Parker wasn’t entirely all right. When Kevin had mentioned Senator Kravik, Claudia had been certain Parker was going to draw a gun on him right then and there. If looks could kill, she thought wryly.

After little more than a week in Parker’s company, Claudia was most definitely attached to her. Having finally acclimated to her stony demeanor, Claudia was even beginning to catch the nuances of humor and emotion which sometimes crossed the other woman’s features. Besides, no one had ever bothered to look out for her as Parker seemed too. And the pier......she still shuddered at the ‘what could have been’ scenarios. No, Claudia decided, Parker was more than a counterpart......more than a coworker. She was a friend.

Static sizzled through the two way radio. Adjusting the headset perched on her crown, Claudia sat up at attention. Faintly, Nathaniel’s voice filtered through the lines.

“...audia?....back to the......opted to go....so I guess th.....”

“Nathaniel? Nathaniel, you’re breaking up. Use the dial on your pack to tune your radio in a bit better.” she ordered nervously. The link between them lost it’s interruption as the frequency improved.

“Claudia? Can you hear me now?”

“Yeah, loud and clear. What’s up?”

“Just wanted to let you know we made it okay back to the bus. They’re getting ready to get on the road.” Nathaniel informed her. Claudia leaned into the hallway once again, catching sight of their own driver positioning himself behind the wheel.

“Looks like we’re preparing for take off, too,” she joked as the ignition started.

“All right then. We’ll see you in the next city.”

“Sure thing. Remember, I’m always on this line if you need me.”

“Thanks. Good night Claudia.”

“Good night.”

*****

The warm water flowed over his body like satin, as his arms cut through the liquid in broad smooth strokes. His destination grew nearer until it was suddenly upon him as his hand came into contact with the flat, even wall of the pool. Howie’s head broke the surface of the water and he cleared his eyes with a flick of the wrist. Hoisting himself onto the tiled edge of the pool, he paused to catch his breath.

“How many laps was that?” Nathaniel asked lazily from where he reclined in a lounge chair.

“A solid fifteen,” Howie replied absently, completely missing the curious lift to his body guard’s brow after hearing that admission.

“Hmmm.....You know, D, I’ve only been on this tour for a couple of months, but that’s long enough to know you only work out this hard when something’s bothering you. Do you wanna talk about it?” he asked, sitting forward.

“No, no. I’m fine. Thanks...” Howie shook his head adamantly, briefly wondering whether or not God counted little white lies.

Nathaniel shrugged. “Suit yourself. You ready to go now, or what?”

“Yeah, I’m ready.” Howie snatched a towel from the back of a chair, then padded across the wet floor toward the exit, his feet slapping in several shallow puddles.

The truth was, something was bothering him....or, rather, someone. He simply hadn’t been able to get Claudia’s face out of his mind since the meeting the night before. Howie wasn’t sure, but he thought perhaps it was the way her shining eyes lit up when she had conquered the radio....or maybe it was the way she always seemed so full of energy......or it could have been the sympathetic glance she’d given him when Parker had made that announcement regarding families on tour. That had certainly put a wringer in his plans. With his family there, Howie wouldn’t have had so much time to think about the distracting little redhead in security....then again.....

Shaking his head, Howie punched the number for their floor as Nathaniel silently followed him into the elevator. The doors closed with a swish of air, then reopened moments later, into the hallway.

Snickers.....Butterfinger.....Mars........Three Musketeers? They still made those? Almond Joy......Oh! Doritos!......Prunes? Who would buy prunes from a hotel vending machine?

Claudia cocked her head to the side as she appraised the variety of snack foods behind the glass. Nothing appealed to her taste right then and she thought she’d do just about do anything for a generous helping of moo shoo pork. Passing a hand over her eyes, Claudia fought to focus on the package labels. When was the last time she had eaten? Last night? Yesterday afternoon? Whenever it had been, it was certainly too long ago. Add to that the fact that she’d gotten only two and a half hours of sleep the night before, and you had the combination for a queasy stomach, a raging headache, and an immense hunger the size of Seattle.....no, the entire state of Washington. Jingling the coins in her palm, Claudia had just decided to punch in a combination at random and take whatever the machine produced, when a familiar voice interrupted her.

“Hey Claud. They finally let you out, huh?”

Claudia looked up to find Nathaniel with a teasing glint in his eye, a companion at his side. Risking a glance at the man with him, Claudia was surprised speechless as her focus rested on a moderately wet, very shirtless Howie. Her pale features transformed rapidly as a blush spread across her cheeks. She tried in desperation to avoid starring at the well toned abdominal muscles of Howie’s exposed torso.....or the fact that his chest looked as hard as granite. A nervous laugh escaped her and she reached to push her curls behind her ears, completely forgetting the fact that her hair was wound up in two messy knots on either side of the crown of her head. “Hi guys. Yeah....I, uh.....they did.” she stammered. Nathaniel peered at her closely.

“Are you feeling okay? You don’t look very good. You’re flushed....are you running a temperature?” he asked, concerned. Claudia mentally cursed her embarrassment and wished for Parker’s nerves of steel.

“Yeah....I just....I guess....I’m fine,” she concluded, hating the way her voice sounded, even to her own ears.

“When was the last time you’ve eaten?” Howie guessed with a penetrating stare.

“Yesterday?” she whispered.

“That’s it, you’re eating right now.” Nathaniel frowned in displeasure. Howie nodded his agreement. To spite the fact that she was almost painfully aware of Howie’s attire -or lack thereof- Claudia stifled a laugh.

“What do you think I was trying to do? I just haven’t found something I like, yet.” If the men were disturbed before, they were both positively scowling now. As soon as Nathaniel opened his mouth to grace the woman with a tongue lashing, he quieted. Claudia and Nathaniel both got a far off look in their eyes, which told Howie something must be coming across the radios they wore. He knew his assumption was correct when Nathaniel cursed and Claudia’s expression clouded with worry. She began to move toward the elevator.

“Oh no you don’t,” Nathaniel waylayed her actions. “I’ll handle this. You,” he extended a finger in Claudia’s direction firmly, “eat something. Now.”

“But, Nath-”

“Now. No arguments Claudia. Come to think of it, someone needs to stay with Howie while I’m gone. He’ll make sure you eat, won’t you D?”

Howie saluted Nathaniel and gave Claudia a friendly smile which she hesitantly returned. Satisfied, Nathaniel boarded the elevator and was gone.

Claudia turned to discover Howie’s eyes on her. “So, what happened?” he asked just as she remembered he hadn’t been able to hear the plea for help across their wires.

“Jack ran into some trouble in the lobby. There’s a mob of preteens just waiting to sink their teeth into Brian,” she giggled, “I think the Boy is having a hard time talking his way out of this one.” Howie’s chuckle merged with her own, and the sound was almost melodic, even to Claudia’s untrained ears.

“So, come on.” he told her, setting off toward his room. “Let me change and we’ll head down to the restaurant. They’ve got a private room set up for us.”

Claudia’s face lit up like a stoplight at the thought of being in the same suite with Howie as he donned something more appropriate for the dining room. She stepped closer to the vending machine. “Oh no. That’s all right, I’ll be fine with something from here.”

Howie pivoted to her, once he realized she wasn’t trailing in his footsteps. “Nope. Real food, Claudia. That was the bargain.” As she opened her mouth to protest again, he crossed the distance between them in several strides, then placed his palm over her lips. “No.” he said firmly, then grasped her hand tightly in his. “Since you’re my temporary body guard, you go where I go, right?” Hesitantly, she nodded. “Then don’t fight it, come on!”

Twenty minutes later, the pair were seated in a booth in the back of the private dining area set up for the crew staying at the hotel. The plate in front of Claudia was laden with fresh fruit, a deli sandwich, vegetables, and a slice of chocolate cake. Howie sat beside her, eating more of the same as the two attempted conversation like awkward teenagers on their first date. The clumsy atmosphere between them was due more to their mutual interest in one another than to any real nervousness. In actuality, Claudia soon felt halfway composed in Howie’s presence, while he couldn’t help but think that beneath her frenzied work ethic, she possessed a calming aura.

“So, what were you up to that prevented you from nourishing your body for an obscene amount of time?” he questioned, eyes sparkling. Claudia couldn’t seem to ignore the way his black curls, still damp, brushed lightly across his shoulders. She smiled sheepishly and shrugged averting her gaze to the table.

“I was working the bugs out of the radio system software.”

“And this morning?” he prompted.

She raised her green orbs to meet his brown. “Working the bugs out of the radio system.” He laughed and shook his head.

“It’s comforting to know I’m of use. It’s not everyday I get the chance to save someone from the perils of overworking and eating from the hotel vending machines.”

“Then you must be my knight in shining armor.” As soon as the thought left her mouth, Claudia was tempted to hide her head in her hands. Since when had she learned to flirt? That was what she was doing, wasn’t it? She couldn’t BELIEVE she had said that. It was one of those moments where her brain was obviously not connected to her tongue. Surprisingly, Howie simply sent a wink in her direction and continued eating. Breathing a sigh of relief, Claudia made a mental note to duct tape her mouth shut.

“So, how long have you and Parker been working together?”

“About fourteen days.”

“What?!” he exclaimed, dropping his sandwich back onto his plate. “Fourteen DAYS? Are you sure it’s not years?”

It was Claudia’s turn to laugh as she nearly choked on her Sprite. Howie slapped her back a few times as she regained her composure. “Yes, I’m certain.”

“That’s weird. The way you two operate, I’d just assumed.....”

“Did you ever hear the way the word “assume” can be broken down?” she asked. For the second time in the space of two minutes, Claudia wanted to crawl beneath the table to hide. Howie’s mouth quirked.

“Point taken. So....if you’ve only been together two weeks, how did you two meet?”

Claudia’s thoughts raced. She couldn’t exactly tell Howie that she and Parker had gotten to know one another over a nice gun fight at the pier, committed a felony together while bonding in the process, and had capped it all off with buying goods from an illegal dealer.

“We were introduced through a mutual friend,” Well, that part was true enough. “He thought we’d work well together,” Boy, do we ever....jacked that Honda in thirty seconds flat. “Parker just sort of showed up on my doorstep.,” Yeah, right before I was supposed to make an sale to a gun toting businessman. “And the rest is history,” she finished with a smile.

Howie grinned. “A match made in heaven, huh?” Claudia shrugged. “So, are you as dangerous as your partner?” he asked slyly.

“What do you mean?”

“Could you rival an arsenal for your weapon count?”

“I’ll never tell,” she replied, taking another bite of pineapple.

“Then I guess I’ll just have to torture it out of you.” The two shared a smile over their plates, then fell silent. Howie watched Claudia from the corner of his eye, appraising her appearance. This tiny woman was turning out to be even more than he had expected. She had a sharp wit, among other things, which intrigued him to no end. From her flaming curls to her twinkling emerald eyes, she captured his attention like no other woman had in some time. She wasn’t beautiful....not even pretty, really. But there was something about her....something he couldn’t quite define..... She looked at him then, her sweater sleeves practically falling into the food on her plate...and Howie decided he didn’t need to know what that ‘something’ was. But he did realize, he wanted to get to know the petite redhead better....much better.

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