Chapter 4 -
"Comrade Kessar," Sloane began as a picture of the K-Directorate leader was situated on screen, "it's come to our attention that some of the information from the satellite deemed important is written in code. The translation is stored on their main server in the K-Directorate compound."
Sloane clicked his small button, moving the picture to the next shot. "Thanks to Mr. Sark," Sloane glanced at Sark, who was casually listening, non-responsive to the small note of gratitude, "we've also discovered that there is a backup server here. An art gallery owned by the organization."
Sydney watched her father, as he sat near the head of the table, observing and digesting Sark's every move, or lack thereof. Having no trust in the man, she was aware of how he felt receiving operational help from a man he deemed reckless, without knowing the cost. After Sydney took a quick look at Sark, whom she noted was looking impeccable in another dark blue suit, she fixated on Dixon.
New Year's Day was difficult for her. The excitement around Sark's surprise visit and the softness of his lips as they touched hers were both high points. Bringing in the New Year with someone was comforting, made it seem as if things would be okay for another year.
Well, that was in a normal situation, and this definitely wasn't quite standard.
With nothing to do all day except catch the typical football game, she couldn't keep her mind off of Sark. Dixon's next to last words to her on New Year's Eve, the same as her father's – no trust should be placed in a man like Sark – still rang in her ears. The look on Dixon's face, not recognizable to anyone but her she was sure, still read true to it. They basically had no choice. Sloane wanted something that Sark had, and it looked like he didn't care how he got it.
"Sydney," Sloane started the instruction and snapped her back to the present. "You and Dixon will be guests at a showing they're having Saturday night. Dixon will keep security occupied." Speaking directly to him, "You'll find the info you need loaded in your laptop as usual. Sydney you'll get to the back up and attach the necessary parts to give us access."
All parties watched as Sloane walked to Sark, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Since Kessar is familiar with him, Mr. Sark will be your ears and guide to where the server is stored."
Still watching Sloane, Sydney could that see Sark looked at her briefly before meeting eyes with Jack. With another look at her father, she could see the immediate disapproval. Being the professional that he was, he sat in silence, anxiously awaiting the end of the meeting.
"I'll be available after you've had a chance to read through it all, in case any questions arise," Sloane exited the room.
Knowing he wanted to speak with her alone, Sydney stayed in the conference room, browsing the new data on her laptop. She paid no attention to Sark or Dixon as they both left the room. When Jack was sure they were gone, he temporarily debugged the room. "This is getting out of control. Sark could be leading us right into an ambush, and Sloane wouldn't even blink since he's needed for some reason."
"So you haven't figured out why he's here then," Sydney inquired, hoping that he had something for her.
"I believe Sark has made some sort of deal with Sloane. The details surrounding it, I don't know. But it either has to be blackmail or a promise of business related info," Jack kept his voice just loud enough for Sydney to hear. "I've brought to Sloane's attention my concern with this and it seems to have fallen on deaf ears."
With nothing to give but sarcasm, Sydney replied, "Greed works wonders on the weak. Sloane will regret that trait someday."
"I have a feeling both men are gluttons when it comes to power. With Sark's history and the fact that he's so highly motivated, it seems to me that he would do anything—no expense spared as long as it means getting the right people to trust him, allowing him to move ahead with the Rambaldi work."
They sat in a quick moment of silence. That last comment gave Sydney a quick sting, the actions sounding too familiar
He would do anything… no expense spared.
Aware their time was almost up Jack continued, "Since you'll be spending some time with him, I want you to keep a watchful eye for anything you strike as unusual – even something slightly out of the op that could be considered a sign of a double cross on his part."
"Of course," Sydney began, "ever since you asked if I remember any outstanding details about his behavior in Buenos Aires I've been on alert, trying to watch Sark more closely.
Jack looked up signaling to Sydney that there was another person in the room. She immediately stopped the conversation from continuing, but almost cringed at the sight of Sark who appeared in the corner of her eye. No speech escaped, just a short clearing of his voice. Walking to where he was previously sitting, Sydney noticed his palm pilot had been left on the table. After picking it up, Sark headed back toward the entrance, making no eye contact with either of them.
Their time now up, Jack stood to leave. "Later," he promised before walking out. She followed, walking straight to her desk and Dixon.
"I guess I get to see if that compliment you gave to the young Mr. Sark holds true," he said. "I would be lying if I didn't say I'm nervous about this."
Still pondering if Sark heard any of the conversation with her dad, Sydney distantly answered while watching Sark concentrating on his computer, "Me too."