Tangled Lies

by Tayce Skye

* * *

Rating: PG-13.

Spoilers: All of Season 1 and maybe the first episode or two of Season 2 (based on info from spoiler sites).

Summary: Post ATY. Will be AU after Season 2 starts. My version of what might happen in (and after) Taipei. Last time on "Tangled Lies"... Jack speaks to Sydney about Vaughn, who still doesn't know the kiss was for real. Irina reveals that something's going on in Helsinki. Will and Syd talk about Francie's new relationship with Jason Kendall, not knowing he's listening too. Katrina has a little conversation with Irina.

Pairings: Francie/Jason mentioned.

Distribution: Sure, but don't forget to email me first at teague1350@hotmail.com. I'd also appreciate a link.

Disclaimer: I own this story along with Katrina Hunt. Alias is not mine. It belongs to JJ Abrams, Bad Robot, ABC, etc. No copyright infringement was intended.

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Katrina shook her head. "You are so wrong. How can you even say such a thing?"

"I can't believe you think that! Ignorance... complete ignorance!" Tyler Blumberg was obviously infuriated.

She scowled at him. "When it comes to cheesecake, New York style rocks. Plain is unbeatable. Fruit just makes it all syrupy." They both reached for the glazed Krispy Kreme donut.

These last couple of weeks had been divine. The two teens had become great friends, managing to forget about that unfortunate incident at the ice cream shop.

He showed her all about the joys of "hanging out". They went to the beach, saw some movies, ate at the best fast food joints, and had numerous discussions ranging from food to music to novels. It was... cool.

Cackling as she snatched the last pastry, Katrina waved it in front of his face. Tyler just rolled his eyes.

"So we on for tomorrow? The Stanley Kubrick movie marathon? I got the Oreo's, Doritos, and popcorn." He still couldn't believe the girl's amazing appetite.

"Awesome. Your apartment at noon? Crap, I gotta feed Donovan. Mike's gonna be so pissed if he finds his dog biting on the couch again. I'll call you later!" She gave him a lopsided grin and got up from the park bench, brushing off the crumbs. They had been feeding the ducks, and themselves.

The nineteen-year-old watched longingly as Katrina walked away. Just because she had a boyfriend didn't mean he couldn't obsess over every aspect of her. He silently berated himself for being so foolish. Tyler could have any chick he wanted. Just not her.

* * *

"Hey Trin, how's my li'l lady?"

"I wouldn't know." Michael's friend laughed and returned his focus onto the Sports Illustrated he was perusing.

Eric hung out at the apartment sometimes, still recovering from an injury neither agent could tell Katrina about. The CIA knew that she was aware of their occupations, but didn't want them to disclose any detailed information. The teen picked up on that fact and never asked them to elaborate.

"Did you feed Donovan?"

"Yup. He had his teeth buried in a cushion when I got here. Mike's gonna chew us both out."

Katrina smiled. "Nuh uh, he likes me better! Nice pun, by the way. So, you stayin' for my famous lasagna?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, sweet pea." The front door opened and a weary Michael Vaughn entered the room.

"Eric, did you steal my mail again? Of all people, you should know it's a federal offense," he joked and snatched the magazine away from his pal. He turned to Katrina.

"I'm going out of town for a day or two next week. Business trip. Will you be okay alone? No wild parties or inviting strange boys over?"

"I'll try to restrain myself," she answered dryly, while expertly hiding the concern and disappointment that attempted to surface.

Michael mussed up her already-disheveled hair. "That's my girl! What's for dinner?"

* * *

Sydney tapped her nails impatiently. Vaughn was late. He was really late! Not that she was in a huge hurry to see him or his green eyes, dimpled grin, wrinkled--

Damn it! That wasn't good. She hadn't been able to get him out of her head since--

His hand tapped on her shoulder, startling her. "Ah!"

He chuckled. "Sorry, Syd." This earned him a vehement glare.

"Vaughn. You scared me!"

"Well, maybe this will make up for it. We've pinpointed the location to Helsinki. Not sure where exactly, though. We should know in time for the mission."

She frowned. That wasn't the reaction he had been hoping for. "We don't even know what's in Helsinki. It could be a trap!"

"We'll be prepared. Don't worry, Sydney. I hate to say it, but I think your--Irina is actually helping us."

* * *

Will:

I couldn't help it. My stupid curiosity got hold of me.

Am I relieved? That I found it in time? So I can save her?

No. It's so hard. It'd be easier if I had never...

Sydney told me to drop it. Since when do I ever listen to her? So I contacted some sources. They dug up his past. And I'm horrified.

Jason Kendall had been the prime suspect in the brutal murder of a Californian political leader ten years ago. The guy was mutilated beyond recognition. LA police couldn't gather enough evidence to put him away.

He was connected to two other homicides from the mid-90's. Both involved disfigured bodies. I threw up about four times.

Francie's new boyfriend could very well be a killer. I have to get her away from him.

* * *

"I'm telling you, Syd. Will you at least check it out? You know, use your sources?" he asked in an urgent, but hushed tone.

"You are insane! Stop worrying about this okay? I promise I'll look into it, but you have to promise that you'll stop." In reality, she was terrified. What if Will was right? Francie could be in danger.

Sydney left the worried ex-reporter and called Vaughn, telling him to bring his laptop to the warehouse.

"What's this about?" he asked as she searched for clues in the government database.

"There! Jason Kendall. Oh my god. I think Will was right!" There was no response. "Vaughn?"

"How in the world do you know Agent Kendall?"

* * *

Tyler lounged on his ratty old chair, waiting for Katrina to arrive. It was 12:04 already. Dude, cool it. It's been less than four minutes.

There was a knock at the door and he suddenly bounded off the Lazy Boy.

"Coming!" Stopping short of the door to compose himself, Tyler opened it with a flourish. To his confusion, a blond man stood outside. The stranger was pointing a gun at his chest.

* * *

Katrina entered the apartment out of breath. "Sorry Ty--" She stopped abruptly.

The familiar, but sickening scent reached her nose.

Blood. Gore. Tyler.

He lay on the stained carpet in grotesque condition. Limbs unnaturally posed. A hand shot up to her mouth, trying to prevent herself from retching. Eyes wide and frightened, she slowly sank down to his side.

"No."

There was no pulse. He stared back at her. Blank, emotionless. Without life.

"No."

It couldn't be. Not Tyler. She glanced around the room frantically. The coffee table was completely covered with snacks. He got all that food for her. Poor, sweet, thoughtful Tyler.

Tears came. Katrina wasn't aware of them until she felt a splatter on her hand. How she despised those salty droplets. It was weakness.

How could she even think about that when her best--no, only friend was...

"No!"

A scrap of white against the red. Clutched in his hand. Trembling, she removed it.

Paper. Words.

Dearest Katrina,

So sorry it had to end this way. Irina gives her regards. She trusts the Helsinki assignment won't be a problem. Unless, you wish the same onto Mr. Vaughn.

Betrayal hurts, right? Like a blow to the stomach, it's unexpected. As if someone is skewering your insides. It's almost poetic, in a cruel way.

He loves--loved you, Trin. Did you see that? Selfish bitch. That's all you'll ever be. This wouldn't have happened if you had kept your lips to yourself.

Yes, I was watching. Our employer wasn't happy either. We can't risk it. The best solution is containment. Execution.

I'm sure he didn't suffer as he gurgled his last breath. I'm sure he was thinking of you the whole time. I was. His death at my hand. Almost poetic.

Yours,

David Andrew Sark

Her throat closed.

"No." It came out as a choke.

It couldn't be. Not him. Not David. Not Tyler. No, no, no, no no no no nonononono...

Please, no.

* * * * *

Author's Note: In the next chapter we rewind and see the events from Sark's point of view. And Katrina has an unexpected encounter with the last person she wants to see.

Questions, comments, suggestions, speculation, constructive criticism... I'll take what I can get. I really appreciate all the feedback! To Fanatic... three reviews in a row! Holy cow jeez mama, I'm glad you liked it. Hopefully, I didn't keep you waiting too long for this chapter.

I am forever indebted to my fabulous beta reader, Shelly, for putting up with my muse.

And many thanks to Jannah. The title, "Almost Poetic" was her idea. All hail the Lurker.