Sark knew he should leave, but he didn't want to. He wanted to stay with Sydney, to pretend that things were finished and they could live life like normal people. But, that was not going to happen now, and he couldn't dwell on it. Instead, he said, "Yes, it's a terrible shame. But, I know that Mr. Sloane is more concerned with you than with your parents. He wouldn't want it to upset you. He is sure that they won't be an issue." Even saying that made him want to retch, but appearances must be kept up.
Sydney eyed Aidan and realized he was keeping his contempt for Sloane inside. That was so typical of him. He was good at masking his emotions, but lately, she had noticed he opened up more to her. She could see in his eyes that he just wanted this over with. So did she. "Yes, I'm sure that Sloane only has my best interests at heart." Even though she tried to hide her sarcasm, it broke through anyway. She wanted assurance from Aidan that things would be ok. She wanted to tell him that it would soon be over, but couldn't. Instead, she simply said, "As do you."
Sark looked at Sydney as she spoke. No softness was in her face with her last remark, but upon looking into her eyes, he realized that she truly meant it. She was learning to trust him. He let a small smile play on his lips for a brief second.
Both Sydney and Sark jumped up, on the defensive, when the door opened. Sloane walked in, followed closely by Allison. Allison had a look of satisfaction on her face, which worried the two. Sloane chuckled before starting to speak. He looked from Sydney to Sark as he did so.
"I've just been informed of an interesting piece of information related to Rambaldi's prophecy." He noted that the younger man's jaw clenched and Sydney's eyes flashed with worry. "It seems that you've been deceiving me, Mr. Sark. Or, should I say Mr. Fennelly?" He paused, judging the effect of his results on the two in front of him. He had wondered if the younger man was even aware of his identity, but knew by the lack of surprise that he did indeed know. At a gasp from Sydney, his smirk grew wider. Allison had been right. She had told him that Sydney and Sark had grown close. How very interesting. He never would have thought Sydney Bristow would have learned to care for a cold-blooded killer. She always did have too much compassion. Well, he could use it to his advantage. With a small nod at Allison, he addressed Sark. "I don't think you'll want to make any sudden moves. Allison here is quite upset with you for deserting her. I'm sure she would think it fun to see how much pain it would take to make you say that you're sorry."
Sydney moved to place herself in front of Aidan, but backed away as Allison pointed a gun at his head. Allison had given them away. There would be a special place in hell for her. "I knew you couldn't be trusted, you bitch," Sydney screeched. She was shaking with anger. If Allison didn't have a gun pointed at Aidan's head, she would have taken her down, if it killed her. But she was not willing to risk his life. She had no idea what Sloane had planned, but any time they could buy would be helpful.
Sark stood still. This was not good. He shouldn't have trusted Allie. This was the second betrayal from her. Fool him once, shame on you, fool him twice, and never live to fool him again. It was rather endearing that Sydney tried to step in front of him, but he didn't need her to fight his battles. She had a rough one of her own to fight.
Allison went to stand behind Sark, her gun pointed at the base of his neck. Of course, she would never use it on him, but given the chance, she would love to blow Sydney away. But, now was not the time. "Now, now Sydney. There is no need for name calling." She laughed at her own joke. "As for Sark, here, I'm surprised that he trusted me again. I think he's getting soft." She was rewarded with a cold stare that would have frozen anyone else.
Sloane motioned for the three to leave the room. "Actually, I was a little concerned when your parents escaped, Sydney, but I'm glad to see that I still have leverage. Rambaldi's work is genius, and it cannot be stopped."
"Is that what you call this, Sloane? Ruining people's lives, not caring what the consequences are? Your obsession even cost Emily her life. She died because of you! Just for some idiotic ramblings of a 16th century prophet? You are a freak!" Sydney wanted nothing more than to rip his heart out. He had took so much away from her, and she would be damned if he took Aidan too.
"My dear Sydney," Sloane eyed her with mirth in his eyes. "You will do well not to mention Emily again. As for Rambaldi, you know they are not just idiotic ramblings. You have seen too much. And, you are the one to bring forth his works. That is a great honor and one that you don't seem to fully appreciate. He gave her a shove toward the room where Il Dire was being kept. Allison kept the gun trained on Sark as Sloane moved past them all to punch in the code.
As they entered the room, Aidan noted that Sydney's body language changed. She seemed to be deep in thought, and she wasn't paying attention to the surroundings. She was focused on the machine. He tried to get her attention, but it wasn't any use. Her eyes registered fear and something else. Resignation? Oh, this was definitely not a good sign. If she gave up, there wasn't any hope. Well, he wouldn't let her give up.
Sloane spoke. "Sydney. You've avoided your destiny long enough. We know that you are the chosen one, the one to bring forth Rambaldi's work. I would hate to have to resort to harming Mr. Fennelly here, but if I have no other choice, I will. Wouldn't you hate to see him share the same fate as his dear family?" Sloane ignored the fact that Sark was looking at him with pure hatred. Allison would make sure he wasn't an issue, if it came to that.
Sydney was overcome with fear and loathing. She felt as if she were drowning, as if there was no way to escape the eventual pull of the tide that threatened to take her. This was her nightmare, and it was coming true. She struggled to fight the anxiety that was overtaking her. She glanced at Aidan, who was staring intently at her. Then she knew. She did have a choice. She had always had a choice. It was time to begin.