Chapter Thirteen
Finding
Sydney was alone now. She regretted leaving Whitechapel, but she wasn't going to retreat. She hated to admit it, but she missed Sark's company. He almost always had an ever-present smirk, those mischievous blue eyes and that annoying know-it-all attitude. It made her feel more confident in everything since she returned from her hiatus. Still, she knew that she'd made the right decision by leaving. She'd become more dependent on Sark than she'd been on anyone else and she knew how truly dangerous it was to depend on him. She knew that leaving would be good for both of them. They needed a break from each other. She was headed to Vatican City now. Andrian Lazarey was there, according to The Covenant's file. She intended to be there before Sark.
Sark was on his private plane flying towards Vatican City. He knew Sydney would be going there. Hopefully, the head start wouldn't help her beat him to Lazarey. Sydney was on her own now. He was on his own now. He hated that he'd gotten so attached to Sydney. He didn't form attachments. He didn't need company during his travel. He had never needed anyone. He had simply had a brief break from relying on himself. He'd allowed himself to semi-trust someone and he knew better now. Twice she'd kept something vital from him since they'd escaped. He had hardly kept anything from her. He despised telling her anything, but it was a bit late to have kept those secrets. He would go back to his usual way of life. It was better.
Irina opened the painted blue door to a small, homey cottage. She could still smell Sark's scent. She also knew he was gone. She suppressed a smile, wondering how long it would be until Sydney and Sark reached Lazarey. She had no idea they'd discovered he was alive. Her children, biological and surrogate, were incredibly bright and well trained. She'd planted what she had intended into their minds and set into motion what was to come. Sloane would not be pleased, which was only an added bonus. He shouldn't discover their findings until after the two had found Lazarey. She hoped that was the case. Sloane would have Lazarey killed before they got to talk to him. Then the only person left to tell the entire story was her. And there was no way that was happening. She let Jack and Weiss look around the cottage, only to find nothing.
"He was here. But they're gone. I'm not sure where they could have gone."
"To another one of his houses?" Jack questioned.
"I doubt it. I believe it would be best if we all returned home for the time being, until we receive more information about their whereabouts."
Jack eyed her suspiciously as he quietly wondered if Irina was being straight with him. She seemed to be hiding something, but not enough to call her on it. Still, he had this feeling that Irina knew something she wasn't telling him.
"All right. I'll contact you if I hear any more. I expect the same courtesy from you."
"I would expect no less."
Jack made motions to Weiss, who followed him out the door. As soon as they were gone, Irina pulled out her cell phone. She dialed a number carefully and placed the phone up to her ear.
"Hello. Yes, they're off. I'll be needing a plane to Vatican City immediately. Yes. Good bye."
Irina allowed herself a thin smile. She would find them. Soon.
Sydney tied the ponytail holder around her braid before stepping out of the cab she'd hailed. She stared up at the tall stone building, angels perched on the ledge of the roof. She wasn't sure if it was hospitall or a church or just an elaborate apartment building. She didn't much care, as long as Andrian Lazarey still inhabited a room there. She opened the door confidently and tapped on the desk with impatient fingers. No one came to the front desk and Sydney was starting to lose any inkling of patience she'd had previously. Finally, a tall man with thick black hair and green eyes came to the desk. He studied her before speaking, as if trying to place her. She didn't recognize him, not that it meant anything. He could be anyone Julia Thorne knew and she'd never know the difference.
"Hallo,
Signora. May I help you?" His voice was heavily accented with Italian,
not shocking considering she was in Italy.
"I was looking for a man who's staying here. Aidan Petrokov. I was
wondering which floor he was on."
"Mr. Petrokov is on floor five, room fifty. Go on to the lift, Signora. I'll make sure Mr. Petrokov is aware of your arrival."
Sydney's eyes flashed and she grabbed his hand to stop him from picking up the phone.
"Thanks, but I'd rather surprise him. I haven't seen him in a long while."
The clerk nodded acceptingly, though his eyes betrayed his real thoughts. Lucky for him, Sydney was distracted with the prospect of seeing the man she'd supposedly murdered. She unbuttoned her coat as she headed towards the elevator shaft. The clerk stepped back, and found his own cell phone.
"Sir. Yes, she's arrived. I sent her up to him. She's alone. Yes, Sir."
He hung up and slid the phone back in his pocket. Then he pulled out the gun hidden in a desk drawer and cocked it.
Sydney knocked on Room 50, hoping that Lazarey wouldn't recognize her right off. If he did, he might not open the door for her. She didn't want to barge in, either, because he might take it the wrong way and refuse to talk with her. The door swung open and an older man stood before her. His face showed his surprise at seeing her there, so apparently he recognized her.
"Julia…"
Sydney bit her lip, debating whether to tell him that she was Sydney again.
"Actually, my name is Sydney Bristow. Julia Thorne was my-"
"Persona for two years. Yes, I know. I just wasn't aware that you had your memory back yet."
"I don't have my memory back. That's why I'm here. I need to ask you some questions. For the longest time, I thought I had murdered you. I saw a surveillance tape that showed your murder. Then I found out I didn't kill you. It was just a big cover up. I don't know why we covered it up, why you're alive, or who I was other than an assassin. I need you to tell me. Please."
Lazarey stepped back, allowing her to enter the apartment. He seemed nervous, but not exactly weary of her.
"Did anyone follow you?"
"No. But The Covenant knows where you are. That's how I found you."
"They know?"
"Apparently."
That seemed to spook Lazarey.
"We have to leave."
"They haven't gone
after you before. Why would they go
after you now?"
"You found me. They'll do anything to
stop me from telling you."
"Telling me what?"
"I-" A firm knock interrupted Lazarey. He looked like a deer caught in headlights, since obviously he didn't have visitors very often. Sydney cocked her head, wondering if he was even going to answer the door. Lazarey pulled out a gun and double checked to make sure it was loaded. He cautiously opened the door with the gun raised chest level.
"Now, now, Daddy, is that any way to greet your long lost son?" Lazarey stepped back in surprise.