FIVE
After Will left, Sydney remained on the couch for a few minutes before heading to her room to sleep. Without changing clothes first, Sydney slipped into bed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
She was awakened a few hours later by Francie, who apparently felt it was her duty to wake Sydney up.
Sydney mumbled, lazily turning onto her back.
Francie said softly as she ran a hand through Sydney's hair. How are you feeling?
I'm doing all right. I'm feeling a lot better than I was earlier today, but I'm still not all better yet. Sydney yawned loudly and started to close her eyes, hoping Francie would get the hint.
I'm sorry I woke you up, but I wanted to see how you were doing. Francie put her hand on Sydney's forehead to see if it was warm.
Sydney bit her lip. She wondered how she could have forgotten to concoct a plan to simulate a fever.
Francie commented. At least you're not running a fever. That's always a good sign.
Sydney said quietly. I guess so. She swallowed.
Francie paused.
Sydney sat up, her brown eyes wide with fear. What's the matter? she asked.
Francie said with a sigh, is there something you want to tell me?
Sydney swallowed. What—uh—what do you—what do you mean? she stammered.
You're just—I don't know—acting really strange today.
I'm not feeling well, Sydney explained, maybe that's why.
But I don't think it is, Francie said accusingly.
Sydney was growing upset, but knew it was only because Francie was finally being inquisitive and she wasn't sure how to handle the situation. She scratched the back of her neck. So what do you think? If you think I'm acting weird, or whatever, what do you think is the reason? Sydney almost instantly regretted getting in that deep, but decided it was the only way she could continue to hide the truth.
Francie opened her mouth to reply just as the phone in Sydney's room rang. Sydney reached for it, but Francie was quicker and snatched it from the bedside table.
Francie said into the phone.
Sydney swallowed and listened for a reply. She barely heard Vaughn's voice say Joey's Pizza? and her heart sank.
Francie slammed the phone down. Sydney felt a knot form in her stomach and bit her lip.
Through clenched teeth, Francie said, 'Joey's Pizza'?
Sydney fought the urge to turn her head because she knew if she looked away at that moment, she would be giving herself away. It's just a wrong number, she said quietly.
Francie ignored her. Is it my imagination or was it a few years ago that we were receiving supposed Joey's Pizza' wrong number calls?
Sydney began.
And those calls would come in several times a month, Francie continued.
Sydney tried to explain.
Who are these Joey's Pizza' people? There has to be a deeper story here, there's no way this can just be—
—a coincidence, Sydney finished. It is, Francie. Just a coincidence.
Francie started, we didn't get any calls from them for two years, which is about the same time you had to quit your job. And what is with that, anyway? Why would someone want to blow up a bank?
Sydney let out a small sigh of relief as she realized that the tide had been turned and she was safe for the moment. She smiled a little. I don't know why anyone would want to blow up a bank. But I'm so glad I don't work there anymore. Being a banker sucked. She laughed nervously and hoped Francie would return to her naïve' mode.
Francie laughed and gave Sydney a quick hug. I'm going to go to bed. It was a long day.
Sydney said with a smile. Hey, listen, I think I'm going to go for a drive. I need to relax a little.
Francie gave her a look and Sydney laughed, reading Francie's mind.
It has nothing to do with the phone call, I just want to get some air, you know, maybe clear my head.
Francie nodded and they said their good-night's. As soon as Francie had left the room, Sydney threw the covers off and hopped out of bed. She went for her keys then grabbed her coat. She went outside to her Land Cruiser, got inside, and started the engine. She sighed before backing down the driveway and heading in the direction of the warehouse to meet with Vaughn.