Disclaimer: I own nothing. These characters all belong to the man (otherwise known as JJ).

Author: Missy

Thanks to: Kristen…you're the best girl!!! And thanks to all my peeps at SD-6…ya'll know you are. JBE!!!!

Chapter 1

"Vaughn, what is it?"

Vaughn remained silent for a moment as if thinking what to say, "Sydney, y-your father has been taken into custody."

"By SD-6?"

"No….by the CIA."

Sydney was shocked. What could her father possibly have done to be taken into custody? Was it about that missing agent that she heard about? Could he have been the one responsible for his disappearance?

"I don't understand? What did he do?"

"It involves your mother. You see, we gave your father another psyche evaluation and he accidentally let it slip that he killed your mother. I don't know how, but you'll have to talk to Bartnett about that."

"No, no this all wrong. My father couldn't possibly have killed her. I mean, in his report he said that one of Nerhu's men shot her."

Vaughn took Sydney's hand into his and squeezed it tightly. He knew that there was nothing he could do to comfort her, but at least she knew he was there for her. At least he hoped she did. Sydney slowly released herself from Vaughn's grip, although he wasn't ready to let her go. Before Vaughn knew what he was doing, he pulled Sydney toward him and hugged her unexpectedly.

After a few moments he let go and apologized for his abrupt manner.

"You don't have to apologize, Vaughn. I needed that."

"I think its safe for you to call me Michael," he said, smiling at her.

Sydney couldn't believe how attracted she was to this man. But despite her feelings, she showed no hint of it. Michael had made it perfectly clear to her that they were just friends, and that's all they'd ever be.

"Thanks….Michael."

"Anytime."

Jack sat there impatiently waiting for his interrogators to return. He couldn't believe he had let it slip that he had killed Irina. How could he have been so stupid, was all that he could ask himself. Bartnett was good and he had to admit that. Although it was still a mystery as to how she had gotten him to talk regarding Irina.

Devlin walked through the door, interrupting Jack's thoughts. Sydney was behind Devlin, staring straight at Jack. Jack knew what she was thinking. That he was a killer, a lowlife, and that she expected this kind of ruthless action from him. Jack was then snapped out of his daze by the sight of Devlin, who was staring him straight in the eye.

"Jack, did you hear anything that I have just said?"

Jack remained silent and turned to Sydney, who was sitting beside him.

"You do know that you've just cost the CIA a valuable asset? Langley is furious, Jack, absolutely furious! I know you may have had some problems, but I never thought that you'd do this! And to think that I used to respect you? You really did stoop low this time."

This comment made Sydney furious, and she was also furious with the fact that Jack had taken Devlin's insult. This was not her father. The real Jack would have defended himself and would have never accepted an insult. If Jack wasn't going to stand up for himself, then she was going to do it for him.

"Alright, enough! I'm not just gonna sit here and let you insult my father. I mean, for all you know, he could've been telling the truth. Are you sure Bartnett heard right? I mean, I heard about her from Vaughn and…"

"Ms. Bristow! Let me remind you who you are talking to. And no, Dr. Bartnett isn't wrong. She's preformed several tests on your father and it proves that he is in fact your mother's killer. I know it's hard to accept, but the fact is he killed her. End of story. Why else isn't your father speaking up for himself then?"

Before Sydney could've even responded, Jack spoke up, "Enough!" From the look that they were giving Jack, they had certainly heard him.

Jack's throat was dry, and he was in no mood to raise his voice or argue.

"Ben, if it's alright with you, I'd like to speak to Sydney for a moment."

Devlin sighed. "Make it quick."

"Thanks."

As Devlin walked out the door, Sydney quickly took a seat by her father. "Dad, what's going on?"

"Sydney, all you need to know is that I'm sorry."

"Sorry….sorry for what?"

Jack sighed helplessly. He was tired, both physically and emotionally.

"For everything."

"Dad…"

Jack gave Sydney a smile before speaking to her again, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"What? Dad…" But before Sydney could even finish her sentence, two men had walked in and were escorting her father out of the room.

Sydney was utterly confused. Why was her father acting like this? And what the hell did Bartnett do to make him talk? She knew she couldn't ask her father, since he had probably been hypnotized by her, and the CIA was definitely out of the question. If Sydney wanted the truth, she would have to ask Bartnett herself.

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FLASHBACK

"Why do you continue to play with me as if I'm a toy! I admit I was foolish enough to marry you….to even love you. And I'll even admit to you that I somehow wished you loved me back. But not anymore. You've used me for the last time."

"I assume you saw my video footage then? Jack, I lied when I said I used you. I ….I don't know what I felt."

"Did you ever love me?"

"Yes I did."

"For once in your life just stop lying! I'm going to ask you again…did you ever love me?"

"No…I never loved you."

"Well I always loved you."

And then the trigger was pulled

END FLASHBACK

Jack awoke drenched in sweet. His vision was blurry and a feeling of nausea started to kick in.

"Jack, how do you feel?"

"I'm fine. Are we done yet?" His tone was harsh and straight to business. Normally, Jack would humor the "good" doctor, but not today. Frankly, the more time he spent with her, the more of an annoyance she became.

"Almost. Jack I want you to answer these questions truthfully, alright?"

"If it'll get me out of here faster, then ask away."

She smiled at him, but it wasn't returned, "Why did you kill your wife?"

"Dr. Bartentt…"

"Please, call me Nancy."

"I'd prefer to address you as doctor if you don't mind."

She smiled yet again, and began to write things down on a pad of paper. "Whatever you prefer to call me is fine."

"Actually, I'd prefer to call you a lot of things right now," this remark caused Bartnett's eyebrow to raise. "I'm sorry….I don't know where that came from."

Bartnett continued to write, while speaking to Jack, "It's quite alright, Jack. These symptoms are quite typical."

"Symptoms?"

She then put down her pen and stopped to look at Jack, "I assume you want the truth then?"

Jack responded in a horse tone, "Yes, please."

"Well, to be frank, I've had you under hypnosis for the past few days."

"You what!"

"Jack…"

"Why wasn't I told of this beforehand?"

"Because I was ordered by Langley not to. You have to understand, Jack, when Irina was found dead, everyone on that mission had to be evaluated."

"I'm aware of CIA procedure, and that is not procedure!" Jack's voice was becoming more hoarse by the second. But this had no effect on Bartnett, for she dealt with this kind of behavior all the time. Jack was considered a new breed to her. Never had she met a patient who was so in control of his emotions. Until Jack, that is. He amazed her, interested her, and even shocked her at times. What was it about him that she just couldn't figure out?

Before she knew it, the sound of the door slamming behind her had snapped her back into reality. Moments later, a young woman entered Bartnett's office. She was blonde with a petite frame, and she had the most amazing blue eyes you could have ever seen. She'd only been working with the CIA for three weeks, but she was quickly adjusting. Especially since she'd made the A list on the men's bathroom wall. Bartnett knew all the CIA officer's profiles by heart and she knew exactly who started the A list- Eric Weiss. She couldn't help but smile.

"So, that was the famous Jack Bristow, huh?"

"Yeah. I assume he's leaving the building by now."

"Boy, you're good. Any guesses as to where he's heading?"

"Most likely to a low profile place. My guess, maybe a bar."

"Alright, I'll call this in then."

"No, don't….he needs some time to cool off. Hopefully, he'll be back of his own free will."

"You're the boss." As she was about to head out the door, Bartnett called out to her, "Oh and Alice…."

"Yeah?"

"Have you seen Vaughn yet?"