Chapter Thirty-eight: Following Sark
Michael followed Sark back to the same room he'd been kept in prior to his meeting with Irina; when he opened the door he was astounded to see Sydney there. She seemed equally surprised to see him.
"Michael," she breathed, moving forward to throw her arms around him. "I'm so glad you're--"
She stopped short, and a glance over his shoulder told Michael that Sark was still behind him.
"Irina has instructed me to transport you to the location where your daughter's being held," he said, his voice coolly calm.
Michael's heart leapt at the thought of seeing his daughter, then sank when he realized they were leaving the Credit Dauphine building. He could only hope that Jack Bristow would be able to follow them, and do so without drawing attention to himself. A glance at Sydney showed him the same worry reflected in her eyes.
"And we'll be able to see Emily?" she asked.
"Briefly," Sark said. "Then we'll let the two of you have some time alone. I believe we've given you a lot to talk about."
"My mother has," Sydney spat. "Doesn't it depress you, Sark? Still playing lapdog to my mother after all these years?"
If the words stung, Michael couldn't tell by looking at Sark. "Working for Irina has certain advantages," he responded.
"But surely you know things will change when Michael and I are working for her again," Sydney taunted. Michael hated that she said when, not if, as if their return to the Organization was inevitable. "Whatever your duties are now, I'm sure they're far greater than any I would assign you."
This time Sark's eyes glinted angrily, though only for an instant. "Surely you know that your mother is the one really calling the shots around here. I believe my loyalty to her over the past decade will count for a great deal."
"We'll see," Sydney said petulantly.
"I believe we've chatted enough for now, Sydney darling," Sark said, regarding Michael's wife with a challenge in his eyes. "If the two of you will follow me."
"What, no handcuffs?" Sydney taunted.
"I believe the two of you know how important it is to follow instructions," Sark replied.
"Wait a minute," Michael said. "Where is our son?"
"He's already been transported," Sark told him. "Now, Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn. I'd suggest you follow me."