Chapter 5
~~~~~~~
Her eyes followed him, his every move. She knew who he was, she only said she was suspicious of him as a cover. But she was going to bring him down, she was going to prove to Sloane that he's hiding something. Hiding that he's a doubleagent. And proving that will lead to suspicions about his daughter. Which will lead to proof and bringing her down. With the help of someone on the inside, someone that Sydney had come to rely on. Having no doubts about.
She and Sark will gain Sloane's trust. They will get what information they need. She will rob him once more, and then use the information he's trusted her with to bring him and all of SD-6 down. To pay him back for stealing her seat. HER seat.
*****
"I'm almost positve that Ariana and Sark have to do with Marshall's kidnapping. THey wanted information about SD-6 for a reason." Sydney explained in confidence. "They obviously have a plan."
"It makes sense." Vaughn agreed. But before anything more could be said, both of their pagers went off.
*****
Kendall turned to face them at hearing their footsteps. He had his ready to kill look, and it made Sydney quicken her pace. "What's going on?" Sydney asked.
"Your father was supose to report here two hours ago." Kendall was saying. But the worry had drowned Sydney, and the name Ariana Kane was filling her head. "But he didn't. We tried to get a hold of him, but couldn't."
Sydney looked at Vaughn. Their faces showing they were thinking the same thing. Kendall noticed this. "Do you have some idea as to what's going on?"
Sydney looked back at Vaughn, her question in her eyes. Should they? Vaughn answered with his eyes. Kendall was giving them a questioning, impaitent look. Sydney sighed and turned her attention to Kendall. "No, we don't." Kendall gave her a doubtful look. "It's just that so much had happened in the past few months. And my dad doesn't just disapear."
"Miss Bristow, I am aware of the look you two just shared. I would like to know what you know." Kendall's voice was firm and demanding.
Sydney lifted her chin slightly. Putting a confident mask on, she glared at Kendall. "When I tell you that I don't know, it means I don't know."
Kendall was about to spit back when Vaughn cut in. "Sir, I don't think that Agent Bristow would lie about this. This is her father we are talking about, and it is in her best intrest to do whatever she can to help him." Sydney silently thanked Vaughn. "Now we are all on the same side. You have to start trusting Agent Bristow."
Kendall was quiet as his eyes darted from Sydney to Vaughn, Vaughn to Sydney. "Agent Bristow, I would like you to speak with Sloane and try to get any clues as to where your father might be."
Sydney nodded and Kendall studied them both before walking away. Sydney let out a long breath. "Thanks."
"No problem." Vaughn said. His eyes moving to Sydney.
"I'll talk to Sloane, see if I can get anything." Sydney told him, crossing her arms. "I seriously doubt I will though."
"I know." Vaughn nodded. "But we should do whatever we can to get information on your father." Sydney thought it was funny that first her dad was helping her to save Vaughn. And now Vaughn was helping her to save her dad. "You talk to Sloane, I'll speak with your mother." Sydney's eyes darted up, fully alert. "She may be able to help."
Sydney's brow creased with concern. "I know it's hard for you Vaughn, are you sure you want to?"
"Sydney, your father is in danger. We don't know what'll happen to him." There was a short silence. She was impressed by his answer. She was happy with him. "Meet at the warehouse in an hour." Sydney nodded and smiled.
*****
Irina smiled to herself at hearing the familiar sound of the gates being opened. She had a pretty good guess of what they wanted this time, but she wasn't sure. And who was visiting her? She felt the presence, not Sydney. Of course it wouldn't be Jack, but Agent Vaughn.
He stood there, looking uncomfortable. He shot very short glances at her. His darting eyes gave away his nervousness. It amused her, HE amused her. She rose from her sitting position and walked to the glass. She smiled faintly at him.
Vaughn licked his lips. "Agent Jack Bristow, has disapeared." She had a small look of panic on her face. Vaughn thought it looked fake. "Anything you THINK you might know would help."
Irina did her usual thing, study the person and be silent. She took in a long breath as she looked away from him in thought. After about thirty uncomfortable seconds for Vaughn, she looked at him. "I don't know, I"m sorry." Vaughn lowered his head. "But I will help, if you need it." Vaughn looked at her one last time before taking a step. Then her voice stopped him. "You're not happy. You have the same sadness that she does."
Vaughn stood, staring into nothingness, trying to make sense of what she just said. The only "she" that Irina Derevko saw was Sydney. Same sadness as Sydney? His forehead wrinkled in confusion. He faced her with a questioning look on his face. "What are you talking about?"
"You know what I'm talking about. Or should I say who I'm talking about." Irina had her small smile and that piercing glare. "Both of you aren't happy." She eyed him curiously. "You didn't tell her, did you? How you feel?"
Vaughn hated talking about this. Especialy with Irina Derevko, even though she encouraged him to tell Sydney how he feels. He didn't trust her, he despised her. "I already told you why I can't."
"You're not allowed to, that doesn't mean you can't." Irina said quickly. "There's a difference."
Vaughn studied her. "There are other reasons why I can't, why I shouldn't." He turned to leave, wanting to end this conversation.
"It's what you want though, isn't it?" Iriana said to him.
He threw her one more glance over his shoulder as he waited for the gate to lift. When it did, he rushed through.
*****
Sydney rushed passed everyone, panic surging through her. She knew that her father could take care of himself. But a couple times he was pretty ruffed up. And this is Ariana and Sark, along with that Asain integragator. She didn't know how Ariana works, but she didn't want to find out.
She reached Sloane's office and tried to calm herself down as she knocked on the thick glass door. "Sydney, I was just about to send for you." Sloane said. "Please, have a seat."
Sydney slowly and caustiously sat in the big black chair. She was intrested in what he had to say, and yet a little confused. "I wanted to asked you if you know where your father is." Sydney was a little taken aback. Great, Sloane noticed. The last thing she needed or wanted was to have Sloane get in this.
"I was going to ask you the same thing." Sydney replied truthfuly. "We were supose to have lunch over two hours ago and he didn't show up. I tried to call his phone but, he didn't answer."
Sloane sat there, hands folded, brow creased. His best agent, the one he trusted was mission. Right after Marshall. "I think Ariana Kane might have to do with this. She's been suspicious of Jack being my blackmailer." Sydney stayed silent, lost in her thoughts. Sloane was too. "This happening right after Marshall's disapearence, it's suspicious. I'm beginning to be suspicious of Ariana." Sloane looked up at Sydney and faintly smiled. "I'm sure he's alright."
"Yes, of course." Sydney replied. Her fake smiled stretching across her face.
"Well, that'll be all." Sloane told her. "Was there anything more you wanted?"
Sydney stood. "No, thank you for your time." She turned and stepped out of his office.
*****
She put down her coat and keys as she slipped off her shoes. Francie came in and smiled at her. "Hey Francie." Sydney greeted with a smile.
"Hi. So, how did it go?" Francie asked quietly with an excited look along with a wide spread smiled.
Sydney was confused. "How did what go?"
Francie's face fell. "Oh Syd, you didn't tell him, did you?"
"Tell who what?" Sydney usually figured stuff out pretty well, but this was just confusing her.
Francie sighed. "You didn't tell the picture frame guy how you feel."
Sydney didn't get it. She use to be able to hide her feelings and thoughts so well. But now everyone was reading her. What made it happen? Was Alice that big of an impact on her, to make her an open book? Sydney flashed a smile and shook her head. "No, I haven't."
Francie sighed and smiled. "Well, I'm sure you know what you're doing. But you have got to hurry up Syd." Francie put on her jacket and grabbed her keys. "My lunch break is over. See you later."
"Okay, bye." Sydney said as Francie walked out the door.
Will walked in the kitchen. "Hey Syd."
Sydney looked up and smiled. "Hi." Then she fell silent.
"Sydney? Are you okay?" Will asked. "I mean, is everything okay at work?"
"No, it's not." Sydney shook her head. For the next half hour she and Will talked about what was happening lately. Then Sydney's beeper went off. felgercarb, it was Vaughn. She had completely lost track of time. "Will, I have to go." He nodded understandingly. "See you later."
*****
"Sorry I'm late." Sydney said pulling open the gate.
"Don't worry about it." Vaughn smiled.
"So, what did you get?" Sydney asked, crossing her arms.
"Nothing." Vaughn said shaking his head.
"Me too. Sloane doesn't know anything about where my father could be. But he suspects Ariana, since she's been suspicious of my dad he believes she has to do with it."
"He's right in his thinking." Vaughn told her.
"Yes. But the less people involved in this, the better." Sydney explained. THen something came to mind. "My mother didn't give you a hard time, did she?"
Vaughn froze for a few seconds. Then he shook his head. "No, why?"
Sydney shrugged her shoulders. "Just curious." Vaughn lowered his head and all was silent. THis was wrong, or rather something was wrong. "Vaughn? Are you okay?"
He slightly nodded. "Yeah, it's just.." He paused. Sydney waited patiently, curious and worried. "It's just that Alice is getting suspicious."
"About what?" Sydney asked becoming more curious.
"You." Vaughn said looking at her. "And me."
Sydney was confused. Why was she suspicious? "Why?" SYdney asked. "I mean, what's making her suspicous, and what's the suspicion?"
"Well, I've been at work a lot. She knows we work together, and since we met at the bar," He's uncomfortable. "She's been thinking there's something going on between us."
Sydney's eyes widened. She swallowed. Then she looked at the ground. "Oh."
" I just, I don't want to hurt her." Vaughn sighed. "But wither way I will."
Sydney looked up at him. "What do you mean?"
"Well, if I don't tell her how I really feel, she'll keep thinking I'm cheating on her and she'll be hurt. But, she'd be hurt anyway because, the way I feel for her, I only see her as a friend." Sydney's heart jumped and screamed. "But I have to tell her that." Vaughn whispered.
It was quiet for a minute. "So, you only see her as a friend?" Sydney asked shyly.
Vaughn nodded. "Yes."
"Vaughn, I think you should tell her right away." Sydney suggested. "The longer you wait, the more pain it's going to cause."
"I know, it's, it's just hard." Vaughn told her.
"Well, if you need any help, just let me know." Sydney offered.
"Thanks Syd." Vaughn smiled shyly.
*****
Jack sat, strapped to a chair. His eyes were glued to the giure circling him. The slap of the shoes were loud in the dark room. He didn't need light to know who it was. He alreayd knew, it was obvious.
"Jack Bristow, "She said, still circling him as if he were prey. "Let's finish the interview, shall we?" Jack stayed silent, glaring at her. "YOu have a lot of information I could use." She leaned down, her face very close to his. "But that's not the only reason you're here. I'm sure you know that." She stood up straight and looked down at him. Her arms were crossed and she tapped her foot as she studied him. Then she sat in a chair infront of him. "I have evidence, proof, that you have a secret that you have kept from Sloane for thirty years." She explained to him.
"And what secret is that?" Jack asked. But he already knew the answer.
"That you, Jack Bristow, are a doubleagent."
~~~~~
~~~~~~~
Her eyes followed him, his every move. She knew who he was, she only said she was suspicious of him as a cover. But she was going to bring him down, she was going to prove to Sloane that he's hiding something. Hiding that he's a doubleagent. And proving that will lead to suspicions about his daughter. Which will lead to proof and bringing her down. With the help of someone on the inside, someone that Sydney had come to rely on. Having no doubts about.
She and Sark will gain Sloane's trust. They will get what information they need. She will rob him once more, and then use the information he's trusted her with to bring him and all of SD-6 down. To pay him back for stealing her seat. HER seat.
*****
"I'm almost positve that Ariana and Sark have to do with Marshall's kidnapping. THey wanted information about SD-6 for a reason." Sydney explained in confidence. "They obviously have a plan."
"It makes sense." Vaughn agreed. But before anything more could be said, both of their pagers went off.
*****
Kendall turned to face them at hearing their footsteps. He had his ready to kill look, and it made Sydney quicken her pace. "What's going on?" Sydney asked.
"Your father was supose to report here two hours ago." Kendall was saying. But the worry had drowned Sydney, and the name Ariana Kane was filling her head. "But he didn't. We tried to get a hold of him, but couldn't."
Sydney looked at Vaughn. Their faces showing they were thinking the same thing. Kendall noticed this. "Do you have some idea as to what's going on?"
Sydney looked back at Vaughn, her question in her eyes. Should they? Vaughn answered with his eyes. Kendall was giving them a questioning, impaitent look. Sydney sighed and turned her attention to Kendall. "No, we don't." Kendall gave her a doubtful look. "It's just that so much had happened in the past few months. And my dad doesn't just disapear."
"Miss Bristow, I am aware of the look you two just shared. I would like to know what you know." Kendall's voice was firm and demanding.
Sydney lifted her chin slightly. Putting a confident mask on, she glared at Kendall. "When I tell you that I don't know, it means I don't know."
Kendall was about to spit back when Vaughn cut in. "Sir, I don't think that Agent Bristow would lie about this. This is her father we are talking about, and it is in her best intrest to do whatever she can to help him." Sydney silently thanked Vaughn. "Now we are all on the same side. You have to start trusting Agent Bristow."
Kendall was quiet as his eyes darted from Sydney to Vaughn, Vaughn to Sydney. "Agent Bristow, I would like you to speak with Sloane and try to get any clues as to where your father might be."
Sydney nodded and Kendall studied them both before walking away. Sydney let out a long breath. "Thanks."
"No problem." Vaughn said. His eyes moving to Sydney.
"I'll talk to Sloane, see if I can get anything." Sydney told him, crossing her arms. "I seriously doubt I will though."
"I know." Vaughn nodded. "But we should do whatever we can to get information on your father." Sydney thought it was funny that first her dad was helping her to save Vaughn. And now Vaughn was helping her to save her dad. "You talk to Sloane, I'll speak with your mother." Sydney's eyes darted up, fully alert. "She may be able to help."
Sydney's brow creased with concern. "I know it's hard for you Vaughn, are you sure you want to?"
"Sydney, your father is in danger. We don't know what'll happen to him." There was a short silence. She was impressed by his answer. She was happy with him. "Meet at the warehouse in an hour." Sydney nodded and smiled.
*****
Irina smiled to herself at hearing the familiar sound of the gates being opened. She had a pretty good guess of what they wanted this time, but she wasn't sure. And who was visiting her? She felt the presence, not Sydney. Of course it wouldn't be Jack, but Agent Vaughn.
He stood there, looking uncomfortable. He shot very short glances at her. His darting eyes gave away his nervousness. It amused her, HE amused her. She rose from her sitting position and walked to the glass. She smiled faintly at him.
Vaughn licked his lips. "Agent Jack Bristow, has disapeared." She had a small look of panic on her face. Vaughn thought it looked fake. "Anything you THINK you might know would help."
Irina did her usual thing, study the person and be silent. She took in a long breath as she looked away from him in thought. After about thirty uncomfortable seconds for Vaughn, she looked at him. "I don't know, I"m sorry." Vaughn lowered his head. "But I will help, if you need it." Vaughn looked at her one last time before taking a step. Then her voice stopped him. "You're not happy. You have the same sadness that she does."
Vaughn stood, staring into nothingness, trying to make sense of what she just said. The only "she" that Irina Derevko saw was Sydney. Same sadness as Sydney? His forehead wrinkled in confusion. He faced her with a questioning look on his face. "What are you talking about?"
"You know what I'm talking about. Or should I say who I'm talking about." Irina had her small smile and that piercing glare. "Both of you aren't happy." She eyed him curiously. "You didn't tell her, did you? How you feel?"
Vaughn hated talking about this. Especialy with Irina Derevko, even though she encouraged him to tell Sydney how he feels. He didn't trust her, he despised her. "I already told you why I can't."
"You're not allowed to, that doesn't mean you can't." Irina said quickly. "There's a difference."
Vaughn studied her. "There are other reasons why I can't, why I shouldn't." He turned to leave, wanting to end this conversation.
"It's what you want though, isn't it?" Iriana said to him.
He threw her one more glance over his shoulder as he waited for the gate to lift. When it did, he rushed through.
*****
Sydney rushed passed everyone, panic surging through her. She knew that her father could take care of himself. But a couple times he was pretty ruffed up. And this is Ariana and Sark, along with that Asain integragator. She didn't know how Ariana works, but she didn't want to find out.
She reached Sloane's office and tried to calm herself down as she knocked on the thick glass door. "Sydney, I was just about to send for you." Sloane said. "Please, have a seat."
Sydney slowly and caustiously sat in the big black chair. She was intrested in what he had to say, and yet a little confused. "I wanted to asked you if you know where your father is." Sydney was a little taken aback. Great, Sloane noticed. The last thing she needed or wanted was to have Sloane get in this.
"I was going to ask you the same thing." Sydney replied truthfuly. "We were supose to have lunch over two hours ago and he didn't show up. I tried to call his phone but, he didn't answer."
Sloane sat there, hands folded, brow creased. His best agent, the one he trusted was mission. Right after Marshall. "I think Ariana Kane might have to do with this. She's been suspicious of Jack being my blackmailer." Sydney stayed silent, lost in her thoughts. Sloane was too. "This happening right after Marshall's disapearence, it's suspicious. I'm beginning to be suspicious of Ariana." Sloane looked up at Sydney and faintly smiled. "I'm sure he's alright."
"Yes, of course." Sydney replied. Her fake smiled stretching across her face.
"Well, that'll be all." Sloane told her. "Was there anything more you wanted?"
Sydney stood. "No, thank you for your time." She turned and stepped out of his office.
*****
She put down her coat and keys as she slipped off her shoes. Francie came in and smiled at her. "Hey Francie." Sydney greeted with a smile.
"Hi. So, how did it go?" Francie asked quietly with an excited look along with a wide spread smiled.
Sydney was confused. "How did what go?"
Francie's face fell. "Oh Syd, you didn't tell him, did you?"
"Tell who what?" Sydney usually figured stuff out pretty well, but this was just confusing her.
Francie sighed. "You didn't tell the picture frame guy how you feel."
Sydney didn't get it. She use to be able to hide her feelings and thoughts so well. But now everyone was reading her. What made it happen? Was Alice that big of an impact on her, to make her an open book? Sydney flashed a smile and shook her head. "No, I haven't."
Francie sighed and smiled. "Well, I'm sure you know what you're doing. But you have got to hurry up Syd." Francie put on her jacket and grabbed her keys. "My lunch break is over. See you later."
"Okay, bye." Sydney said as Francie walked out the door.
Will walked in the kitchen. "Hey Syd."
Sydney looked up and smiled. "Hi." Then she fell silent.
"Sydney? Are you okay?" Will asked. "I mean, is everything okay at work?"
"No, it's not." Sydney shook her head. For the next half hour she and Will talked about what was happening lately. Then Sydney's beeper went off. felgercarb, it was Vaughn. She had completely lost track of time. "Will, I have to go." He nodded understandingly. "See you later."
*****
"Sorry I'm late." Sydney said pulling open the gate.
"Don't worry about it." Vaughn smiled.
"So, what did you get?" Sydney asked, crossing her arms.
"Nothing." Vaughn said shaking his head.
"Me too. Sloane doesn't know anything about where my father could be. But he suspects Ariana, since she's been suspicious of my dad he believes she has to do with it."
"He's right in his thinking." Vaughn told her.
"Yes. But the less people involved in this, the better." Sydney explained. THen something came to mind. "My mother didn't give you a hard time, did she?"
Vaughn froze for a few seconds. Then he shook his head. "No, why?"
Sydney shrugged her shoulders. "Just curious." Vaughn lowered his head and all was silent. THis was wrong, or rather something was wrong. "Vaughn? Are you okay?"
He slightly nodded. "Yeah, it's just.." He paused. Sydney waited patiently, curious and worried. "It's just that Alice is getting suspicious."
"About what?" Sydney asked becoming more curious.
"You." Vaughn said looking at her. "And me."
Sydney was confused. Why was she suspicious? "Why?" SYdney asked. "I mean, what's making her suspicous, and what's the suspicion?"
"Well, I've been at work a lot. She knows we work together, and since we met at the bar," He's uncomfortable. "She's been thinking there's something going on between us."
Sydney's eyes widened. She swallowed. Then she looked at the ground. "Oh."
" I just, I don't want to hurt her." Vaughn sighed. "But wither way I will."
Sydney looked up at him. "What do you mean?"
"Well, if I don't tell her how I really feel, she'll keep thinking I'm cheating on her and she'll be hurt. But, she'd be hurt anyway because, the way I feel for her, I only see her as a friend." Sydney's heart jumped and screamed. "But I have to tell her that." Vaughn whispered.
It was quiet for a minute. "So, you only see her as a friend?" Sydney asked shyly.
Vaughn nodded. "Yes."
"Vaughn, I think you should tell her right away." Sydney suggested. "The longer you wait, the more pain it's going to cause."
"I know, it's, it's just hard." Vaughn told her.
"Well, if you need any help, just let me know." Sydney offered.
"Thanks Syd." Vaughn smiled shyly.
*****
Jack sat, strapped to a chair. His eyes were glued to the giure circling him. The slap of the shoes were loud in the dark room. He didn't need light to know who it was. He alreayd knew, it was obvious.
"Jack Bristow, "She said, still circling him as if he were prey. "Let's finish the interview, shall we?" Jack stayed silent, glaring at her. "YOu have a lot of information I could use." She leaned down, her face very close to his. "But that's not the only reason you're here. I'm sure you know that." She stood up straight and looked down at him. Her arms were crossed and she tapped her foot as she studied him. Then she sat in a chair infront of him. "I have evidence, proof, that you have a secret that you have kept from Sloane for thirty years." She explained to him.
"And what secret is that?" Jack asked. But he already knew the answer.
"That you, Jack Bristow, are a doubleagent."
~~~~~
