Parker swept through the backstage area with an air of confidence that she didn't quite feel, with Claudia following close behind her...her laptop case slung over her shoulder. Men in general made her nervous...especially the ones she was hired to protect. She stopped abruptly at a dressing room door where five men were in various states of undress, an observation that annoyed Parker to no end. She'd just spoken with their tour manager yesterday. Hadn't he informed them of the scheduled time for this meeting? She passed an annoyed glance at Claudia, amused to find the smaller woman blushing almost as red as her hair. Parker tried not to grin. The week she'd spent with Claudia in Texas had passed quickly, but the two of them had formed a bond based on mutual respect and trust. They had lives to protect after all...it would be a disaster if they couldn't work together.
If the five men noticed the two women standing in the doorway...they weren't acknowledging it. Parker studied the rom, her eyes scanning everything from the floor to the ceiling.
Brightly colored clothes were strung around the room, some hanging over folding metal chairs, some in piles on the floor. Over-stuffed duffel bags were positioned all over the room, discarded pairs of shoes littered the floor. A hardwood table was pushed against the wall. It's surface was cluttered with even more clothing and several empty water bottles. Parker made that table her target.
"Gentlemen," she called loudly, striding into the room, ignoring the surprised looks. She swept the table clean with her arm, then placed her briefcase on top of it. She turned to face the men in the room...five pairs of curious eyes stared back at her. Satisfied that she had their attention, she began to speak.
"My name is Detective Parker Mendoza. This is my partner, Claudia Valentine," she said, gesturing to where Claudia had perched herself Indian style on top of the table. Claudia glanced up from where she had busied herself with her laptop and nodded.
"From this point on," Parker continued, "you will not move, you will not speak, and you will not ever venture out on your own without consulting one of us first. Every step you take will be fully monitored. You are not to enter any place unless it has been thoroughly inspected first. Hotel rooms, bathrooms, closets, the venues you perform in...even vehicles, will be investigated before you are allowed to set foot into them. An armed security guard will be appointed to you and will accompany you wherever-"
"Now wait just a minute!"
Parker swung her eyes to the tall blonde who had angrily interrupted her. She met his blue eyes evenly and arched one dark eyebrow.
"You can't be serious," he said, "all this high tech security stuff...I don't think we need-"
"It doesn't matter what you think Mr. Carter...I presume?" He nodded, she went on, "The FBI seems to think that you do need it. I have a job to do here and I intend to do it...with or without your cooperation. Now, as I was saying-"
"I still don't think this is necessary, " Nick Carter protested again.
Parker glared at him and straightened her spine. "Someone is attempting to cause you and your friends here serious bodily harm...to possibly even kill you," she stated briskly, "until this is resolved, you, your friends, your family...everything that you hold dear is in severe danger. If you want to come out of this with your pretty little million dollar head still attached to your body...then I suggest you listen to me Mr. Carter." Her dark eyes burned into his, daring him to say more. He didn't, instead he sank down onto a metal chair and sulked.
"Now," she went on, "I'd like to ask you all some questions." She nodded to Claudia, who immediately retrieved her laptop and brought the case file up on the screen. Parker rummaged through her metal briefcase until she located the correct papers. She looked them over, her brow lowered in concentration. No one said a word...they were too stunned by Parker's less than friendly attitude and the scathing lecture she had given Nick just moments before.
Kevin Richardson remained in a leaning position against the wall, trying to figure out where he had seen Parker before. AJ McLean and Howie Dorough shared a nervous glance, while Brian Littrell fidgeted with the hem of his t-shirt. Nick glared at the floor. This woman didn't ask, she demanded in a commanding voice capable of intimidating everyone in the vicinity of her.
AJ stared at the stunning vision before him. Detective Mendoza was an exotic beauty, dark all over..from the roots of her midnight hair to her olive tinted skin. He admired her obviously well-muscled body through the open folds of the long black trench coat hugging her lithe frame. She was easily his height, maybe even an inch or so taller...with long legs encased in black leather pants, curves in all the right places...his eyes widened at the sight of the gun holstered at her hip. Parker felt him staring at her...her sharp eyes met his, narrowing dangerously.
"Let's start with you Mr. McLean," she said, her tone icy. She came away from the table and circled him slowly. AJ had never been a very modest person, but he suddenly grew uncomfortable under the close scrutiny of her eyes as they traveled up his body. He found himself wishing that he'd put a shirt on. He knew what she was doing, silently making her point. He felt like a piece of meat on display...no doubt she had felt that way just moments before when he had been admiring her. Point taken, he thought to himself.
"Call me AJ," he told her, smiling, turning on the charm...trying to make up for the way he had offended her.
"I don't think so," she replied coolly. She glanced down at her notes, then said, "You do realize that you're an easy target. In fact, two of the four attempts have centered around you."
AJ didn't reply, he only crossed his arms across his chest in an insolent manner. "I would suggest that you tone it down considerably," she said, "wear long sleeves...dye your hair a normal color, things like that. But I am fully aware of the fact that I'd be wasting my breath."
AJ ran a hand through his fire engine red hair and asked, "What...you don't like the red?"
She didn't even look up from her notes as she said, "Stop trying to flirt with me Mr. McLean. If you value your life, then I suggest that you start taking this seriously." The ice in her voice was enough to send chills down his spine. Behind him, the guys were snickering...even Claudia had a smirk on her face. AJ's face flushed with color, part out of embarrassment, part out of anger. Who the hell did this woman think she was anyway?
Parker suddenly looked at him again, "Tell me everything you remember about these incidents."
AJ thought for a moment, then replied, "There's not much to tell. We were leaving our hotels...one in Denver and one in Chicago and someone just started shooting at us. We managed to get on the bus, but by the time the smoke cleared...whoever it was had disappeared. No one saw where the shots came from...there weren't many witnesses, it was the middle of the night. Just us and our security, but we didn't see anything either."
"What happened in Phoenix and Las Vegas?," Parker asked, keeping her eyes even with his.
AJ shrugged, "I was by myself both times. It happened when I was leaving the hotel to go out to the clubs you know? I try to go out in every city we go to...see the night life-
"Get to the point."
"Same thing...someone started shooting at me...in Phoenix it was before I had even left the lobby."
Parker looked around the room, making eye contact with the others. "Is this the way the rest of you remember it?," she asked. Four heads nodded their agreement.
"We've interviewed with each member of your current security team," Parker continued, "they'll be wired with a tracking system and a radio system directly linked to Claudia. We have to know where you are at all times. We've been provided a separate bus of our own...we will be traveling to each city you visit."
"What about our private lives?," Brian asked, "What if we have time to kill and want to go sightseeing or spend time with our families?"
"I don't care what you do, as long as an armed member of the security team is with you," Parker replied. "Any more questions?"
No one said anything...what was the point in arguing with her? She'd just barged in here and rearranged their entire lives in a matter of minutes, and proved that arguing with her decisions was pointless. Besides, none of them really believed that security would be as tight as she claimed it would.
"Well then...we'll be out on our bus," Parker said, "Claudia has some equipment to set up and I've got to secure your buses. I've left two men just outside this door...Nathaniel and Jackson. They'll escort you to he buses when you're ready. I'd like a detailed schedule of everything you do from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep before we leave this venue tonight. You know where we'll be."
The two women exited the room then, leaving behind five very bewildered men. It was quiet for endless minutes as each of them tried to digest what they'd just heard. It was Brian who spoke first.
"You think she used to be a drill sergeant?," he said, trying to make light of the situation.
"She's a bitch," Nick said, still sulking.
"I know I've seen her somewhere before...I just can't place it," Kevin offered.
"What about the other one?," Howie asked quietly...his mind still reeling with thoughts of the silent little redhead, "She seemed okay."
"How do you know?," AJ questioned, "She didn't say anything D...for all we know she could be just as bad...or worse."
"I doubt it," Howie mumbled as he resumed packing his stuff up. Nothing more was said...the usual boisterous atmosphere after a great show like the one they'd had tonight was long gone.
Outside the arena, Claudia and Parker climbed onto one of the many buses. It was nice; Parker supposed they'd have to make the best of it. God only knew how long it would be their temporary home.
Claudia perched herself lightly on one of the plush couches occupying the front of the bus. She twisted her hands in her lap as she gazed about their new living quarters and office space, wondering what to do next. She hardly knew what to make of Parker’s performance in the Boys’ dressing room, and her thoughts were going ninety miles a minute. Without a doubt, she admired Parker’s audacity, the way she could walk into a situation, no matter how uncomfortable, and immediately take charge. The men had seemed less than receptive to the orders issuing from Parker’s lips, but they had little choice in the matter. In the face of a snarling panther, there wasn’t much one could do.
Parker, who had been surveying their designated tour bus, reappeared at Claudia’s side. “What do you need for that system of yours?”
“A permanent space where I can set up. Someplace with plenty of room for all of the surveillance equipment.”
“Would the back entertainment room work? I seriously doubt we’re going to have much down time to pop in a movie and relax.” the taller woman suggested wryly. Claudia giggled. Over the past week, she had learned to recognize Parker’s subtle humor, and found it oddly comforting. Sometimes, Parker seemed less like a human being and more like a austere entity.
The large room at the back of the bus sported luxurious couches along one wall, an entertainment center against the back, and a table which folded snugly into place when necessary. “If we pulled out this table, it should provide ample space for a makeshift terminal. There’re two power sockets beneath the surface, so the powerbar would work just fine in this area. I could even utilize that TV set for surveillance.” Claudia grew more animated as she spoke and her curls raged about her head in a riotous mass. Parker couldn’t hide the tiny smile forming on her face as she observed her counterpart’s emmense excitement.
“Whoa! Slow down there. We’ll talk about survey equipment when I get back. For now, why don’t you focus on setting up your terminal?”
“Where are you going?” Claudia’s thoughts slowed enough to allow her to inquire.
“I’m going to check out the venue....get an idea of the feasibility of their escape plans....if they have any.” Parker replied, before turning to leave.
“Wait!” Claudia stood and brushed past her partner, hurrying ahead to rummage in the mesh bag she carried most everywhere. Evidently finding what she needed, Claudia came to stand before Parker. Tipping her head back to gaze up into the other woman’s features, Claudia shyly offered her a sheaf of papers.
“What’s this?” Parker frowned, thumbing through the pages.
“Maps of the venue from different angles. I had a bit of spare time earlier, so I thought I’d print them out. Maybe you can use them....for records or something,” she shrugged. Parker gave her a little nod, then stepped quickly down the stairs of the bus. Claudia began to return to the entertainment room, now their office.
“Hey, Claudia?” Parker called. The redhead peeked around the corner. “Thanks.”
A smile lit up Claudia’s face as she situated the bus to her liking. Parker’s words of gratitude, however minimal, had been a balm to her heart. Claudia had carried the distinct feeling that she wasn’t going to be much help, around in her heart the past few days. She was confident in her abilities but not sure that Parker would need them. The woman seemed to have her own way of doing things which usually barred her from asking for help from anyone..... Claudia included. Heaving a sigh of relief, she began to tote various items from the front of the bus to the office. The IBM laptop as well as the Powerbook came immediately, swiftly followed by the hubs and external disk drives she had kept from Defiance. Extensions, cords, and fingers flew as she began to assemble the terminal; humming softly, lost in her element.
*****
Howie stood before the door, his fist connecting solidly with the exterior of the bus as he knocked, requesting admittance. Not a sound came from within the vehicle, and he glanced around, wondering briefly whether or not he had the right bus. No, this was it; the other houses on wheels were familiar to him, having seen them many times before. This one was different. It’s sides weren’t yet splattered from the rain, mud, and oil of the road. There weren’t any imperfections marring the surface indicating the bus had yet to come into contact with a wayward post or fence. Hesitantly, Howie reached for the door handle, pulling the door open deliberately.
“Hello?” he called softly. “Anyone here?” Climbing aboard, Howie’s gaze continued to dart around the premises searching for a sign of life. Hardly anything had been touched, but two distinct piles of luggage were stacked haphazardly in the front beside the sofa. Stifling resentment, Howie mentally cursed his ‘brothers’ for electing him candidate to deliver their schedules. Sure, send the nice guy to the Lion’s Den. Wasn’t that how it always worked?
Tentatively, Howie began to navigate his way down the short hallway, moving past the bunks. He stopped short as he came to the doorway of the entertainment room. A resigned sigh escaped his lips as he found the room empty. This was just too much.
“Damn you, start cooperating or I swear to God, I’ll throw your sorry ass out the window!”
Howie cocked his head to the side, retreating a step. Great. Now he was hearing things..... what next, a padded cell in Fairfax?
“I’m warning you.....”
There it was again. It sounded as though someone were mumbling.....Howie’s eyes narrowed as he caught sight of two tiny bare feet protruding from beneath the table against the wall.
“Don’t make me get out the electrical tape.” The person who, Howie assumed, belonged to the feet said.
“Excuse me?” Howie called, wondering what business one could possibly have under a table. A loud thud echoed throughout the room quickly followed by a deep groan of pain. The feet began to shuffle rapidly in reverse, bringing with them a slender frame topped with a mop of unruly red curls. The person -a woman- settled back onto her bottom, tucking her legs beneath her and pressing both palms to the crown of her head. Slowly, she raised her gaze to meet his, and Howie realized with a start that it was Claudia. Actions finally replaced his surprise as he bent beside her. “Are you okay?,” he asked, concern radiating from his kind eyes and pleasant features. Claudia’s orbs widened and she gave a little nod, immediately regretting the motion.
“I think I’ll live,” she mumbled, rubbing the top of her head ruefully. Her face flushed in embarrassment, hating the fact that he had caught her in such a position.
“Claudia, right?” Howie inquired politely in an attempt to ease her obvious discomfort.
“Yes.”
“Let me help you up.” he invited, extending a hand. As her cold palm was enveloped in his warm one, Claudia felt her knees tremble a bit, prompting the redness in her cheeks to intensify. “By the way, I’m Howie.” He seemed to remember the stack of pages in his hand then, and offered them in her direction. “I just came by to drop off those schedules you requested.”
“Oh......thank you.” Claudia faltered, unsure of how she should respond. Opting to take the papers from him, she quickly assessed the fact that there was only one of Howie, yet an entire sheaf of documents. “Um....is all this....yours?” she questioned uncertainly. Howie studied the petite woman in front of him. When standing, Claudia wasn’t more than 5’4” and very slight in stature. Her hair framed her face like a ring of fire, only emphasizing the tell tale blush to her skin. Startling green eyes leapt out at him, capturing his stare briefly before she averted her eyes back to the writing in her hand. Howie couldn’t pull his attention away from her mouth, where her lower lip was captured between her teeth, nervously. He imagined her lips would be full and rosy if- “Howie?”
“What? Oh....no, I come bearing everyone’s schedules. I think your partner sort of intimidated the guys so I was....you know.....sent to, uh.....” Howie struggled to find tactful words for ‘Your counterpart’s a bitch’.
“Oh....well, that’s okay. I’ll be sure to give them to her when she gets back.”
“Great!” he responded cheerily, giving Claudia a friendly smile. “So, what are you up to?” he asked, gesturing toward the table and the mass of wires and equipment.
“I was setting up my terminal.”
“I see. Do you normally converse with you computer?” Howie’s eyes twinkled brightly as he posed this question, expecting to elicit a laugh. He was disappointed when Claudia’s skin tone once again blazed to match her hair.
“Not....not usually...”she stuttered, unbelievably flustered, “I was having some difficulty with one of he hubs and I.....” she trailed off helplessly, evidently finding the carpet fascinating.
“I was only joking.” he told her softly, “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
“I should get back to work.”
“All right then. I’ll see you soon, I’m sure.”
“Yeah. Thanks for dropping these off.” Claudia discreetly dismissed him, as she lay the schedules aside for Parker.
“No problem. Goodbye, Claudia.”
As the Latin man exited the room, she held her breath until the door slammed safely shut once again. Exhaling deeply, the redhead sank to the floor, legs tucking beneath her automatically. What a way to meet one of your charges. Absently, she toyed with an extension, starring at it as if she had no idea what to connect it to. Claudia picked up an external disk drive, only to set it set it down after a few seconds. She tried a box of disks next, but couldn’t figure out what it was she was supposed to do. Clutching the case of disks to her chest, Claudia stood and made her way into the tiny kitchenette. Hopefully, there was something to drink. Maybe a bit of refreshment would help reorganized her scattered thoughts and restore her direction.
Links to other sites on the Web
To Chapter 10
Back to CONTENTS
© 1997 crunkgrl62382@yahoo.com
Get your own Free Home Page