Chapter 11

Sydney returned to her mother's cell several hours later. She had sent books along to her father, but hadn't visited him in person, as he'd asked. She was worried about him.

She'd spoken to Kendall in the interim, who'd been gentle but blunt. "Agent Bristow, your father is an outstanding agent. He's also broken a number of laws. I don't think his chances are good."

She'd ignored Vaughn when he had attempted to speak to her.

As she approached, her mother came to the window. Sydney thought her mother looked different - more focused, more energized. She had seen that look before, in India. She looked, Sydney reluctantly admitted to herself, formidable.

"Sydney. Your father told me about your mission with Hassan in Cuba. He was laughing about the way you two had communicated together."

Sydney watched, astonished, as her mother blinked rapidly. Swiftly catching on, she suppressed a groan and began watching more carefully. Morse code. She'd never been very good at Morse code.

Her mother continued to make light chatter while blinking. Sydney couldn't begin to understand how she could do that. It was all she could do to concentrate on the message.

"Give.Sark.this.message.immediately.Shrimp.Island.Card.Honor.Key.Jack."

Sydney repeated soundlessly to herself, "shrimp island card honor key Jack," and nodded to her mother. Her mother smiled at her.

"Why don't you go out tonight with your friends, Sydney? It might help take your mind off of your father." Sydney saw her blink one more word to her: "Alibi."