Chapter 5 -

Working for SD-6 had taken her to many a country, some different as night and day with their expensive details or dinginess of slums. Even after racking up hoards of frequent flyer miles she couldn't use, it was rare to have time for site seeing.

As she was walking through the French style buildings of the Recoleta neighborhood, she soaked up the culture of one of the most traditional areas in Buenos Aires. Passing by rows of boutiques and the occasional pub, she periodically paused out front of the smaller shops, browsing for trinkets. Out of habit, she checked her reflection in the window.

One of the most difficult tasks she had faced thus far, had to be Claudette's style. Designer urban chic wasn't really her, but Sydney pulled it off fine. The expensive scarf, with multi shades of blue, geometric shapes, wrapped around her head, matched her tight blue halter-top wonderfully. Both perfectly complimented her white, wide legged pants and nude stiletto boots. What she could get used to was the jewelry. Sure it was a bit gaudy, but the seventeen-karat sapphire and diamond bracelet was amazing to look at.

Her thoughts on fashion were interrupted by the sense of someone staring. Thirty feet to her left, Sark was leaning against the shop building up the block, casually watching her. Her thoughts ran back to earlier that day, as they were eating breakfast, and the way his eyes were almost glowing with many shades of blue. It was not common to find someone with chameleon eyes, changing with mood or dress. When she looked in his direction, he placed a soft smile on his face lifting his head slightly, a motion of calling her over. She obliged, making her way over, and slid her arm in his.

Sark leaned in, "No sign of them yet, but we better go." Sydney smiled while running her nails over his biceps, feeling a slight twitch under her fingers.

"Consuela," the old man behind the counter gave his greeting as she walked to the front door. "You look absolutely radiant!" Sydney looked toward the front just as she stepped in. The old man was right, her black, naturally waved hair, brushed just past her shoulders. Dressed to fit the mid eighty-degree weather, her body was hugged by a knee length, soft pink strapless dress. "Marcus," the man extended his hand, "I was surprised to hear you would be by."

Mrs. Espinoza left the two men to talk, heading straight to the necklace cases. Hoping to start a conversation, Sydney left Sark to look at the men's watches, and strolled over in her direction. While peering at the array of diamonds encased in glass, she took notice of a simple, yet brilliant necklace -three stones dangling from a white gold chain. The strategically placed lights, made the necklace sparkle with all the colors of the spectrum.

"They are lovely aren't they," Sydney heard Consuela as she spoke to her. "You're admiring the three stone?"

In response, Sydney smiled in agreement. "It's nice, but not really my style," she lied. "My style tends to gravitate more to the extravagant side. At least that's what my husband tells me."

Her comment drew a laugh from Consuela, "I see, your husband is like that too. At least it seems like he has this marriage thing down." Sydney shot her a questioning look, prompting Consuela to elaborate. "We're staying at the Park Tower Hotel also. His loving display last night was one of the most romantic I've heard."

Sydney showed a small amount of embarrassment. "Love is a completely different story when you've found that one person."

"Tell me about it," Consuela answered. Extending her hand, "I'm Consuela Espinoza."

Sydney took her hand in a cordial gesture, "Claudette Binoche. So are you two on your honeymoon also?"

"No, actually we live in Buenos Aires, but we're having some work done on our house," Consuela replied.

Unaware that Sark had been eavesdropping even before their conversation began, Sydney was surprised when he slid his hand over her hip, standing close behind. "Claudette love, did you find anything to your liking?"

"Well, I was looking at this diamond choker," Sydney pointed to the twenty carat necklace, "but I already know you'll tell me it's a bit much, even for my formal wear." Sydney reached behind her to stroke his face with her hand.

Sark glanced into the glass case. "As much as I love your neck bare, it's much better accented with something a bit less."

Both Sydney and Consuela laughed. "See what I mean," Sydney told Consuela. "Honey, this is Consuela Espinoza. She and her husband are staying at our hotel."

Sark extended his hand to shake, "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Consuela smiled at Sark. "Have you two done any site seeing yet?"

With her knowledge of Buenos Aires gained from the Internet, Sydney responded, "Not yet. We're hoping to make it to the Fine Arts Museum, my husband is a Goya fan, and of course the Recoleta Cemetery sometime later today."

"Both are wonderful places," she beamed, "the weekends here are rich with festivities, if you're staying over. The whole area is filled with artists, musicians and other crafts." Claudette looked toward her husband, who was ending his conversation with the jeweler. "Well, I'm off to finish official Christmas business. We'll probably see you at the hotel later."

Sydney smiled at her, "I'm sure we will." Sydney watched as she walked off in the direction of her husband. Taking Sark's hand, she led them toward the exit.

When they made it out the door, Sark complimented her. "You were perfect in there. Excellent play at keeping us right on schedule."

Flattered by the genuine natured comment, Sydney felt heat rise to her cheeks. How could someone who had proven himself to be so cold and cruel, come up with the perfect lines – last night still was the perfect example – causing her to feel a sort of closeness. Some middle ground behavior would be more tolerable, at least then she wouldn't have to dwell so much.

Suddenly, Sydney realized their hands were still intertwined a good three blocks down the way. Unintentionally she let go abruptly, lowering her hand to find her sunglasses. She noticed Sark glance in her direction, but knowing too well he would consider her move a cop out, another excuse to hide and then of course spat one of his "know it all" comments, she pretended to ignore him as she put on her shades.