They had gathered at Jack's apartment after the verdict had been read. JM was napping in his swing while the adults drank wine. Jack was strangely silent, unsure of his own reaction.
"Dad? You ok?" Sydney asked quietly.
"I think so. I didn't expect it to happen so fast."
When court was back in session, Judge Turpin wasted no time in delivering her verdict: Arvin Sloane was guilty, sentenced to death by lethal injection. To ensure that it went off without any possibility of failure, Sloane would be executed at midnight.
Sydney moved away from her father to sit with Will who put his arm around her. "Is he all right?" he asked.
"I'm not sure. He's acting oddly; he's too quiet, even for him."
Will shrugged, "They were friends, before Sloane turned into a whack job."
Jack continued to nurse his wine, wishing for the first time in years for something stronger. Nadia joined him, her own feelings mixed.
"Hey, sweetheart. Are you all right?" Jack pulled himself out of his own morose thought.
"I'm doing fine. It's just weird; I feel like I should be happy or at least relieved. But I'm not; I'm actually kind of sad."
"I understand. You thought he was your father and he gave you something you never had."
Nadia impulsively gave him a hug, "I never felt half as good about Sloane being my father as I do now that I know the truth. I'm much happier with you as my father."
When she moved away, he sighed. He knew how she felt, uncertain of his feelings about an international terrorist. He should hate Arvin, and yet on some level, he felt sorry for the man.
Jack felt Elizabeth's arm slip around his waist and he turned to kiss her temple.
"You know, it's all right to be upset, love," Elizabeth said, sympathetically.
He nodded. "Arvin was a good friend, once upon a time. Before Irina, before Emily lost their baby, before Rambaldi consumed his life.
"I think I'm mourning the man he once was, the man he could have been. Things could have been different, for both of us."
She squeezed him tighter. "I know. But you both made your choices. You resisted temptation, despite what had happened to you. Sloane used what happened to him as an excuse to give in to that temptation."
The phone rang and Sydney picked up. "Hey, Dixon. Yeah, we're all here. They did? You're joking! All right, I'll let them know."
"What is it Sydney?" Jack asked.
"The committee reviewing Sark's case has reached a decision. There won't be a trial; he's violated the agreement he had with the U.S. government and is beyond pardon. He'll be executed tomorrow night at midnight."
Surprise was mirrored on everyone's face, but there was no regret for this man's life.
It was nearing midnight, but no one had left. Elizabeth refilled everyone's glass and proposed a toast.
"To our freedom from two evil men."
"To his release from his pain," replied Nadia.
"To my friend," Jack said, quietly.
The minutes ticked away and the little group stayed silent well past the hour. Then Elizabeth pulled aside Sydney and Nadia; her sister would be arriving the next afternoon and she wanted them to come to the airport with her.
Will took the opportunity to sidle up to Jack. "Jack? I was wondering if I could speak with you . . . in private?"
Jack raised his eyebrows, but silently led the way to the library. He waited expectantly for Will to continue.
"I don't know if this the right time, especially with everything that's happened today, I mean yesterday . . . you know what I mean.
"Anyway, I just thought it would be all right to talk with you now since you can't kill me with your daughter and fiancée in the next room . . ."
"Focus, Mr. Tippin. What exactly are you trying to get out?" Jack had a pretty good idea, but it was amusing to see Will fumble around the subject.
"I, well, I want to ask for your permission to marry Sydney."
Jack gave a bark of laughter. "You haven't talked to Sydney about his have you?"
"I, well, no. Why?"
"Never mind. I'll let her tell you." The two previous proposals were at the forefront of Jack's memory. He truly believe Danny's phone call was exactly as he told it: a way for him to make Jack a charming anecdote. Vaughn's had been worse, for it was done almost grudgingly, an obligation.
Will, on the other hand, sought permission because he thought it was the right thing to do. His motives were sincere; he wanted to make Sydney happy.
"You're going to say no aren't you?" Will was hurt; he thought he'd made progress with Jack, that he didn't think he was a moron. "I know I'm probably not what you'd imagine for Sydney, but . . ."
"You have my permission."
Will rambled on for another few seconds before Jack's words set in. "Really? You're saying . . ."
"Yes. You love Sydney and she loves you. You have always stood by her, no matter the circumstances. I'm giving you my blessing with no hesitation." Jack held out his hand.
Will ignored the hand and enveloped Jack in a bear hug. Jack responded much the same as the first time Will hugged him. He brought his own arms up slowly, but did return the embrace.
"Thank you, Jack. I promise I'll make her happy."
Jack pulled away, "I know you will; you already do. Now, when were you planning on asking Sydney?"
"Well . . . I hadn't quite gotten that far."
"I have an idea," Jack said, conspiratorially.