Realizations
Sydney asked in disbelief.
Vaughn smiled at her.
Sydney stepped forward and hugged him. I thought you were dead.
I probably should be, Vaughn told her. But I was able to dive back into my car when I heard several shots being fired.
Sydney stepped back from him and looked at Sark. Why did you tell me he was dead? she asked, her voice wavering.
I was told that he was, Sydney, Sark told her. When I went to the CIA and convinced your superiors of my knowledge, the first thing they told me was that Mr. Vaughn had been killed.
Sydney looked up at Vaughn, hoping he could elaborate. He nodded his head slightly.
I'm sure that's true. I'm sure they thought when I didn't come back immediately that I had been killed, Vaughn said.
He reached a hand to her cheek and she shied away and stepped back to stand by Sark. Vaughn cocked his head to one side. When he saw Sydney grab Sark's hand, he knew he didn't have to be told.
Let me fill you in on what's going to happen here. Vaughn cleared his throat. I have the exact address of the safehouse and directions to it with me and I'll give that to you. When you get to the safehouse, you're going to pick up the folder of information. Inside, there will be details of the course of action the CIA is planning to take.
What about Will and Francie? Sydney asked suddenly.
Vaughn looked down at his feet for a moment. I don't know, he admitted. I wasn't told.
Sydney nodded slowly and Sark pulled her close to him.
So we go to the safehouse, and we'll have details of the plan, Sark confirmed.
Vaughn said. He focused his gaze on Sydney. Believe me, if I hear anything about Will and Francie you'll be the first to know.
Sydney said quietly, tucking her hair behind her ear.
We should probably get going, Vaughn said. Sydney and Sark both shot him quizzical looks. He smiled. You'll be driving me into town and dropping me off, then you'll both head to the safehouse.
Sydney said.
She opened the door to the backseat and Vaughn climbed in. Sark got in the passenger's side and Sydney went around to the driver's side.
It wasn't long before they found themselves in the middle of the sights and sounds of Las Vegas. Sydney couldn't help but giggle.
Okay, so this safehouse is somewhere between Caesar's Palace and the MGM Grand or something? she asked, chuckling.
Something like that, yeah, Vaughn replied.
Sydney nodded and continued to drive. Where are we supposed to drop you off?
I'll show you, just keep driving.
Sydney kept driving and reached over to Sark just as he was reaching towards her. Their hands clasped and Sydney could swear she heard Vaughn scoff.
Make a left here, Vaughn told her.
Sydney did so and Vaughn pointed to the hotel where she was to stop. Sydney parked and Vaughn got out. Sydney got out as well and walked up to Vaughn.
When will I get to see you again? she asked, shoving her hands into her pockets.
Vaughn shook his head and shrugged. I honestly don't know. Hopefully after this whole—ordeal—is finally over.
Sydney stepped forward and hugged him.
I'll be sure to get in touch with you if I hear anything about Will and Francie, all right? Vaughn said, hugging Sydney tightly. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the directions to the safehouse along with the key.
Thank you, Sydney mumbled, and stepped back. She took the paper and key from him.
Vaughn grasped her shoulders gently and kissed her forehead. I'll see you.
See you, Sydney said with a smile and got back in the car.
Vaughn watched them leave, then retreated into the hotel.
About a half-hour later, Sydney had driven to the outskirts of Las Vegas following the directions Vaughn had given her.
Here it is, she announced, and parked the car in front of the small building.
She and Sark got out and she opened the front door. Sark stayed behind a few steps. Sydney raised an eyebrow at him.
You coming?
Sark frowned and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
What's going on? she asked.
Maybe it's silly, he began, but, the way you and Mr. Vaughn were acting— He shook his head.
Sydney laughed a little. There's nothing between Vaughn and I, okay? There never was and never will be. She walked over to Sark and draped her arms around his neck.
Sark nodded and wrapped his arms around her. They kissed and Sark led Sydney into the safehouse. He reached behind his back and shut the door, then guided her towards the couch where they both collapsed.
There was an immediate sense of deja vû from the day before when they were playing cards. Sydney reached a hand up and ran her fingers through Sark's hair. She gently bent his head down and kissed him. Sark ran his hands along Sydney's curves as he moved his head to kiss her neck.
After a few moments, Sydney pushed him away gently and sat up so she could get undressed. Sark followed suit, and less than a minute later, their clothes were in a heap on the floor. Sark made himself comfortable on top of Sydney and kissed her again. He looked far into her eyes. What happened next could only be described with one word.
Bliss.