Chapter Four

Cold

I had to admit Vaughn had guts.  But did he really have to spill alcohol all over me. 

I'd had my fair amount of fantasies about him and champagne in the last seven years but I had to admit that this was never part of the equation.

Still I was grateful.  It had to mean something.  And it did stop me from jumping McKain right then and there.

But he knew that.  He knew that I was losing control and so he'd stepped in.  As my damn handler.

Now if he'd come over throwing punches then maybe I wouldn't have held back. 

Yeah right, Michael Vaughn defending my honor, getting jealous over me.  Maybe at one time but not now.  I should just get over that. 

"Are you ok?" McKain asked pulling me closer.  I managed a brief nod and turned away as Vaughn cut himself on a piece of glass.  It looked intentional to me but I could have been mistaken.  I mean why would he intentionally cut himself?

Then Vaughn opened his mouth and got himself kicked out.  Screw the counter mission right?  Damn him.

If he'd just stayed away or gotten someone else to do the job then I wouldn't have been standing there with that problem.

Yeah, I'd be on my way to McKain's house making the biggest mistake of my life.  I had to admit it was a good thing Vaughn was here, whether I liked it or not.

McKain rubbed his hands across my back again and suddenly I didn't feel in the mood anymore. 

I finally allowed myself to admit that Vaughn's hand felt nicer then McKain's.  And Vaughn checking me out meant more then any guy there doing the same.

"You never answered my question." McKain whispered.  I tried not to flinch away from his now nauseous touch but found it close to impossible.

"Why don't we go upstairs instead?" I offered.  He bought it and smiled as he led me up the stairs and away from the party.

I know he wasn't expecting the jab to his manhood.

"Sorry but I'm just not interested anymore." I offered lamely as I threw one to his face and he landed hard, unconscious.

I made it to the safe, removed the vaccine, and got out.

I noticed it was freezing out.  It didn't seem that cold when I'd arrived.

Vaughn was nowhere to be seen. I thought he'd be waiting outside for the trade off but apparently he wasn't. 

I didn't have time to contemplate it however because Dixon arrived with the van and we headed back to the hotel.  Vaccine safely hidden in the confines of my purse.

"Did you get it?"  Dixon asked as we drove further from the party. 

Moment of truth.

"No." I lied. "Security kicked in faster then we thought.  I barely made it out with my ass in one piece."

Dixon swore as he pulled to a stop.

"Sydney."  He stated questioning if I knew what it meant for SD-6.

"I know. I know okay.  I've got a plan.  It'll be ok.  Let's just wait until tomorrow.  Security will be tighter tonight and they'll be on the lookout for me.  It can wait.  I'll deal with Sloane."  I shivered as he continued down the road toward the boat that would take us the rest of the way to the hotel.

"You cold?" Dixon asked and I nodded, having lost the ability to speak when my teeth started clanking together.  "There's a blanket somewhere back there." he offered and I nodded in appreciation.  Trust Dixon to come prepared. 

After I'd wrapped myself up in the blanket and my teeth stopped chattering I let myself worry about Vaughn. 

Where was he?  Had the security guards done more then just show him out?  Was he waiting somewhere for me? 

I started to shiver again.