NINE





Later that day, after she had dressed and said good-bye to Will for the time being, Sydney was driving home and attempting to figure out how she should tell Francie what she should have told her years before.

Sydney pulled into the driveway and killed the engine. She sighed and got out of the car. Today was Monday, the only day of the week that Francie's restaurant was closed.

Sighing again, Sydney unlocked the front door and walked inside. Francie was sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee, staring into space. She didn't look up when Sydney entered.

Sydney silently removed her coat and hung it neatly on one of the hooks of the coat rack.

Sydney said cheerfully, walking over to the couch. She plopped down and sighed.

Francie nodded in acknowledgement of Sydney's presence but didn't speak.

We need to talk, Sydney said quickly.

Again, Francie nodded without speaking.

The truth is, Sydney began, I should have told you everything years ago.

Told me what? Francie asked, half-interested.

I never worked for a bank, Sydney said pointedly.

Francie scoffed. What the hell are you talking about?

Credit Dauphine was a front for an intelligence organization. I was a spy. Sydney frowned and stared straight ahead.

Francie said dubiously, shaking her head. She looked at Sydney and saw that her expression was serious. How is that possible?

Sydney sighed. I'll answer your questions after I finish explaining everything, she said impatiently.

Why didn't you tell me before? Francie asked angrily. What made you want to do it now?

Sydney began.

And the bank building was destroyed, what if you had been inside when it happened? Francie had suddenly gone from being furious to being worried.

Francie please— Sydney said softly. Let me do this.

Francie nodded vigorously and urged Sydney to continue.

I was recruited in my freshman year of college. I went through all sorts of training to finally become a spy. She sighed and went on. When I was recruited, they mentioned that they were associated with the CIA. But, I would find out later that this group—called SD-6—was actually not affiliated with the CIA. A tear rolled down Sydney's cheek and she wiped it away quickly.

Francie sighed deeply and leaned back into the couch. She was fighting to comprehend everything Sydney was saying and actually find a way to believe it all. Sighing again, she asked, How did you find out?

Sydney paused, trying to collect herself before continuing. I told Danny I was a spy and—

—they killed him, Francie finished solemnly.

Sydney said slowly, wiping away another tear.

Syd, I'm so sorry, Francie whispered, grasping Sydney's hand.

Sydney nodded slightly and continued. Then my father broke the news to me about SD-6. So, I went to the real CIA and became a double agent. Eventually, we were able to weaken SD-6 and finally destroy them altogether.

Francie sighed. Why didn't you tell me this before?

Sydney sniffled and wiped more tears from her eyes. I was afraid, she admitted. I mean, Danny was killed, and then Will ended up finding out as a result of—

Whoa, whoa, wait a minute, Francie began, anger rising in her throat. Will knows?

Sydney swallowed. He's known for a while now, she said, her voice shaking.

Francie stood up suddenly. How could you tell him before you told me? I'm your best friend.

Sydney stood up as well. It was different, she said through clenched teeth.

Francie gave Sydney a look that told her to explain.

He was looking into Danny's death and SD-6 threatened to have him killed. Plus, he was kidnapped and tortured by another group. Sydney swallowed. I had to tell him.

Will was kidnapped? Francie asked, fear in her voice. She blinked to fight back tears.

Sydney nodded slightly.

And tortured? Francie whispered. She grabbed a tissue from the box on the coffee table and dabbed at her eyes.

Sydney nodded again. He knew too much. He could have easily blown the lid off the whole SD-6 thing. My boss at SD-6 wanted to kill him, so my dad came up with the heroin addict' idea.

Francie raised an eyebrow. So he wasn't really an addict? It was a way out for him so he wouldn't be killed?

Sydney said with a nod.

My God... Francie grabbed another tissue. She narrowed her eyes at Sydney. Wasn't this box full?

Sydney gulped.

And wasn't it also in the bathroom? Francie inquired.

Sydney plopped down on the couch again and sighed heavily.

There's more that you haven't told me, isn't there? Francie said accusingly.

Sydney nodded and crossed her arms over her chest. Francie sat down next to her and waited for her to continue.

I got a call yesterday—from my old handler at the CIA. After SD-6 had been demolished, I resigned from the CIA and didn't receive any more calls, Sydney explained.

So the Joey's Pizza' thing yesterday—that was how they used to contact you? Francie asked.

Sydney said with a nod. Anyway, I got the call—the first call, anyway—in the morning and went to meet with him. He told me that my old boss at SD-6 was still alive and that I was called because they figured I might like to personally do him in.

Francie said. So you got this first call before you called me to say you were sick?

Sydney nodded.

So that was why you had to cancel...



Okay, so you have to kill your old boss. But, I want to know about the tissues, Francie said, holding up the box. I just bought this.

Sydney sighed. I called Will and he came over, and I cried when I explained my mission.

But you stayed at his house last night. Why did you have to see him twice? Francie questioned.

Well, I had to meet with my handler twice. And on the second visit to my handler—

Wait, wait. Francie grinned. What's your handler like?

Sydney began, laughing.

Is he hot? Francie interrupted.

Sydney shrugged and shook her head. I don't know, I mean, I never really thought about it, I guess. Besides, it doesn't matter anyway.

Francie squinted. Why doesn't it matter?

Sydney smiled, her dimples prominent. You asked me about staying at Will's last night. So—

Francie gasped. You guys finally got together? she asked excitedly.

Sydney giggled. Yeah, we did. She grinned again.

Francie sighed happily and smiled. I'm glad, she said with a nod.

Me too, Sydney said softly, smiling again.

I kind of had a feeling you would. And he is a great guy and all.

He is, Sydney agreed.

I'm so happy for you guys, Francie said, giving Sydney a hug.

Sydney hugged her back and wiped a tear from her eye.

So what are the chances that I might get to meet this handler guy of yours? Francie said with a mischievous grin.

Sydney said, laughing. She sighed contentedly and changed the subject. I'm so glad you understood all of this.

I'm so glad you finally told me, Francie said with a laugh.

It feels good, Sydney said. I hope I never have to lie to anyone again.

I do too, Francie agreed.

Sydney grabbed a tissue from the box and blew her nose.

The next instant, the phone rang and Francie snatched it up.

Joey's Pizza?

Sydney heard Vaughn's voice faintly and leaned back into the couch.

Wrong number, Francie said, and hung up the phone.

Sydney sat there for a moment, then stretched and stood up. I got to go, she said with a small smile.

I'll see you later, Francie said, smiling back.

See you.