Title: Rainy Days and Mondays Chapter 7
Author: Karin (Bailsgal)
Email: celtic_7@hotmail.com
Feedback: Live for it!
Summary: When Vaughn can't handle seeing Syd with Noah any longer, he accepts a posting to the American Embassy in London. However a bad mission and unsaid things lead Sydney to his door.
Disclaimer: None of this is mine. All Alias characters belong to the very talented mind of JJ Abrams. Emma Brody and Doug Roach and the rest of the London Embassy crew belong to the cancelled Fox show The American Embassy, produced by Jersey Television., Michelle Fox and Danny DeVito
Distribution: Whoever wants it just ask and it's yours.
Rating : PG to start.
Classification: Angst/Adventure and Romance.what could a person ask for?
Author's Note: I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my dear friend and beta girl extraordinar Anne-Marie! I'd be lost without her help and support. And to all the wonderful people who took the time to send me feedback.. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Two hours later there was still no sign of Vaughn. Doug had called the office and his apartment looking for David, but it appeared that Agent Peirson was missing as well. Sydney called LA to see if Weiss or her father had heard from Vaughn, but both knew nothing. Jack had agreed to call in a few 'markers' to see if anyone in the community knew of Vaughn's where about but they'd heard nothing from him yet. Sydney and Emma were on pins and needles, hoping and praying that Jack Bristow would call them with something. Sitting in Gary's spare room, the group huddled together absentmindedly playing gin and trying to keep their minds off of their missing friend.
"Doug, try the office again. See if they've heard from either of them," Emma leaned into Doug's side.
"You're just trying to peek at me cards Brody," Doug accused, wanting nothing better than to do just that but they had decided to keep phone traffic to a minimum in case the people hunting Sydney were trying to triangulate their position.
"Are you calling me a cheat?" Emma pushed away from Doug, clearly shocked by her boyfriend's accusation.
"I am. I know you and you'll do anything to win," Doug said and ducked as a purple wig came flying at him
"It appears she has a bit of a temper too," Sydney cracked, loving them for the way they were both trying to keep her mind off Vaughn. She knew they were just as worried about him as she was.
"You call that a temper? You ain't seen nothing yet!"
"He's really afraid of me," Emma whispered conspiratorially to Sydney.
"Are you two always like this?" Sydney asked, shaking her head at the pair.
"No not.." Doug began but didn't get a chance to finish as a cellphone began to ring in the livingroom.
"Whose phone is that?" Doug asked as his was sitting on the bedside table.
"It's mine!" Emma said springing from the bed and racing out to the living room for it.
"Michael?" Emma said as soon as she answered.
"No Em, it' Jill," answered a feminine voice that definitely was not Vaughn's.
"Oh. hi," Emma said surprised. She shook her head at Doug as she followed him back toward the bedroom.
"Is everything okay? I heard about the bombing at the Embassy. It's all over the news here in Paris. Is Michael okay?"
"Paris? What are you doing in Paris?" Emma asked, hoping to keep Jill away from asking about Michael again.
"Fishing rights agreement with the French government," Jill's cool voice replied.
"Fishing rights? Wow that sounds interesting," Emma said, struggled for something to say. They had agreed that the fewer people that knew the truth about Sydney, the easier it would be to contain the risk of exposure.
"Emma, look, I know I've been a bitch since Michael and I broke up but I. I just wanted to make sure he was okay. and you and Doug too of course. I tried to reach you at the house and at the Embassy and when I couldn't well...well I started to worry. I would never in a million years be able to forgive myself if something happened to him and we were still angry at each other," Jill babbled on. "I was so angry with him last time we spoke and I've been so mad and hurt. I haven't returned any of his calls or anything.."
"Jill, Jill, please!" Emma tried to interrupt her but Jill went on and on without listening. She was on a roll and nothing could stop the venting. Emma couldn't really blame her. She knew Jill and Michael loved each other but they were both to career focused to make their relationship work. Jill wanted to make a name for herself. She dreamed of having a life in the diplomatic corps and the job in Geneva was another step toward the ambassadorial appointment she wanted. Michael was now on the CIA's fast track since moving to London and he wasn't prepared to give it up and walk away from it all. Emma secretly wondered how much of his refusal to follow Jill had to do with the woman that shown up on their doorstep a few days ago.
"I love him Em, I'd die if something happened to Michael and maybe I should have been more mature about this but I just thought he'd come with me to Switzerland. When he turned me down. I just freaked! Em if he's dead and I didn't."
The tears she heard in Jill's voice as she spoke startled Emma. Jillian Scott was not the type of woman who cried easily and she generally laughed at those who did.
"JILL! Jill, listen to me. Michael isn't dead," Emma interrupted more forcefully this time. She had to put Jill out of her misery.
"He's not?"
"No, he's not."
"Can I speak to him then?" Jill asked, relief ringing in her voice even as she sniffled delicately.
"I'm sorry Jill but he's not here right now," Emma said and looked over at Doug and Sydney in a mild panic.
"Where is he? I've been calling his phone non-stop since I heard and there's no answer. This is just so like him! Always more concerned about everyone else than me and I'll tell you another thing Emma." Jill went off on another rant but this time about Vaughn's inability to think of her. "It drives me crazy that he just ignores everyone in his life as soon as a case comes up, well except for you that is. He always seemed able to let you know what was going on."
Emma sighed as she looked at Doug and Sydney and rolled her eyes. This was about to take a nasty turn.
"Look Jill, he's not here and I'm not sure where he is right now."
"What do you mean you're not sure? This isn't like Michael. He never just disappears. He's usually in his office or the lab but he never just disappears Emma," Jill's voice dropped to an icy whisper, her anger forgotten. The fear in Jill's voice only made Emma's grow.
"He took Donovan for a walk almost 5 hours ago and he hasn't come back," Emma cringed as she said the words out loud. She wasn't sure if it was because she didn't want to admit the possibilities or because she was preparing herself for Jill's reaction.
"Have you checked with Doug or the Embassy?"
"Of course I have! No one has heard from him. Besides he's supposed to be off on sick leave."
"What is he doing walking Donovan if he's sick? Christ Emma! What the hell's going on? I know you're not telling me the whole truth.."
It was then that Jill's intuition decided to kick in. She knew they were holding something back from her and she hadn't worked her way to the top of the legal ladder by being stupid.
"Jill maybe it's better if you don't know everything. He's.he's been protecting another agent."
"You mean Sydney, don't you Emma?" Jill spat out. Jill had never met the woman but she still hated her, hated what she'd done to Michael and how she'd changed him without even knowing it. It drove Jill insane that he'd loved her. It was Jill's honest opinion that Sydney Bristow was the wedge that kept her and Michael apart. He'd never let go of her.
"Yes, Jill, it is Sydney that he's protecting," Emma looked at Doug and Sydney and shrugged helplessly as Doug made cutting motions with his hand. Emma wanted to tell him that she would like nothing better than to get off the phone with Jill but could do nothing at the moment.
"Why he insists on letting that bitch ruin his life is beyond me," Jill's worry turned into anger before Emma could change gears and defend, not only Sydney, but Michael as well.
"Alright Jill that's enough." Emma began.
"I begged him to leave that part of his life behind. He could do anything, he's so smart but no, it was always about her!" Jill continued her tirade.
"Jill I absolutely will not sit here and let you attack him or Sydney so when you have something constructive and helpful to say call me back," Emma raised her voice slightly. When it came to Michael, Emma turned into the proverbial mother lion and no one bad-mouthed her boy.
"Em.I'm sorry," Jill apologized quickly, realising she'd more than over stepped her boundaries and was about to lose her source of information.
Emma sighed again.
"Look Jill I have to go. I want to keep this line open in case Michael calls. When we hear from him I'll let you know, I promise," Emma said in her coldest voice. She couldn't deal with this right now, not with him missing and most definitely not with Sydney sitting in the same room.
"Sure. Just let me know and please ask him to call me when he gets home," Jill's voice had softened considerably.
"I will. I'll talk to you later," Emma started to hang up.
"Emma?" Jill's voice held a note of desperation and Emma closed her eyes. It was horrible hearing this strong woman crumble because the man she loved was missing. It was easier for Jill to walk around angry with Vaughn than it would be for her to mourn him. Loving Michael Vaughn and losing him was not easy. Emma only had look at Sydney for evidence of that.
"What?" Emma asked.
"He'll come home. He always does," Jill whispered before the line went dead.
Emma disconnected the phone and looked up to meet Doug and Sydney's inquisitive stares. How stupid had she been to have this conversation with Jill in front of Sydney. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!
"So let me guess Mike isn't off visiting Jill?" Doug asked seeing the look on his girlfriend's stricken face.
"No. She's in Paris, on government business. If it hadn't been for the bombing making the international news, she wouldn't have bothered with him," Emma said and ran a hand through her hair. They were running out of ideas, out of leads and out of hope. Where was he?
"What about your dad?" Doug turned back to Sydney.
"He said he'd call if he found out anything," Sydney also ran a shaking hand through her tangled hair. It was all her fault that Vaughn was missing. If she'd just contacted SD-6 or Weiss and asked them for help instead of going to Vaughn. Why had she been so naïve as to think they wouldn't go after him to get to her? She should have known better.
"So we sit and wait then," Emma said, hugging Doug to her. Doug stiffened as he heard something downstairs. Quickly he disentangled himself from Emma and reached behind for his gun and holster. Pulling the gun out of the holster, he threw it on the bed next to Sydney.
"Stay here and use it if you have to," he said sharply to Sydney before he moved out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Sydney looked at Emma and knew before the blonde did that she would be following her boyfriend out of the room.
"Emma? Don't. Just stay here," Sydney called to her.
"I can't let him do this alone," Emma whispered back before she opened the door and slipped into the hall. Emma had no idea what she could do to help but if Doug needed any, she was damn well going to be there!
"Emma!" Sydney whispered urgently, but was shut off by the closing of the bedroom door.
She's gonna get herself killed.
Groaning Sydney pulled back the covers and struggled to her feet. There was no way she was going to let Emma and Doug face this on their own. These people wanted her and she'd give herself up freely to ensure Doug and Emma's safety. She'd consider giving them her first 10 children if they would tell her that Vaughn was all right.
Moving toward the door as quickly as she could, Sydney leaned against the wall for balance. As she pulled the door open, she brought the gun up, poised to shoot. She would have their backs in this fight. There was no way she would let them do this alone. Sydney gasped as pain lanced her side, serving to remind her that she was the cause of this mess in the first place. All she could think was that there would be more blood on her hands if 'they' had found them. It was her fault and no one else's.
Doug moved quietly toward the front door turning when he heard a noise behind him. The two women were standing behind him at staggered points in the dark hallway. He couldn't believe that they'd both followed him. Hadn't he told them to sit tight? Emma, he knew, had a mind of her own and he wasn't all that surprised to see her behind him but he thought Sydney would know better. Just then he saw and heard the door open.
"Move and I'll shoot," Doug's voice growled, breaking the silence blanketing them.
"Doug, don't leave me standing out here in the hall," Michael laughed, thinking his friend's threat was a joke.
"Mike?" Doug flipped the safety back on the barrel and tucked his second gun into the back of his jeans.
"Who else would it be?" Vaughn cracked. The small hallway was bathed in light as Michael found and flicked the light switch to 'on'. All three of them sighed in unison as they realized that a very alive and momentarily healthy Michael Vaughn and Donovan stood before them.
"Michael!" Emma shouted, racing to him and throwing her arms around him.
"Vaughn," Sydney whispered in relief, her trembling hand covering her mouth.
"Emma, I'm okay. Geez, what is with you people?" Michael laughed, hugging the blonde to him.
"You're fine?" Emma demanded, pulling back from him. She began to pat him, looking for blood or bruises.
"I'm fine," he nodded his head, pushing her away gently.
"Then don't ever! And I do mean ever do that to us again!" she snapped angrily at him, hitting him in the chest twice.
"I'm sorry! David and I just got side-tracked," Michael apologized, fending off her attack.
"Side-tracked! Christ Mike! We've been looking all over for the two of you. What were you thinking? Jack Bristow is checking sources to see if anyone knows anything about you," Doug exclaimed, pulling Emma off of Vaughn.
"I know and I'm sorry but David and I needed to straighten out somethings with Langley so we." Vaughn started to explain until he saw Sydney slump heavily against the wall for support.
"Syd you should be in bed," he said moving to her side and forgetting completely about the explanation he'd been in the middle of making.
"You're safe," Sydney whispered, her arms immediately wrapping around his neck as he bent to pick her up.
"I'm safe. I'm fine baby, I'm fine," he cooed to her as her warm tears fell against the column of his neck.
"I was so.so scared.I. I thought." she sobbed her heart out clinging to him for dear life.
"I know. Syd, I'm sorry," Vaughn's soft voice caressed her as he gently rocked her in his arms like he would a small child.
"If I.I lost you.I don't know what.what I'd do," she pulled her head off his shoulder so their eyes could meet.
"Mike, you had us all worried to shit. Didn't you even think for a second that calling would have set us all at ease?" Doug was beginning to sound slightly pissed as he spoke.
"I would have called if Tate hadn't taken my phone away," Vaughn spat out angrily.
"Tate was there?" Doug's shocked voice caused both women to look at him, and then turn to look at Vaughn.
"Whose Tate?" Sydney sniffed, noticing the look of disgust on both Vaughn and Doug's faces as they mentioned the name.
"Why don't we get you settled back into bed and I'll tell you all about it," Vaughn offered, shifting Sydney's weight in his arms.
"No take me into the living room please. There's more room in there. We'd have to hang you from the light fixture if we tried to get anyone else in that room," Sydney cracked. In truth she was dying for a change of scenery. The bedroom walls were closing in on her.
"I'll get her pillows and a blanket. Don't start without me," Emma ordered as she disappeared back down the hall toward the spare room.
"Tate is in on this?" Doug hissed in Vaughn's ear.
"Yeah. It seems that Langley found out Sydney was missing and you know what Tate is like. He just had to be in on it."
Sydney did not miss the obvious anger in Vaughn's voice or the sudden tension in his body as he and Doug discussed this Tate person.
"Here we go," Vaughn said as Emma entered the room with a stack of pillows and two throws. He held Sydney firmly in his arms as he waited for Emma to make up the couch.
"Do you want more pillows?" Emma asked as Vaughn lowered her onto the couch.
"I'm fine Emma, thanks," Sydney, flashing a quick smile in Emma's direction, reached for Vaughn's hand at the same time.
"So I'll ask again: who is Tate?" Sydney demanded giving Vaughn's hand a gentle tug.
Michael sat down on the floor beside Sydney and looked at Doug for help.
"Robert Tate is my boss," Vaughn said tightly, pursing his lips in annoyance and shaking his head.
"I thought you reported to the Ambassador," Sydney said, confused by this new information.
"I do but I also report to Tate at Langely. He's this bureaucratic paper pusher who has done nothing but ride the coat tails of other agents to his lofty position in the agency. Ask you're father about him sometime, he's a legend," Vaughn said acidly as he leaned back against the armchair, his fingers entwined with Sydney's. Vaughn studied their hands for a moment; god it felt good to simply hold her hand like this and tell her about his shitty day.
"The man has permanently stained lips from all the asses he's kissed," Doug snorted, earning a laugh from Vaughn.
"No doubt."
"So why is it such a shock to see him here then?" Emma asked snuggling into Doug on the love seat.
"Because the man never, and I mean never, goes into the field," Doug explained to his girlfriend.
"It's a miracle he made it past his probationary period. His incompetence is mammoth!" Vaughn nodded.
"So what's he doing here?" Emma asked again.
"I don't know. Dave and I were in the park walking Donovan and next thing I know this huge black limo pulls up and the door opens."
"Nothing like being inconspicuous," Doug laughed.
"Exactly! Anyway the door opens up and Tate yells at us to get in. Hour and a half later we're sitting in some beachside café in Brighton."
"Oh that little place the agency use as a drop zone?"
"One and the same."
"So let me see if I've gotten this right. less than 48 hours after you reported to LA that Syd had shown up here Brain Dead Bobby shows up here," Doug said sliding forward in this seat to stare at Vaughn.
"Correct! Seems Tate has had the whole cache of CIA agents in Europe on alert since Sydney was reported missing. Everyone except those of us in London."
"I don't get this. Why would Weiss send up a red flag like that? He knows it could blow my cover," Sydney's forehead wrinkled to match Michael's.
"I don't get this either," Emma said noticing the looks that passed between the two men.
"I used to do the same thing if you needed cover or a safe house. It was just a flag that they should expect a package. Tate knew you'd end up here and he wanted you intercepted before you got to me," Vaughn said.
"To keep the ball in play for next week," Doug finished.
"What ball? This scroll is a minor part of the whole Rambaldi game," Sydney was still confused and her head was beginning to swim.
"Syd the scroll isn't the ball, its." Doug looked at Michael.
"It's me. I'm the ball," Vaughn finished for him.
"You're talking about the mission you're going on next week, aren't you?" Emma suddenly understood what the two men had been talking about.
"Alright now I'm really confused," Sydney piped up.
"I'm taking a deep cover assignment for 6 months. It's been something in the works for the last 5 years and Tate is hoping to ride my success right into the Director's chair," Vaughn said.
"Vaughn."
"Tate knows about our history. It was in my file, including the letters of reprimand. He knew I would risk the assignment next week to protect you and he wanted to stop me."
"What's the assignment?" Sydney asked, wondering what could possibly be taking Vaughn out into the field. The guy was a Station head, not a field officer.
"I can't tell you Syd, its classified, so please don't ask," Vaughn said looking her straight in the eye. It wasn't that he didn't trust her. Vaughn trusted her with his life but the mission was classified need to know and at the moment Sydney did not need to know.
"So what happened?"
"I went over his head," Vaughn answered simply.
"Oh man that was not the smartest thing you've ever done Mike. This man has taken grudges to a whole new level. He's gonna have your ass," Doug said shaking his head at his friend's nerve.
"I didn't have a choice, Doug. He was willing to put Syd at risk and I wasn't. I called Director Holland myself when Tate went to the bathroom and told him what was happening. Apparently Agent Bristow and destroying SD-6 have carry a little more weight than Tate's personal agenda does," Vaughn said with satisfaction and a smug grin.
"How did you call if he took your phone and Dave's away?" Emma asked.
"Easy. I used Tate's. I wasn't going to let him take Sydney. There was just no way," Michael said squeezing Sydney's hand.
"Balls, buddy, huge balls!" Doug was roaring with laughter.
"So what do you think it'll be like working in the mailroom?" Vaughn smiled at his friend.
"How did he react when you told him what you'd done?" Sydney asked. Once again Vaughn had sacrificed himself for her.
"He didn't take it well if that's what you're asking. Stormed out of the place leaving Dave and I stranded in Brighton. We had to take the train back, which is another reason we're late," Vaughn told them, ducking as Doug threw a pillow at him.
"I can't believe you!" Doug laughed.
"So you both find this funny?" Emma asked slightly miffed.
"Emma, relax. It's going to be fine," Doug said and tried to hug her.
"No it won't! Michael has probably just crossed a man that could torpedo his career and if he's mad enough, come after Sydney anyway," Emma yelled at them. Both men sobered immediately.
"He's not that dumb."
"But you've just said he's the most incompetent man in the CIA, so why wouldn't he?" Sydney asked catching on to what Emma was saying.
"Robert Tate may be incompetent but he's terrified of pissing off Holland. No he'll back off, if he knows I have the Director's backing," Vaughn said getting to his feet. His stomach was growling with hunger.
"Are you sure?" Sydney asked not letting go of his hand.
"Positive, besides Holland, there's one more person that Tate does not want to piss off," Vaughn said as he reached over with his other hand to tuck a stray bit of hair behind Syd's ear. He didn't pull it away after but instead cupped her cheek.
"Who?" Emma asked.
"Syd's dad," Vaughn tossed over his shoulder as he moved away from Syd toward the kitchen.
"Speaking of Syd's dad, we better phone LA and let them know you finally showed up," Doug said going off in search of his phone. He stopped in the living room doorway.
"Emma you better tell him who called this afternoon," Doug said watching Vaughn's expression change.
"Who called?" Vaughn asked and turned to face Emma.
"Jill. She heard about the bombing and wanted to make sure you were okay. She wants you to call her back," Emma looked from Michael to Sydney.
"Where is she?" he asked as he wandered toward Gary's room in search of the phone.
"Paris. Call her on her cell!" Emma called after him.
"Thanks Em!" he shouted and before Emma could say another word, they heard the bedroom door close.
"Syd I'm so sorry about that," Emma turned back to Sydney. She looked so horribly sad and small.
"Emma don't worry. You had to tell him. It's okay," she said looking down at her hands.
"I did but he didn't have to go running off like that," Emma said, sitting in the armchair beside Sydney.
"But they're dating.." Sydney started but Emma interrupted her.
"It's over Syd."
"I know, he told me but something like this could get them back together."
"Not in a million years, not if you're back in his life," Emma said with conviction.
"I wish you were right," Sydney smiled sadly.
"Trust me on this. I am right," Emma said patting Sydney's shoulder. Sydney smiled at her weakly.
"Hungry?" Emma asked as her own stomach gurgled
"Starved!" Sydney said and smiled through her unshed tears as Emma made her way to the kitchen leaving Sydney alone to her thoughts.
TBC
Author: Karin (Bailsgal)
Email: celtic_7@hotmail.com
Feedback: Live for it!
Summary: When Vaughn can't handle seeing Syd with Noah any longer, he accepts a posting to the American Embassy in London. However a bad mission and unsaid things lead Sydney to his door.
Disclaimer: None of this is mine. All Alias characters belong to the very talented mind of JJ Abrams. Emma Brody and Doug Roach and the rest of the London Embassy crew belong to the cancelled Fox show The American Embassy, produced by Jersey Television., Michelle Fox and Danny DeVito
Distribution: Whoever wants it just ask and it's yours.
Rating : PG to start.
Classification: Angst/Adventure and Romance.what could a person ask for?
Author's Note: I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my dear friend and beta girl extraordinar Anne-Marie! I'd be lost without her help and support. And to all the wonderful people who took the time to send me feedback.. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Two hours later there was still no sign of Vaughn. Doug had called the office and his apartment looking for David, but it appeared that Agent Peirson was missing as well. Sydney called LA to see if Weiss or her father had heard from Vaughn, but both knew nothing. Jack had agreed to call in a few 'markers' to see if anyone in the community knew of Vaughn's where about but they'd heard nothing from him yet. Sydney and Emma were on pins and needles, hoping and praying that Jack Bristow would call them with something. Sitting in Gary's spare room, the group huddled together absentmindedly playing gin and trying to keep their minds off of their missing friend.
"Doug, try the office again. See if they've heard from either of them," Emma leaned into Doug's side.
"You're just trying to peek at me cards Brody," Doug accused, wanting nothing better than to do just that but they had decided to keep phone traffic to a minimum in case the people hunting Sydney were trying to triangulate their position.
"Are you calling me a cheat?" Emma pushed away from Doug, clearly shocked by her boyfriend's accusation.
"I am. I know you and you'll do anything to win," Doug said and ducked as a purple wig came flying at him
"It appears she has a bit of a temper too," Sydney cracked, loving them for the way they were both trying to keep her mind off Vaughn. She knew they were just as worried about him as she was.
"You call that a temper? You ain't seen nothing yet!"
"He's really afraid of me," Emma whispered conspiratorially to Sydney.
"Are you two always like this?" Sydney asked, shaking her head at the pair.
"No not.." Doug began but didn't get a chance to finish as a cellphone began to ring in the livingroom.
"Whose phone is that?" Doug asked as his was sitting on the bedside table.
"It's mine!" Emma said springing from the bed and racing out to the living room for it.
"Michael?" Emma said as soon as she answered.
"No Em, it' Jill," answered a feminine voice that definitely was not Vaughn's.
"Oh. hi," Emma said surprised. She shook her head at Doug as she followed him back toward the bedroom.
"Is everything okay? I heard about the bombing at the Embassy. It's all over the news here in Paris. Is Michael okay?"
"Paris? What are you doing in Paris?" Emma asked, hoping to keep Jill away from asking about Michael again.
"Fishing rights agreement with the French government," Jill's cool voice replied.
"Fishing rights? Wow that sounds interesting," Emma said, struggled for something to say. They had agreed that the fewer people that knew the truth about Sydney, the easier it would be to contain the risk of exposure.
"Emma, look, I know I've been a bitch since Michael and I broke up but I. I just wanted to make sure he was okay. and you and Doug too of course. I tried to reach you at the house and at the Embassy and when I couldn't well...well I started to worry. I would never in a million years be able to forgive myself if something happened to him and we were still angry at each other," Jill babbled on. "I was so angry with him last time we spoke and I've been so mad and hurt. I haven't returned any of his calls or anything.."
"Jill, Jill, please!" Emma tried to interrupt her but Jill went on and on without listening. She was on a roll and nothing could stop the venting. Emma couldn't really blame her. She knew Jill and Michael loved each other but they were both to career focused to make their relationship work. Jill wanted to make a name for herself. She dreamed of having a life in the diplomatic corps and the job in Geneva was another step toward the ambassadorial appointment she wanted. Michael was now on the CIA's fast track since moving to London and he wasn't prepared to give it up and walk away from it all. Emma secretly wondered how much of his refusal to follow Jill had to do with the woman that shown up on their doorstep a few days ago.
"I love him Em, I'd die if something happened to Michael and maybe I should have been more mature about this but I just thought he'd come with me to Switzerland. When he turned me down. I just freaked! Em if he's dead and I didn't."
The tears she heard in Jill's voice as she spoke startled Emma. Jillian Scott was not the type of woman who cried easily and she generally laughed at those who did.
"JILL! Jill, listen to me. Michael isn't dead," Emma interrupted more forcefully this time. She had to put Jill out of her misery.
"He's not?"
"No, he's not."
"Can I speak to him then?" Jill asked, relief ringing in her voice even as she sniffled delicately.
"I'm sorry Jill but he's not here right now," Emma said and looked over at Doug and Sydney in a mild panic.
"Where is he? I've been calling his phone non-stop since I heard and there's no answer. This is just so like him! Always more concerned about everyone else than me and I'll tell you another thing Emma." Jill went off on another rant but this time about Vaughn's inability to think of her. "It drives me crazy that he just ignores everyone in his life as soon as a case comes up, well except for you that is. He always seemed able to let you know what was going on."
Emma sighed as she looked at Doug and Sydney and rolled her eyes. This was about to take a nasty turn.
"Look Jill, he's not here and I'm not sure where he is right now."
"What do you mean you're not sure? This isn't like Michael. He never just disappears. He's usually in his office or the lab but he never just disappears Emma," Jill's voice dropped to an icy whisper, her anger forgotten. The fear in Jill's voice only made Emma's grow.
"He took Donovan for a walk almost 5 hours ago and he hasn't come back," Emma cringed as she said the words out loud. She wasn't sure if it was because she didn't want to admit the possibilities or because she was preparing herself for Jill's reaction.
"Have you checked with Doug or the Embassy?"
"Of course I have! No one has heard from him. Besides he's supposed to be off on sick leave."
"What is he doing walking Donovan if he's sick? Christ Emma! What the hell's going on? I know you're not telling me the whole truth.."
It was then that Jill's intuition decided to kick in. She knew they were holding something back from her and she hadn't worked her way to the top of the legal ladder by being stupid.
"Jill maybe it's better if you don't know everything. He's.he's been protecting another agent."
"You mean Sydney, don't you Emma?" Jill spat out. Jill had never met the woman but she still hated her, hated what she'd done to Michael and how she'd changed him without even knowing it. It drove Jill insane that he'd loved her. It was Jill's honest opinion that Sydney Bristow was the wedge that kept her and Michael apart. He'd never let go of her.
"Yes, Jill, it is Sydney that he's protecting," Emma looked at Doug and Sydney and shrugged helplessly as Doug made cutting motions with his hand. Emma wanted to tell him that she would like nothing better than to get off the phone with Jill but could do nothing at the moment.
"Why he insists on letting that bitch ruin his life is beyond me," Jill's worry turned into anger before Emma could change gears and defend, not only Sydney, but Michael as well.
"Alright Jill that's enough." Emma began.
"I begged him to leave that part of his life behind. He could do anything, he's so smart but no, it was always about her!" Jill continued her tirade.
"Jill I absolutely will not sit here and let you attack him or Sydney so when you have something constructive and helpful to say call me back," Emma raised her voice slightly. When it came to Michael, Emma turned into the proverbial mother lion and no one bad-mouthed her boy.
"Em.I'm sorry," Jill apologized quickly, realising she'd more than over stepped her boundaries and was about to lose her source of information.
Emma sighed again.
"Look Jill I have to go. I want to keep this line open in case Michael calls. When we hear from him I'll let you know, I promise," Emma said in her coldest voice. She couldn't deal with this right now, not with him missing and most definitely not with Sydney sitting in the same room.
"Sure. Just let me know and please ask him to call me when he gets home," Jill's voice had softened considerably.
"I will. I'll talk to you later," Emma started to hang up.
"Emma?" Jill's voice held a note of desperation and Emma closed her eyes. It was horrible hearing this strong woman crumble because the man she loved was missing. It was easier for Jill to walk around angry with Vaughn than it would be for her to mourn him. Loving Michael Vaughn and losing him was not easy. Emma only had look at Sydney for evidence of that.
"What?" Emma asked.
"He'll come home. He always does," Jill whispered before the line went dead.
Emma disconnected the phone and looked up to meet Doug and Sydney's inquisitive stares. How stupid had she been to have this conversation with Jill in front of Sydney. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!
"So let me guess Mike isn't off visiting Jill?" Doug asked seeing the look on his girlfriend's stricken face.
"No. She's in Paris, on government business. If it hadn't been for the bombing making the international news, she wouldn't have bothered with him," Emma said and ran a hand through her hair. They were running out of ideas, out of leads and out of hope. Where was he?
"What about your dad?" Doug turned back to Sydney.
"He said he'd call if he found out anything," Sydney also ran a shaking hand through her tangled hair. It was all her fault that Vaughn was missing. If she'd just contacted SD-6 or Weiss and asked them for help instead of going to Vaughn. Why had she been so naïve as to think they wouldn't go after him to get to her? She should have known better.
"So we sit and wait then," Emma said, hugging Doug to her. Doug stiffened as he heard something downstairs. Quickly he disentangled himself from Emma and reached behind for his gun and holster. Pulling the gun out of the holster, he threw it on the bed next to Sydney.
"Stay here and use it if you have to," he said sharply to Sydney before he moved out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Sydney looked at Emma and knew before the blonde did that she would be following her boyfriend out of the room.
"Emma? Don't. Just stay here," Sydney called to her.
"I can't let him do this alone," Emma whispered back before she opened the door and slipped into the hall. Emma had no idea what she could do to help but if Doug needed any, she was damn well going to be there!
"Emma!" Sydney whispered urgently, but was shut off by the closing of the bedroom door.
She's gonna get herself killed.
Groaning Sydney pulled back the covers and struggled to her feet. There was no way she was going to let Emma and Doug face this on their own. These people wanted her and she'd give herself up freely to ensure Doug and Emma's safety. She'd consider giving them her first 10 children if they would tell her that Vaughn was all right.
Moving toward the door as quickly as she could, Sydney leaned against the wall for balance. As she pulled the door open, she brought the gun up, poised to shoot. She would have their backs in this fight. There was no way she would let them do this alone. Sydney gasped as pain lanced her side, serving to remind her that she was the cause of this mess in the first place. All she could think was that there would be more blood on her hands if 'they' had found them. It was her fault and no one else's.
Doug moved quietly toward the front door turning when he heard a noise behind him. The two women were standing behind him at staggered points in the dark hallway. He couldn't believe that they'd both followed him. Hadn't he told them to sit tight? Emma, he knew, had a mind of her own and he wasn't all that surprised to see her behind him but he thought Sydney would know better. Just then he saw and heard the door open.
"Move and I'll shoot," Doug's voice growled, breaking the silence blanketing them.
"Doug, don't leave me standing out here in the hall," Michael laughed, thinking his friend's threat was a joke.
"Mike?" Doug flipped the safety back on the barrel and tucked his second gun into the back of his jeans.
"Who else would it be?" Vaughn cracked. The small hallway was bathed in light as Michael found and flicked the light switch to 'on'. All three of them sighed in unison as they realized that a very alive and momentarily healthy Michael Vaughn and Donovan stood before them.
"Michael!" Emma shouted, racing to him and throwing her arms around him.
"Vaughn," Sydney whispered in relief, her trembling hand covering her mouth.
"Emma, I'm okay. Geez, what is with you people?" Michael laughed, hugging the blonde to him.
"You're fine?" Emma demanded, pulling back from him. She began to pat him, looking for blood or bruises.
"I'm fine," he nodded his head, pushing her away gently.
"Then don't ever! And I do mean ever do that to us again!" she snapped angrily at him, hitting him in the chest twice.
"I'm sorry! David and I just got side-tracked," Michael apologized, fending off her attack.
"Side-tracked! Christ Mike! We've been looking all over for the two of you. What were you thinking? Jack Bristow is checking sources to see if anyone knows anything about you," Doug exclaimed, pulling Emma off of Vaughn.
"I know and I'm sorry but David and I needed to straighten out somethings with Langley so we." Vaughn started to explain until he saw Sydney slump heavily against the wall for support.
"Syd you should be in bed," he said moving to her side and forgetting completely about the explanation he'd been in the middle of making.
"You're safe," Sydney whispered, her arms immediately wrapping around his neck as he bent to pick her up.
"I'm safe. I'm fine baby, I'm fine," he cooed to her as her warm tears fell against the column of his neck.
"I was so.so scared.I. I thought." she sobbed her heart out clinging to him for dear life.
"I know. Syd, I'm sorry," Vaughn's soft voice caressed her as he gently rocked her in his arms like he would a small child.
"If I.I lost you.I don't know what.what I'd do," she pulled her head off his shoulder so their eyes could meet.
"Mike, you had us all worried to shit. Didn't you even think for a second that calling would have set us all at ease?" Doug was beginning to sound slightly pissed as he spoke.
"I would have called if Tate hadn't taken my phone away," Vaughn spat out angrily.
"Tate was there?" Doug's shocked voice caused both women to look at him, and then turn to look at Vaughn.
"Whose Tate?" Sydney sniffed, noticing the look of disgust on both Vaughn and Doug's faces as they mentioned the name.
"Why don't we get you settled back into bed and I'll tell you all about it," Vaughn offered, shifting Sydney's weight in his arms.
"No take me into the living room please. There's more room in there. We'd have to hang you from the light fixture if we tried to get anyone else in that room," Sydney cracked. In truth she was dying for a change of scenery. The bedroom walls were closing in on her.
"I'll get her pillows and a blanket. Don't start without me," Emma ordered as she disappeared back down the hall toward the spare room.
"Tate is in on this?" Doug hissed in Vaughn's ear.
"Yeah. It seems that Langley found out Sydney was missing and you know what Tate is like. He just had to be in on it."
Sydney did not miss the obvious anger in Vaughn's voice or the sudden tension in his body as he and Doug discussed this Tate person.
"Here we go," Vaughn said as Emma entered the room with a stack of pillows and two throws. He held Sydney firmly in his arms as he waited for Emma to make up the couch.
"Do you want more pillows?" Emma asked as Vaughn lowered her onto the couch.
"I'm fine Emma, thanks," Sydney, flashing a quick smile in Emma's direction, reached for Vaughn's hand at the same time.
"So I'll ask again: who is Tate?" Sydney demanded giving Vaughn's hand a gentle tug.
Michael sat down on the floor beside Sydney and looked at Doug for help.
"Robert Tate is my boss," Vaughn said tightly, pursing his lips in annoyance and shaking his head.
"I thought you reported to the Ambassador," Sydney said, confused by this new information.
"I do but I also report to Tate at Langely. He's this bureaucratic paper pusher who has done nothing but ride the coat tails of other agents to his lofty position in the agency. Ask you're father about him sometime, he's a legend," Vaughn said acidly as he leaned back against the armchair, his fingers entwined with Sydney's. Vaughn studied their hands for a moment; god it felt good to simply hold her hand like this and tell her about his shitty day.
"The man has permanently stained lips from all the asses he's kissed," Doug snorted, earning a laugh from Vaughn.
"No doubt."
"So why is it such a shock to see him here then?" Emma asked snuggling into Doug on the love seat.
"Because the man never, and I mean never, goes into the field," Doug explained to his girlfriend.
"It's a miracle he made it past his probationary period. His incompetence is mammoth!" Vaughn nodded.
"So what's he doing here?" Emma asked again.
"I don't know. Dave and I were in the park walking Donovan and next thing I know this huge black limo pulls up and the door opens."
"Nothing like being inconspicuous," Doug laughed.
"Exactly! Anyway the door opens up and Tate yells at us to get in. Hour and a half later we're sitting in some beachside café in Brighton."
"Oh that little place the agency use as a drop zone?"
"One and the same."
"So let me see if I've gotten this right. less than 48 hours after you reported to LA that Syd had shown up here Brain Dead Bobby shows up here," Doug said sliding forward in this seat to stare at Vaughn.
"Correct! Seems Tate has had the whole cache of CIA agents in Europe on alert since Sydney was reported missing. Everyone except those of us in London."
"I don't get this. Why would Weiss send up a red flag like that? He knows it could blow my cover," Sydney's forehead wrinkled to match Michael's.
"I don't get this either," Emma said noticing the looks that passed between the two men.
"I used to do the same thing if you needed cover or a safe house. It was just a flag that they should expect a package. Tate knew you'd end up here and he wanted you intercepted before you got to me," Vaughn said.
"To keep the ball in play for next week," Doug finished.
"What ball? This scroll is a minor part of the whole Rambaldi game," Sydney was still confused and her head was beginning to swim.
"Syd the scroll isn't the ball, its." Doug looked at Michael.
"It's me. I'm the ball," Vaughn finished for him.
"You're talking about the mission you're going on next week, aren't you?" Emma suddenly understood what the two men had been talking about.
"Alright now I'm really confused," Sydney piped up.
"I'm taking a deep cover assignment for 6 months. It's been something in the works for the last 5 years and Tate is hoping to ride my success right into the Director's chair," Vaughn said.
"Vaughn."
"Tate knows about our history. It was in my file, including the letters of reprimand. He knew I would risk the assignment next week to protect you and he wanted to stop me."
"What's the assignment?" Sydney asked, wondering what could possibly be taking Vaughn out into the field. The guy was a Station head, not a field officer.
"I can't tell you Syd, its classified, so please don't ask," Vaughn said looking her straight in the eye. It wasn't that he didn't trust her. Vaughn trusted her with his life but the mission was classified need to know and at the moment Sydney did not need to know.
"So what happened?"
"I went over his head," Vaughn answered simply.
"Oh man that was not the smartest thing you've ever done Mike. This man has taken grudges to a whole new level. He's gonna have your ass," Doug said shaking his head at his friend's nerve.
"I didn't have a choice, Doug. He was willing to put Syd at risk and I wasn't. I called Director Holland myself when Tate went to the bathroom and told him what was happening. Apparently Agent Bristow and destroying SD-6 have carry a little more weight than Tate's personal agenda does," Vaughn said with satisfaction and a smug grin.
"How did you call if he took your phone and Dave's away?" Emma asked.
"Easy. I used Tate's. I wasn't going to let him take Sydney. There was just no way," Michael said squeezing Sydney's hand.
"Balls, buddy, huge balls!" Doug was roaring with laughter.
"So what do you think it'll be like working in the mailroom?" Vaughn smiled at his friend.
"How did he react when you told him what you'd done?" Sydney asked. Once again Vaughn had sacrificed himself for her.
"He didn't take it well if that's what you're asking. Stormed out of the place leaving Dave and I stranded in Brighton. We had to take the train back, which is another reason we're late," Vaughn told them, ducking as Doug threw a pillow at him.
"I can't believe you!" Doug laughed.
"So you both find this funny?" Emma asked slightly miffed.
"Emma, relax. It's going to be fine," Doug said and tried to hug her.
"No it won't! Michael has probably just crossed a man that could torpedo his career and if he's mad enough, come after Sydney anyway," Emma yelled at them. Both men sobered immediately.
"He's not that dumb."
"But you've just said he's the most incompetent man in the CIA, so why wouldn't he?" Sydney asked catching on to what Emma was saying.
"Robert Tate may be incompetent but he's terrified of pissing off Holland. No he'll back off, if he knows I have the Director's backing," Vaughn said getting to his feet. His stomach was growling with hunger.
"Are you sure?" Sydney asked not letting go of his hand.
"Positive, besides Holland, there's one more person that Tate does not want to piss off," Vaughn said as he reached over with his other hand to tuck a stray bit of hair behind Syd's ear. He didn't pull it away after but instead cupped her cheek.
"Who?" Emma asked.
"Syd's dad," Vaughn tossed over his shoulder as he moved away from Syd toward the kitchen.
"Speaking of Syd's dad, we better phone LA and let them know you finally showed up," Doug said going off in search of his phone. He stopped in the living room doorway.
"Emma you better tell him who called this afternoon," Doug said watching Vaughn's expression change.
"Who called?" Vaughn asked and turned to face Emma.
"Jill. She heard about the bombing and wanted to make sure you were okay. She wants you to call her back," Emma looked from Michael to Sydney.
"Where is she?" he asked as he wandered toward Gary's room in search of the phone.
"Paris. Call her on her cell!" Emma called after him.
"Thanks Em!" he shouted and before Emma could say another word, they heard the bedroom door close.
"Syd I'm so sorry about that," Emma turned back to Sydney. She looked so horribly sad and small.
"Emma don't worry. You had to tell him. It's okay," she said looking down at her hands.
"I did but he didn't have to go running off like that," Emma said, sitting in the armchair beside Sydney.
"But they're dating.." Sydney started but Emma interrupted her.
"It's over Syd."
"I know, he told me but something like this could get them back together."
"Not in a million years, not if you're back in his life," Emma said with conviction.
"I wish you were right," Sydney smiled sadly.
"Trust me on this. I am right," Emma said patting Sydney's shoulder. Sydney smiled at her weakly.
"Hungry?" Emma asked as her own stomach gurgled
"Starved!" Sydney said and smiled through her unshed tears as Emma made her way to the kitchen leaving Sydney alone to her thoughts.
TBC
