Chapter 11

Did you convince her? the older Sydney asked Vaughn. She was resting on the bed of their small, dirty Los Angeles motel room. Sydney had been going over and over her conversation with the younger Vaughn. Though he did seem convinced that she had gone back in time, she wasn't sure how he felt about assassinating Derevko. He had left the warehouse without committing to their mission.

Vaughn had just walked into the room, at a slower pace than what he had left at. He collapsed on the bed and let out a sigh. You know in your younger days, Sydney, you could pack quite a punch.

In my younger days? Sydney sat up and raised her eyebrows.

Well, I still wouldn't want to take you on now, Vaughn replied with a grin, but I think I have a better chance with you than with her.

What'd she do, flip you over?

As a matter of fact.

Not the first time, Sydney smirked.



Sydney asked, impatiently.

I'm not sure if Sydney's willing to kill her own mother, Vaughn responded. On the bright side she believed me. And she didn't say no, she just didn't say yes.

Sounds familiar.

He was the same way?

Sydney answered as she eased back down on the bed. You tired?

Yeah, you?

Yeah. I think it'll just be a matter of days for me, Sydney said matter of factly but quietly. She was too tired to be emotional about her own death. The truth was she didn't care about herself as much as she did the mission. As long as the mission went well, there was hope for the future. There hadn't been hope in Sydney's life since Vaughn walked out. Now Sydney was content feeling hope for her other life.

Derevko kills Sloane in a week, Vaughn began, rolling to his side to look at Sydney, do you think you can hold out till then?

I'm honestly not sure, but you'll be there to make sure the mission goes alright.

Vaughn replied quietly. He knew that this mission would kill them, but he wasn't sure if he could handle watching the woman he loved die. He looked down at Sydney as her eyes closed. Vaughn listened to her soft breathing. Soon she was asleep, and Vaughn could freely take in the sight of her. Though most men would prefer Sydney's younger self, Vaughn felt age had only increased her beauty.

There were wrinkles where once only smooth skin was, and there were more gray hair on top of her head than brown. But Sydney's magnetism was still there, and the wisdom she had gained over the years only served to create more mystery within her. Vaughn gently tucked a piece of hair behind Sydney's ear and gently caressed her cheek. His heart ached to hold her in his arms and keep her safe, but he knew that would have to wait for another lifetime.

Vaughn sighed as he got up from the bed. He reached for his cell phone and called the airlines. He booked two flights to Florence. He and Sydney had to be there when Derevko killed Sloane. If they waited any longer, they might miss the best opportunity to kill Derevko.

Once the flights were booked, Vaughn called the younger Sydney. Though neither of their younger selves had committed to the mission, Vaughn hoped they would eventually. And if they did, they had to know where to go.

What's in Florence? Sydney's younger self asked.

That's where Derevko kills Sloane. That is where we have to kill Derevko, Vaughn replied, hoping that she wouldn't question the we' part of his sentence.

Sydney sighed.

A week from today.

I don't know-

Look, Sydney, she's getting weaker. So am I. There's a good chance neither one of us will live long enough to complete the mission. If Derevko lives... you, and Vaughn, will never find happiness. Especially together.