EIGHTEEN





A week later, the funeral for Vaughn was held. Sydney, Will, Weiss and numerous others were in attendance. Sydney and Weiss exchanged glances and slight frowns but didn't speak to each other.

Sydney actually surprised herself by not crying too much. At the end of the service, when most everyone had left, Sydney went up to the casket and laid a bouquet of roses on it. She mumbled her good-byes and cried a little. Will stood in silence while Sydney did what she needed.

When she was done, Sydney turned around and smiled faintly at Will who slid a comforting arm around her shoulders as they walked to his car. Sydney looked back over her shoulder for one last glimpse. But what she saw stopped her in her tracks.

Oh my God, she murmured.

What's wrong? Will asked, brushing a few strands of Sydney's hair away from her face.

My dad's here, she whispered.

Will nodded, seeing that Sydney clearly intended (and needed) to go talk to her father. I'll wait here.

Are you sure? You can come with me if you want. I mean, I doubt it's business, she told him. I hope it's not business...

Yeah, go ahead. Will gently grabbed Sydney's shoulders and planted a kiss on her forehead.

I'll be back, Sydney said, smiling.

Will nodded again and turned to watch her walk over to Jack. He raised up a hand in acknowledgment and Jack nodded slightly.

Sydney said, giving her father a hug.

Jack awkwardly patted her back. It amazed Sydney that after all the years her father had spent on the planet he still was uncomfortable hugging people.

What are you doing here? Sydney asked. I mean, I know what you're doing here, but I mean, I guess I'm surprised to see you. Sydney glanced at her feet and nervously scuffed her shoe.

I didn't know Mr. Vaughn all that well but I felt it would be appropriate for me to come and pay my respects.

Sydney nodded. So—how are you doing? I haven't talked to you in—

—Over two years, Jack finished.

Sydney agreed, shoving her hands into the pockets of her coat. An uncomfortable silence ensued.

Jack broke it. I know it's none of my business, but, it would appear that there is something going on between you and Mr. Tippin.

Sydney grinned. Dad, you can call him

Jack nodded and felt a small smile tugging at his mouth. He could see that his daughter was happy and couldn't help feeling happy for her. There is something I need to discuss with you.

Sydney said with a smile. Her smile faded when she saw her father's expression change.

I was informed of your mission to question and dispose of Sloane. I'm assuming you know it was only a partial success, Jack said.

Sydney nodded. Yes, I was able to find out that he had not started up SD-6 again but I did not kill him.

Normally I would ask you why but we actually have a tape of the entire incident.

Sydney felt her breath catch in her throat and she crossed her arms over her chest. How—how did—how— she choked out, starting to tear up.

Sloane evidently had video cameras in his house. After you met with Devlin, a CIA team stormed the house intending to tie up your loose ends, Jack informed her.

Sydney swallowed hard at the loose ends' bit and wiped her eyes.

Jack continued. When they broke into the house, Sloane was nowhere to be found. He apparently fled elsewhere. The team turned the house upside-down looking for him and whatever else that may prove to be useful. They found a control room hidden away that had monitors for the cameras in every room of the house. They watched all the footage, including the tape with your encounter with Sloane.

Have you seen it? Sydney asked quietly, avoiding his gaze.

Jack replied, without emotion.

More tears spilled out of Sydney's eyes and she stepped back a little, suddenly feeling more uncomfortable than she had ever felt around her father before.

I refused to watch it at first, Jack admitted. But I was more or less forced.

I have to go, Sydney said quietly, stepping back a few more steps.

I'm sorry you had to go through that, Jack told her. He added, I look forward to killing him with my bare hands.

Sydney began, you saw the tape. You saw the exchange between Sloane and I near the end.

Jack said, starting to grow angry.

Dad, listen to me, Sydney pleaded. I want it to end. I just want to have my normal life. I had a normal life for two years until the CIA calls me in to take care of this crap. They could have called anyone in to go kill him, but no, they had to call me because they thought I would want to do it because of some personal vendetta. Yes, I wanted Sloane dead, and yes, what happened that night was incredibly devastating, but for Christ's sake, I was able to end it right there.

Sydney, you know this is ridiculous. How can you be so naïve after everything that has happened to you in all your years of working in intelligence? Jack fumed. Sloane will be terminated—one way or another—and I will make damn sure of it.

Meanwhile, Will had been toying with the idea of wandering over once he saw the conversation turn from reminiscence to a full-fledged argument. Finally, he decided to walk over and make sure everything was okay.

Hey Jack, long time no see, how is everything? he asked, casually slipping an arm around Sydney's waist.

Everything is fine, Jack replied. I have to leave. It was good to see you both again. He walked past both of them, gently brushing Sydney's shoulder as he went past.

Is everything all right? Will asked once Jack was out of earshot.

Sydney nodded. Everything's fine, she said, taking Will's hand and leading him to the car.