| “Dreams” A short story based on the WB Series, “Tarzan” By Gabbyfan ***
Jane screamed. She sat bolt upright in bed. Sweat was pouring from her. She was clutching her pillow so tight that her knuckles were white. "Why do I keep having the same dream"...Ok, it's more like a nightmare she thought to herself. But ever since she saw Michael fall from the roof and die she couldn't stop dreaming about it. There was a soft knock at the door. The door creaked open a little. "Jane? Are you ok?", Nikki asked as she peeked around the door. "Yeah, I'm ... I'm okay", Jane shakily replied. Nikki came in the rest of the way over to the bed. Concern in her eyes, she asked Jane again. "Really, Nik, I'm fine. I'm just having trouble sleeping again." "Do you want me to stay with you for awhile?" But before Jane could reply Tarzan came flying through
her bedroom window and landed like a panther ready to pounce. Tarzan immediately took in all of his surroundings. He found no one there except Jane and Nikki. He cautiously wandered over to where Jane lay sitting in her bed. Tarzan searched Jane's brown eyes for answers. "Jane, you're hurt?", he inquired. Somehow he could still sense fear coming from Jane but didn't push her. "No, John, I'm fine. I'm just having trouble sleeping", Jane replied. She certainly wasn't about to tell John about her nightmare. She knew he felt responsible for Michael's death. And, in some way, Jane knew she was responsible. She just couldn't let it go. Nikki glanced over to her sister. She was starting to
worry about her. Nikki knew that Jane blamed herself for Michael's death
but there was nothing she could do or say to convince her otherwise. Nikki turned to John and gave him a silent plea for him to stay with Jane. Tarzan quickly nodded. "I will stay with you", he announced. Jane shook her head. "Really, John, I'm fine. I just need to get some sleep." Tarzan sat down next to Jane and cupped his hand under her chin turning it towards him. His blue grey eyes captured Jane's. "I will stay", he said firmly. Jane looked deeply into John's eyes. She sighed. Every time John looked at her like that it was hard to say no. Then she started feeling foolish. Why is everyone treating me like a child? she thought. "John...no..it's ...I just need..." Tarzan didn't let her finish. He placed a couple of fingers to her lips. "Rest." Jane finally gave in and collapsed back on her bed. Her eyes were already half closed. Nikki slipped out of Jane's room knowing that John would do his best to help her back to sleep. She thought to herself to mention Jane's nightmares to Sam in the morning. Maybe he could do something as well to help Jane get through her grief. Meanwhile...back in Jane's room... Tarzan gazed at Jane's sleeping form, relieved that she finally gave in without too much protest. She was falling into a restless sleep, but it was sleep just the same. He knew she had been having some sleepless nights, but he had purposely kept his distance on those nights leaving her be. All he wanted to do was to help her and keep her safe. Tarzan had been perched on the rooftop, in his usual spot, across from Jane's apartment when he heard her cry out. He couldn't imagine what would make Jane do so. That's when his natural instinct to protect Jane had taken over and he had come flying through her open window ready for anything or anyone. The thought of anyone hurting Jane was too much for him to bare, especially if it was him. After Michael's death, Jane had told him that she didn't blame him. But he still felt responsible, even though Michael had tried to kill him by pushing him over a rooftop edge. However, things didn't turn out the way Michael had hoped and he had paid the ultimate price for love. He didn't blame Michael for his actions. Tarzan understood that Michael was trying to protect Jane in his own way, even though he had gone to his uncle for help. And that's what Tarzan was determined to do now... protect Jane at any cost. His thoughts slowly drifted back to Jane sleeping. I wonder if Jane will tell me what's wrong, he thought to himself. She likes to take on situations by herself but I know I can help her this time. To Tarzan, Jane was the most beautiful creature in the world even with her sweat drenched hair all over the place. He cocked a smile at this thought. Gently he brushed away a few damp strands from her face. His fingers lingered on her cheek. She stirred for a moment then lay still again. Tarzan stood up then, hovering over Jane. She was still clutching her pillow but at least she didn't have a death grip on it anymore. He decided to leave Jane be for now, despite his need to crawl into bed and wrap his arms around her. She was safe for the moment. Silently he walked back over to Jane's window. He glanced back at Jane one last time. Satisfied that she would sleep the rest of the night, he climbed out the window and up to the rooftop. He was still thinking about her scream and decided to take up his perch again. Tarzan still wasn't convinced that Jane was fine like she had told him. He had to trust that Jane would eventually tell him what's the matter. But in the meantime, his instincts warned him that Jane was in some kind of trouble. So with arms wrapped around his legs and chin resting on top of his knees, he sat guard over Jane's window...watching and waiting... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jane awoke this time to the sound of her alarm clock. A groan escaped her lips. 6:30am. She rolled over and smacked the snooze button. "Just five more minutes before I get ready for work", she mumbled to herself. As she lay there in bed, she vaguely remembered John coming through her window last night looking like he was ready to kill someone. He thought I was in trouble she told herself. "Well, let's face it, Jane, you were in trouble", she said aloud. It was just a dream...but it felt...it felt all too real. She started to dwell on her reoccurring nightmare when the alarm clock went off again. Nikki came knocking at her door. "Jane...Sam's here", she said. "Are you awake?" Jane stretched out her arms and legs while still in bed. She rolled over and turned the alarm off. "Yeah...tell Sam I'll be there in 15 minutes." She swung her bare feet of the bed and sat with her head in her hands. God, I really need to do something about these nightmares. I don't know how much more I can take. And this lack of sleep is starting to affect my work she thought. Jane got up and undressed. Maybe a hot shower will perk me up, she thought. She wondered if John was still out there watching her window. Briefly she considered going over to the window to check. But truthfully she was too tired to even care about modesty. Jane marveled at herself that she got ready for work in that 15 minutes. Since, all the while, she was pondering the meaning of her dream. She quickly grabbed her gun and badge and went in search of coffee ...and Sam. Jane sauntered into the kitchen where she found Nikki and Sam immersed in a deep conversation. As she approached they stopped suddenly and glanced her way. What are they up to? she wondered. Sam turned to Jane. "Morning, Jane." Upon further inspection he added, "um...Jane...you look...terrible." "Uh, thanks Sam, for that brilliant deduction," Jane replied. "Well, it is part of my job," he said smirking. He continued on, "Jane, didn't you get any sleep last night?". Jane shot her sister a furious look. Nikki only smiled back at her and shrugged. "No...not really," she responded. She couldn't lie to Sam anymore. He was her partner and best friend. They trusted each other and she wasn't about to break that bond. Sam waited patiently while she collected her thoughts. "I keep having the same dream, Sam. I keep replaying Michael's death in my head...but instead of Michael going over the edge...it's me. And just when I find myself starting to fall...I...I wake up." Sam placed his hands on Jane's shoulders. "Jane...Michael's death wasn't your fault. Stop beating yourself up about it. There was nothing you could have done. Seriously, you have to believe that. You need to let it go, Jane. Please let him go. You need to get on with your life." He paused, then added, "we all do." "I know...I know. I'm trying but it's just so hard." She could feel the tears starting to form in her eyes. Jane swallowed hard and turned away from Sam's grasp. "Well, if you won't listen to your friends and family...maybe you should get some professional help." Sam waited for Jane's outburst. "What? What do you mean...like a shrink?", she blurted. "Yes, Jane, like a shrink. You know...a licensed professional. Someone who knows what they're doing. Besides, you don't have a choice." Jane shot Sam an inquisitive look. "Captain's making everyone who was close to Michael go see this guy. And that especially means you, Jane. He sent me here to make sure you make it to your appointment today at 8:30am. I'm sorry, Jane." "Don't worry about it, Sam. You're just doing your job. Besides, maybe he could help me. He might be able to shed some light on why I keep having my dream. Just let me grab a cup of coffee then we can go...okay?". "Okay. One more cup for me too," he said. Nikki handed them both a full mug. "Here ya go." "Thanks Nik," they replied in unison. "You're both welcome and, besides, that's what I'm here for...to help." Nikki flashed them a smile and went off to get ready for school. On their way to her appointment, Jane got the distinct feeling that John was following them in his usual way...across the roof tops. She looked up out the car window a couple of times but couldn't catch a glimpse of his tone muscular body or that wild mop of hair anywhere. Still, she didn't doubt that John was following her. Despite the crazy New York City traffic, Sam and Jane managed to arrive to the psychiatrist on time for her appointment. "Ah, Ms. Porter, you're right on time. Do come in," Dr. Rider said, gesturing for her to come into his office. "Thanks," Jane said. She glanced around his office. "You have quite the collection of degrees... so many specialties." "Yes...I find the human mind very fascinating. I've
done some extensive research in my lab. So...shall we get started then." Jane gave a short nervous laugh. What the heck am I doing here, she questioned herself. Dr. Rider seemed to sense her hesitancy. "You shouldn't be upset or ashamed that you're here, Ms. Porter. I've helped lots of people overcome their fears and problems. All you need to do is take the first step and trust me. You need to open up and tell me what's on your mind." With that said, he sat down across from Jane, notebook and pen in hand. Jane sighed. Well...what have I got to lose, she chided
herself. Jane lay down on the plush leather sofa across from Dr. Rider.
She then proceeded to describe her dream in complete detail. Dr. Rider
occasionally probed her with questions, jotting her responses down. Jane
didn't leave anything out in the off chance that it might alter Dr. Rider's
answers to the questions she had. "Well, doc, can I be cured?" Jane looked over to Dr. Rider smiling. "Well, Jane, that's up to you," he responded. Dr. Rider continued on. "What you're feeling is perfectly normal considering the tragedy you've witnessed. You've got some unresolved issues with this Michael. But with his passing, you must realize that you will never be free until you let Michael go. I can help you with that...but you must continue with our sessions. Deal?" Jane sighed. She thought this was going to be a one time deal coming here. "Well, if it helps me get some peace of mind then...deal." Jane got up from the sofa stretching her legs. Dr. Rider went over to his mahogany desk and took out a bottle of pills from one of his drawers. He handed them to Jane. "These will help you sleep at night." "What are they?", Jane asked, taking the bottle. "A mild sedative... nothing more. Just be sure to take them an hour before you go to bed." Dr. Rider escorted Jane outside his office. "Okay, Ms. Porter, how about 8:30am on Thursday?" "Fine. I'll be here," Jane agreed. She walked over to where Sam sat waiting for her. "How'd it go?" "Ok...I guess. Let's get out of here." Jane was emotionally drained from retelling her nightmare. Dr. Rider watched them go then went back into his office. He picked his phone up and pressed a button. "Yes...yes she was here. Yes, Sir, I gave her the pills like you requested. No, she doesn't have a clue." He paused for a moment. "When shall I expect payment, Mr. Clayton?" Very well." Dr. Rider put the phone down. It''ll be interesting to see how these new experimental pills will work, he thought. So what if I had to have Richard Clayton fund my research. Soon I won't need him at all. Back in the car, Sam turned to Jane, "Are you sure you're okay? You look a little frazzled." "Yeah, Sam, nothing a little sleep won't cure," she replied. Jane gave Sam the 'stop worrying about me' look. Sam chuckled. "So what's on the agenda for today?" "You sure you're up to this?", Sam repeated. He glanced back at Jane. "Ok...Ok. Right... You feel like going to check out a disturbance over at Delta Pharmaceuticals?" "Sure." Jane and Sam spent the whole day at the pharmaceutical company taking statements, looking at files, and scanning through security videos. They came up with nothing. "I don't understand it , Sam. It has to be an inside job. The only thing that was stolen was some chemical formula. And this place has more security than Fort Knox. But we've talked to everyone here and my gut's not giving off any vibes about anyone here. How about you?" "Nah. I've got nothing either. Listen...why don't we go get a bite to eat then head back to the station. I want to cross reference some things and see what we come up with. Besides, this place reminds me of a mad scientist's lab." Jane smiled. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Come on." On the way back to the station, Jane and Sam drove in silence. Each of them pondering possibilities of the theft and running scenarios through their heads. They worked well together that way. Then they would huddle later and discuss viable leads. In the midst of one of her scenarios, Jane's mind started
wandering. She found herself drifting...drifting back to the rooftop. "Jane...Jane!" Sam had pulled the car over to the curb. He was shaking her trying to wake her up. "Jane, wake up! I think you're having that dream again." Jane jerked her eyes open and gasped for air a few times. She reached her hands up to her sweaty brow to steady herself. She noticed that her hands were shaking somewhat. "God, Sam...when is it going to end?", she sobbed. "Jane... you just need some more time." Sam frowned. He didn't seem to be helping Jane. "Listen...why don't I drop you off at your house and I'll go check out our leads. You need to get some rest, Jane." "I guess you're right," Jane agreed. She was too exhausted to argue with him. "Promise you'll call later." "Yes. I promise I'll check on you later. Now, let's get you home." Jane said goodbye to Sam and went up to her apartment.
It was only 7 pm but it felt a lot later than that. She walked into the
kitchen and saw the note Nikki left on the refrigerator: "Jane- out
with friends. Be back later. Call my cell if you need anything- Nikki" Jane wandered into the bedroom, the bottle of pills still in her hand. She was about to get undressed when Tarzan climbed through the window. He softly called her name, "Jane." Jane jumped. "John." She still wasn't used to him coming in her room like that. But the sight of his warm caring eyes and strong soft hands just melted her insides to mush. He came over to her and placed his right hand against her soft cheek, gently caressing it. "Jane...you okay?" He looked deeply into her brown eyes waiting for her to respond. Her knees suddenly felt weak and she had a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach. It's just butterflies...or maybe it's the pills starting to work, she thought. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered when she was with John except her feelings for him. "Yes, John. I'm fine. I was just going to get some sleep. But now that you're here, I want to talk to you about something." She gazed longingly into John's blue grey eyes, wondering if he would understand what she was about to tell him. Ok... here goes nothing, she told herself. "John... remember when I told you last night that I was having trouble sleeping?" Tarzan gave a slight nod. "Well, it wasn't the whole truth really. I was having a dream...well, more like a nightmare." Jane continued to gaze into John's eyes. " I was remembering you and Michael fighting on the rooftop." Jane could feel the tears starting to swell. "And the next thing I know... I'm dangling over the edge holding on for dear life. I start falling and you try to save me but...you can't." The tears were flowing freely now. Tarzan brought his other hand up to caress her face,
gently wiping away the tears. His heart ached seeing her like this. There was so much warmth and compassion in his voice as he said her name. It was hard to believe there was a brutal ferocious side to him as well. "Let me finish, John...please," she begged. "It wasn't anyone's fault what happened that night. Things happen for a reason. I believe that now...and no matter what's happened in the past, John, I know ...I know we're supposed to be together." Jane couldn't stand it anymore. She was about to burst from all the emotions building up inside her. She longed to kiss John and finally tell him that she loved him. What a strange feeling love is...I feel faint and lightheaded, she thought. Tarzan had waited so long to hear those words from Jane. He had known it the first time he had laid eyes on her. He cupped her tender face in his strong hands tilting her head back just a bit. Those eyes... those lips... God, she is beautiful, he thought. His mind raced with all the possibilities of loving Jane. "John, I feel... I feel..." Jane's voice trailed off. Tarzan leaned forward to brush his lips against hers to finally taste her sweetness. Just when he was about to get his wish, Jane fainted. With his jungle honed reflexes, Tarzan deftly caught
Jane in his arms. He was sure this wasn't supposed to happen. Tarzan picked her up and carried her over to the bed, placing her down gently. Quickly, he checked for a heartbeat by putting his head down to her chest. Something's wrong, he thought. Her heartbeat is too fast and unsteady. He tried calling her name again, "Jane!" Still no response. That's it, he decided. I'm bringing her to my aunt's place. Kathleen has doctors that can help Jane. So, with grim determination, Tarzan set off for his aunt's with Jane cradled in his arms... Jane slowly opened her eyes. She blinked a couple of times. Her vision was still a little blurry. She blinked a few more times trying to clear it. Jane realized she was lying down but she wasn't in her bedroom anymore. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Where am I?", she mumbled trying to sit up. She felt a firm hand on her shoulder gently pushing her back down on the bed. "You need rest," she heard. Jane looked around, gradually resting her eyes upon Tarzan sitting next to her. "John?", she inquired still trying to focus. "I'm here Jane," Tarzan replied with a sigh
of relief. He had been at her side the entire night holding her hand against
his warm cheek. He didn't want to leave her alone in the state she was
in Tarzan knew he had done the right thing in bringing Jane here. Kathleen had immediately sent for her private physician to come and check Jane out. The doctor had treated her for the arrhythmia to stabilize her. He told Kathleen that she need to be monitored for a few hours and that he believed Jane would be all right. That's all Tarzan needed to hear...his Jane would be okay. Jane closed her eyes again and relished in John's warm lips upon her skin. Jane let out a long breathe. His lingering touch sent shivers down her spine. She felt that funny warm feeling start to creep back into her stomach again. Jane could feel the blood rush to her face and to other parts in her body as well. Tarzan could sense the heat emanating from her and leaned closer. It was almost like he could smell the pheromones oozing from her pores. He brought Jane's hand up again to his lips. Tarzan smiled playfully as he watched Jane squirm in anticipation. Jane turned to stare longingly at Tarzan with her quivering lips slightly apart. Her breathing became heavy. She was silently begging him to do it. He held her gaze as he finally planted a soft wet kiss across the back of her hand. Jane lost all reasoning at this point. She wanted more...no, she needed more from Tarzan. She wished he would take her in his arms and make love to her over and over again. It was like he had awakened some kind of animal inside her. She let out a moan as Tarzan proceeded to kiss her palm then her wrist. Jane reached out with her other trembling hand to brush a few wild strands of hair away from John's face. He's so perfect and innocent, she thought. Oh how she wanted to remove his innocence. Jane reached her hand behind Tarzan's neck urging him toward her. He obliged and came in closer. Just then Kathleen entered the room. "Ehh...hhmmm." She cleared her throat obviously aware that she had stumbled into a personal moment between them. "Jane, how are you feeling?", she asked. Tarzan and Jane reluctantly broke eye contact but remained holding hands. Jane finally answered Kathleen. "A little shaky and flushed but otherwise okay." Kathleen smiled back at Jane knowing the real reason why she was flushed. "Well, that's good considering the state John brought you here in. It's a good thing he did too. You were having some irregular heart palpitations. But my doctor assures me that you'll be fine." Kathleen paused then asked, "have you ever fainted before this?" Jane glanced back at Tarzan horrified. "I...I fainted?", she curiously asked. She couldn't believe it. Tarzan slowly nodded. He had another playful smile on
his face. "By the way, Jane...where did you get that bottle of pills that were in your hand?", Kathleen interrupted. Jane turned back to Kathleen. "The what? Bottle of pills?" Then it slowly came back to her that she had taken one of those pills. "Oh, this psychiatrist gave them to me. Our Captain's making a bunch of us go see him. They're only mild sedatives. Why?" "Who gave them to you?" Kathleen quietly demanded. "His name is Dr. Rider," Jane replied wondering why Kathleen was so interested. "Why?" Jane repeated. "Because I'm afraid that what you took was not a
mild sedative." Jane examined Kathleen's face. She's hiding something from me, she thought. "Had to be sure about what?", Jane asked. "Well...a few days ago I heard rumors that there was something stolen from one of Greystokes subsidiary companies. Supposedly, it was a new experimental pill they were working on for the government...a sort of mind controlling drug. When introduced into the body it somehow lowers your inhibitions and blocks your free will. Your mind sort of becomes like a blank slate. Fortunately, the reports say it hasn't been perfected yet but it does leave some side affects like the ones you experienced." Kathleen looked intently at Jane. "So when John brought you here in the state you were in and I saw those pills...I had to be sure." Jane was dumbfounded. Who would be trying to control her she wondered. The answer hit her like a ton of bricks. "How long before it's out of my system?", Jane inquired. "The lab was still testing it before it got stolen.
They told me it would last possibly 2 days...maybe less." Kathleen
answered. Tarzan had been quiet this whole time watching Jane. He didn't really understand all of the talk about the pills but he definitely perked up at the last comment. He gave Jane's hand a slight squeeze silently wishing her to consider his aunt's offer. Jane had processed the information that Kathleen had
given her. "Sam has already called here looking for you. He got worried when he tried you at home and you weren't there. I told him what I told you and he asked me to tell you to meet him at the station as soon as possible. I'll have my limo take you when you're ready." "Thank you." Jane replied. Kathleen turned and walked out of the room. Jane was still going through all the information...Dr. Rider...stolen formula ... Greystoke...when Tarzan placed his hand against her cheek turning it towards him. "Jane?" he softly inquired. "Yes, John?" "I want to help," Tarzan answered. "No, John. I need you to stay here while I go see Sam. I need to check something out." Jane could see the worry in John's face. "I'll be fine. Really." He understood this was part of Jane's job but that didn't mean he had to like it. He silently told himself that he would keep watch on Jane no matter where she went. Tarzan sighed then nodded. "Good. Now help me up. I need to get to Sam before he worries some more about me." Jane slowly got ready to go realizing John was watching her intently. She turned and gave his hands a quick squeeze and told him that she would be back as soon as possible. Tarzan realized his hunt for whatever was causing Jane trouble wasn't over. And so, he set off again once more, determined to protect Jane no matter what... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jane arrived at the police station and climbed out of the sleek black limo. As she approached the station entrance, she got the distinct feeling that someone was watching her so she glanced back. She thought she saw some movement on the rooftop across from the station. 'John better not be following me. I've got enough to worry about right now.' Shaking her head, she walked inside the building. Sam was waiting for her at their desks. "Jane...I was worried about you. How are you feeling?", Sam asked as he inspected her from head to toe. "Sorry, Sam...I'm better. Thanks." Jane flashed Sam a weak smile. "So what did you find out?" , Jane asked eager to get down to business. "Well...I checked out some of the leads about the
research lab, and after what Kathleen told me, my suspicions were confirmed. "That's not surprising...and I have a feeling that he hasn't stopped either," Jane interrupted. Sam looked at Jane knowing what she meant. Sam continued on. "So he went to work as a psychiatrist during the day and doing research in his own private lab at night. He's been a very busy man and now he has caught the attention of some very powerful people." Jane knew what Sam was going to say and jumped the gun. "He's working for Clayton, isn't he, Sam?" Sam nodded. "Well...let's go through his phone records and bank accounts. Let's set up a tap on his phone and get a search warrant for his office...", Jane rambled. "Way ahead of you, Jane," Sam replied. "I've gone through all that after what Kathleen told me. His bank account shows large deposits of money and he's had numerous phone call from Greystoke. The last office call he made was a call to Greystoke...right after you left yesterday, Jane." Sam realized how serious this was getting. Now Jane is caught in the middle of this somehow and I won't be able to stop her from going after this guy, he thought. He deserves whatever he gets for sharing a bed with the enemy. "So what are we waiting for, Sam? Let's go bring him in!" Jane had that look of sheer determination on her again. "Whoa, Jane! The Captain's not to keen on you continuing with this case after founding out what Dr. Rider did to you." Jane rolled her eyes. "Jane... he wants this guy brought in as much as you do but...well, he is worried about you." "Sam...this guy is not going to get away with whatever he thought he was trying to do to me. Besides, if we stop Rider then we'll stop Clayton's plan. And I have a bad feeling that it has to do with me and John being together. I won't let that happen, Sam! So...to hell with the Captain. Let's go!" "Jane, you're such a rebel!", Sam teased smiling at her. He knew there was no way of talking her out of this and he didn't want to. Once she's set her mind to something...it'll take a force of nature to stop her, he mused. After getting the warrant, Sam and Jane drove over to Dr. Rider's office. When they were pulling up, they noticed that Dr. Rider was coming out with his briefcase. Sam pulled over to the curb. "I wonder where he's going in such a hurry," Sam wondered aloud. "I don't know, Sam...but let's follow him to see where he goes," Jane responded. Sam pulled out into traffic behind Dr. Rider's car, being careful not to be spotted. They were only a few cars behind him. They weren't the only ones to spot Dr. Rider. Tarzan was also following close behind, across the rooftops, when Sam and Jane stopped in front of the place where they went yesterday. That must be the man who hurt Jane by giving her those pills, he thought to himself. A low panther like growl escaped Tarzan's throat. His eyes flashed in anger as he clenched the rooftop edge with his hands. Tarzan noticed that, instead of approaching the man, Sam and Jane had followed him in the car. His instincts warned him that danger was coming. So, without another thought, Tarzan leapt from the rooftop giving chase. It was getting dark. They had been driving around the city for about half an hour when, suddenly, Dr. Rider had pulled down an alley. There was only one other vehicle there besides Dr. Rider's...a black SUV. Sam stopped the car in front of an abandon building about 50 yards from Dr. Rider's car. "This is a funny place to have a lab. I wonder what he's up to?", Sam asked turning towards Jane. But Jane was already out of the car, gun in hand, walking down the alley. "Jane...Jane!", Sam whispered loudly. "Man! She's getting to be more like our monkey boy...rushing into things like that!" Sam shook his head. He grabbed his gun and headed off after Jane... It was now pitch black with the occasional sparse light coming from nearby buildings. Jane was having trouble tracking where Dr. Rider had gone. If only John was here, she thought briefly. She was hugging the walls of the buildings in pursuit of the man who thought he could control her. There he goes around the corner, she spied. Jane hurried after him. She noticed a back door slightly open from a building up ahead of her. She faintly heard footsteps coming from over there. Gotcha, she said to herself. Jane came to a halt in front of the door drawing her gun in front of her. She slowly creaked the door open, cautiously peering inside. No one here, she quickly assessed. She stepped inside the back entrance to the empty building. What little light that shone through the windows revealed a long hallway with numerous closed doors and a staircase that went up. Great...where to start, she thought. Then she heard footsteps on the stairs going up. Silently, she followed the sound of the footsteps up the stairs staying close to the walls. Meanwhile, Sam was trying to keep up with Jane but he lost her around the corner down another back alley. I should have hog tied her and forced her to stay at the station, he thought. "All right...leave me a trail Jane", he whispered to himself. He turned the corner and proceeded down the next alley scanning each side for signs of Jane's passing as he went. Tarzan, on the other hand, had no trouble tracking Jane. He knew her sweet scent intimately. As Tarzan stood on the rooftop overlooking Sam's car, a light breeze brushed his wild golden locks about his face teasing him with Jane's scent. He saw Sam go down the alley where Jane had gone. Tarzan knew Sam was worried for Jane just like he was. He also knew that Jane hasn't been herself lately. She seemed more vulnerable, he thought...too vulnerable. He let out another deep growl as he thought about what Dr. Rider had done to Jane. With an incredible burst of energy and strength, Tarzan took off across the rooftops again following Jane's scent. He was determined to keep her safe. Jane crept up the stairs after Dr. Rider. She heard a door slam shut above her. As quietly as she could, she sprinted the rest of the way up to what looked like the roof access. Jane got a sense of de ja vu. Cautiously she cracked the door open a bit to listen outside. She heard Dr. Rider talking to someone. Jane strained to hear what they were saying. "No! I was promised payment tonight," Dr. Rider exclaimed. "I will not be ignored like some unruly child!" "You will be compensated for your work but we need you to do something else for us," the other man said. "I already gave her the pills. I've held up my end of the bargain," Dr. Rider protested. "I'm out of this...now, my payment please," he demanded. "Very well...", the other man said. This is too good to be true, Jane thought. I've got Dr. Rider and Richard Clayton up here together. He's not going to get away this time. This is where it ends, she thought. John and I can finally live our lives without fear of someone hurting us. Without further hesitation, she threw open the door and charged out onto the roof, pointing her weapon in front of her. "Put your hands where I can see them!" Jane shouted at the men. Dr. Rider's back was to Jane. Jane quickly skirted around him to get a better look at the other man, placing herself near the edge of the building. Jane did a double take. There was no one there. "Where did the other man go?", Jane demanded. "What a surprise to see you, Ms. Porter," Dr. Rider calmly said as he turned to face Jane. "But we weren't supposed to meet until tomorrow." "Shut up! I asked you where the other man, Clayton, went. Answer me!" Jane said, her voice rising. "What do you mean...what other man, Ms. Porter? I'm the only one up here," Dr. Rider said coming closer to Jane. "Stay where you are!" Jane blinked a few times and looked around again, all the while keeping an eye on Dr. Rider. I can't be hearing things now...or am I, she thought. She could have sworn she heard another man's voice. "Ms. Porter... you seem to be having trouble focusing. Are you sure you're alright?" Dr. Rider asked inching closer to Jane. "Let me help you. Put your gun down and we can talk about this." Jane flashed her eyes back to Dr. Rider, suddenly unsure of what to do. His voice had almost a hypnotizing effect on her. She found herself slowly lowering her gun down. Jane noticed that her hands were starting to tremble. "That's right, Ms. Porter...put the gun down," Dr. Rider continued. Jane stared at him as she felt her self control ebbing away. Everything was moving in slow motion. She saw Dr. Rider stepping closer to her as she was lowering her gun further. He's trying to control me, Jane thought panicking. She could feel her heart pound in her chest. Every beat was echoing through her ears. She felt reality slipping from her. Everything was surreal to her. Dr. Rider was closer now almost within reach of Jane. Then something snapped inside of Jane. 'What the heck am I doing,' she scolded herself. Anger swelled inside her burning through her helplessness. Dr. Rider's control of her began to wane. She felt a sudden burst of will power surge through her. Jane's eyes flashed, realizing that Dr. Rider's hold over her was no more. Jane's gun snapped back up in front of her aimed at his chest. "I said...stay where you are," Jane stated forcefully. Dr. Rider stopped in front of Jane now aware that the effects of the pills must have worn off. "Ms. Porter...I can explain everything..." Just then a gunshot rang out through the night, the sound ricocheting off the adjacent buildings. Both Jane and Dr. Rider looked wildly about searching for the source of the shot. "Get down!" Jane yelled at Dr. Rider. "I'm afraid I can't ...", he quietly responded. Jane glanced back at him wondering what had made him go quiet. Her eyes widened in sudden understanding. Blood began to ooze from the middle of his chest close to his heart. Damn it, she swore under her breath, now I'm not going to find out about Clayton's plan. "Ms. Porter...would you...be so kind... as to...", Dr. Rider sputtered, coughing up blood. He lunged for her in a last futile attempt. Out of the corner of her eye, Jane saw a man come flying at Dr. Rider. John?! Tarzan jumped at Dr. Rider putting both his hands on his chest, shoving him out of the way. Dr. Rider went spinning away from Jane. Jane stumbled backwards to get away from them. Her feet tripped on a roof vent and she went over the roof edge, her arms wind milling about her. She let out an earsplitting scream. Tarzan's head whipped around, hearing Jane's cry for help. He saw her go over. "No, Jane...no!", he yelled. Tarzan lunged after her. Jane felt herself falling. Frantically she reached out for something to hold on to ...anything to stop her descent to the pavement below. It's happening again, she thought panicking, this time for real. All of Jane's last thoughts were of John. Now I'll never be able to tell John how I feel about him and how much I want to be with him. Then suddenly something caught her arm, jerking her to a stop. She looked up and saw John's face. Relief washed over her. He never looked so good to her as he did right now. "John, don't let me go!" she cried. "Hold on...I've got you!" Slowly he pulled Jane up and into his waiting embrace. He brought her into his pounding chest enveloping her with his comforting arms. He briefly rested his chin on her head whispering, "You're safe now." Jane was overwhelmed with emotions. This time it wasn't from the pills she knew. She sobbed quietly in his chest thankful that it was now over. "John...thank you...I want to...". Tarzan gently drew his head off of Jane's head and looked
at her. God...those eyes. Jane felt that funny warm feeling in her stomach again. I'm not afraid this time she said to herself, looking into John's blue grey depths. "John...I want to tell you..." Jane's eyes began to tear up again. All of her feelings for Michael came back at once. She had loved Michael but she hadn't been in love with him. Jane realized that now. Jane knew she was in love with John...a deep, passionate, soul mate kind of love. The kind of love she had always wanted to find, and now, here it was standing in front of her. "I love you, John." Tarzan leaned forward. He was elated to finally hear those words from Jane. She's finally back to herself, he thought smiling. Tarzan brushed his warm soft lips against Jane's. Her lips were so sweet and inviting. Jane returned his kiss fully, giving herself over to him. "Jane!" Sam came bursting through the roof access door, gun pointing towards them. "What happened?!" Sam glanced over to the body of Dr. Rider. Tarzan and Jane looked at Sam smiling. "Nothing I couldn't handle Sam." Jane laughed. It's good to hear her laugh again, Sam thought, putting his gun away. "Well, you can fill me in later. I'll call this in and go back to the station to fill out reports. You go get some rest...you look like hell." Sam smirked. Jane looked at Tarzan, "Let's go home." Tarzan reached down to pick Jane up cradling her in his arms. "Home it is..." Tarzan smiled down at Jane. Later that night...back at the Greystoke mansion... Richard Clayton put the phone down. He was very upset and disappointed with the news he just received. At least there are no loose ends as far as Dr. Rider is concerned. But John was still out there, out of his reach. I will have complete control over Greystoke no matter what, he thought. This is not over by a long shot. |