Chapter 7
Jarod stood up from the table in the library and walked over to Ethan. Ethan was still bouncing Abigail up and down.
'Where are you staying?' he asked his brother.
Ethan looked over at Ms. Parker, who had just stood up from the table. He then looked at Jarod.
'I have a place next door, the complex is called Jefferson Heights.'
'Give me the keys to your apartment. I want you to take Abigail to the airport and wait for us there.'
Ethan looked past Jarod, at Ms. Parker, who was watching them suspiciously. She then made her way over to them.
'Jarod, I don't know...' Ethan hesitated.
'I do. I trust you. You're my brother. I want you to take my little girl to the airport and wait there. If for some reason, we are not on time for the flight, I want you to go on to Alaska without us. We'll meet you there.'
'Jarod,' Ms. Parker began, her tone sharp, 'what's going on here?'
Jarod turned to her. His tone was sharp as well.
'If you really plan on doing this thing, then I want you to say goodbye to Abigail now.'
Ms. Parker looked confused, as Ethan handed Abigail to her. Jarod then pulled Ethan aside. Ms. Parker stared into her daughter's eyes, then walked over with her to a window.
Abigail just stared at her. Ms. Parker almost got the feeling that the child was just patiently waiting for her to say whatever she had to say. She stared at her baby. Her baby. She felt as if she had really only been introduced to her child a few hours ago. In a way she had. For Ms. Parker still could not remember being married to a doctor in Chicago. It was frustrating as hell! It was almost as if she had traded one amnesia in for another.
Abigail touched her blouse with her little hand. Ms. Parker smiled at her.
'I know that your Daddy will never let you forget me.' she whispered to her baby, giving her a kiss on her forehead.
Abigail turned her head slightly, to stare over at Jarod and Ethan. Ms. Parker continued talking to her.
'I want you to be a very good girl, and mind your father...and always trust him. I will always love you. There will never be a day that goes by that I don't think of you...'
Ms. Parker stopped talking, as the enormity of what she was telling her daughter, began to sink in. A tear threatened to form, as she became aware of the bitter irony of this whole situation. Ms. Parker had some memories of time with her own mother. Abigail would have none.
But it would be worth it, if her daughter could just live a normal, safe life. And Ms. Parker was prepared to sacrifice herself, so that could happen.
Jarod and Ethan walked over. Ms. Parker took a deep breath, then began to turn Abigail over to Jarod. Jarod took her, gave her a big kiss on the cheek, then handed her over to Ethan. Ms. Parker looked confused.
'What's going on?' Ms. Parker asked, feeling uneasy. They had already decided what was to be. Now, Jarod was already deviating away from the script.
'Ethan is taking Abigail to the airport. We're going someplace to talk.' Jarod said, his tone forceful.
Ms. Parker sighed heavily.
'Jarod, we've decided this already. Now you are to go to the airport with Ethan and Abby, and let me do what I have to do to keep all of you safe.'
Jarod turned from her, and looked at Ethan.
'Go.' he ordered.
Ethan nodded, then picked up one of Abigail's hands and made it wave to her parents. Abigail stared at both Jarod and Ms. Parker, before Ethan trotted off with her. Both of Abigail's parents stared after her, until she was out of sight.
Ms. Parker finally snapped herself out of her daze and looked over at Jarod.
'What now? You should've went with them.'
But Jarod grabbed her hand and pulled her down the stairs, through the first floor and out of the building. Ms. Parker did not ask where Jarod was taking her, for she sensed that whatever he was doing, was something he had to get out of his system. Ms. Parker wasn't going to begrudge him that. For it would be a lifetime, before either one of them probably saw one another again.
Jarod ended up pulling her into an apartment building that was next door to the library, but on another block. Ms. Parker realized she was not used to any man grabbing her in any manner, to lead her around. But things were different now. And they would be for a long time to come.
Jarod said nothing to her, as they made their way into the building, then got on to an elevator. Jarod hit the number nine, then watched as the doors closed.
The ride up was silent as well. By now, Ms. Parker knew why Jarod had brought her to this place. The elevator stopped at the ninth floor and Jarod indicated that she should get off first. Ms. Parker did so, then waited as Jarod got off the elevator, fumbled in his pocket for a key, moved towards a door that said, 910, then took out the key and unlocked the door.
Jarod then waited for Ms. Parker to walk in first. She did so, and did not turn around when she heard the door slam shut and lock. She looked around the place.
Ms. Parker could tell this was Ethan's place. There were little signs of him in the apartment. Sadly though, there were no pictures anywhere. She smiled to herself sardonically. They didn't have that type of family.
Ms. Parker turned to face him. He stood there and stared at her. She then walked up to him, pulled him to her and began kissing him. She made the first move, but Jarod took over, as he began to kiss her back. They fell onto a nearby couch and Jarod began to remove her clothing. Ms. Parker did not protest, for she wanted him as much as he wanted her. And she knew that Jarod thought that he would be able to change her mind with his body, through their lovemaking. For now, she let him think that his plans would work.
****
Later, Jarod kissed Ms. Parker's bare shoulder, as he held her tightly in his arms. They had missed their flight, but he trusted his brother had done what he had been told. Besides, when he did join his daughter and brother, Ms. Parker would be with them.
Ms. Parker was propped up on one elbow, her back facing Jarod's chest. She decided now was the time to bring up the inevitable.
'Jarod...'
But Jarod kissed her shoulder again.
'Don't say anything.' he whispered.
But Ms. Parker pulled away from him and sat up. She moved some hair away from her face. She was not looking at him when she spoke.
'Jarod, you have to go to Ethan and Abigail. I can't come with you.'
Jarod sat up as well. He looked confused, then angry.
'You are still determined to just sell yourself to Arvin Sloane?!'
Ms. Parker jumped up and began putting on her clothes. God! Where did she get these clothes anyway?! With all of their running around, she hadn't even had the time to look at them! She couldn't wear this! She would have to get to a leather shop right away!
Ms. Parker looked at Jarod again. What she saw there nearly broke her heart. Jarod had this unspeakable gentleness to him, that she secretly had always wished every man had. He was also a gentle lover, something that she had noticed that night in the barn. The only other man that had compared in that department, had been Tommy.
But, Ms. Parker knew she had to push her personal feelings aside. She had to be firm about this.
'This is the only way I can be assured that Abby and you will be safe, Jarod! Now, I won't be able to do this, unless I know that you're going to be okay with it!'
'Then you won't be able to do it, because I will never be okay with it! Look, let me talk to Irina Derevko! She wants something from me, something about my mother. Let me see if I can strike a deal with her or something!'
Ms. Parker smiled softly at him, as she buttoned her blouse.
'You would sell your own mother down the river, just for some woman who claims to be your aunt? That's not you.'
'I want us to have a life together!'
'I wanted us to have a life together too, Jarod! That's why I couldn't chase you anymore, not after Carthis...not after my father...look, I'm leaving. Don't try and stop me here...I have a plan and I know what I'm doing.' she said.
Jarod sat back down on the couch. He didn't bother to get dressed.
'Really? You have thought of some way to outwit the Centre?' he asked, his voice riddled with doubt.
'Yes, really.' Ms. Parker lied. She had realized while they were making love, that she would have to assure him that she did have an escape out of there, otherwise, she would have no choice but to knock him out to get away!
Jarod stood up, still not bothering to cover himself.
'I don't like this.'
'You've made that clear.'
'I would appreciate it if you would start taking me a little more seriously.'
At his sharp tone, Ms. Parker decided to just shut up and listen. She was not used to this sort of aggressiveness from Jarod, at least not when they dealt with one another one on one. She didn't know how to feel about it, one way or the other.
'I am taking you seriously, Jarod.'
'Then I want you to tell me what specific plans you have, to get yourself out of marrying Arvin Sloane, then joining Abigail and me?'
Ms. Parker looked away. Jarod took a deep breath.
'You really plan on staying with that man for the rest of your life?'
'As I've said before, if that's as long as it takes to keep my daughter and the man I lo...'
Ms. Parker stopped herself and began putting on the rest of her clothes. But Jarod had only heard her say that she loved him, something he knew anyway, but it was pleasant to ALMOST hear her say it aloud. If she came away with him now, they could spend the rest of their lives saying it to one another.
Jarod reached for her, but Ms. Parker moved out of his reach, then finished putting on her clothes. She looked at him, her eyes were hard, yet determined.
'Take the car we came in. I'll get back to Delaware on my own. Don't follow me and don't try and stop me. When it is safe, I will come to you...and our baby. But not before.'
She then hurried towards the front door, stopped, then turned back to walk over to him. She grabbed the back of his head and pulled her to him for a long kiss. Jarod could feel her tears on his face. She then let go of him abruptly, turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her. Jarod stood there, still naked, but mesmerized by what had just happened.
'Hell of a life we have here, Parker.' he murmured. He then shook himself out of his reverie. He was going to the airport to catch a flight to Cicily, Alaska. But first, he needed to talk to Sydney.
****
THE CENTRE
Lyle paced with disgust in Arvin Sloane's office. Arvin sat back in his chair, and watched Sidney Bristow, who also seemed to be patiently waiting for Lyle to finish his rant. That drug had worked wonders on her! She seemed unaware of the depth of her relationship to him, or her mother, for that matter. Plus, she had killed that sweeper/doorman in cold blood. Sidney would be very useful to him, indeed.
At first, Sloane had been slightly worried about Dr. Sydney's growing attachment to Ms. Bristow. He had brainwashed the young woman, but had been reluctant to perform the procedure in general. And, according to his file, he had had an attachment to Jarod and Ms. Parker, as if they were his own children.
'And I don't understand why you keep testing my loyalties to the New Centre? If you knew where Jarod and my sister were, then why in God's name didn't you send a sweeper team in yourself?' Lyle raged.
Sidney Bristow cleared her throat. She looked at Sloane.
'I really don't care what you knew and when. But if you really want to catch Jarod and Ms. Parker, then we'll need to know who's been helping them?'
'Helping them?' Sloane repeated.
Sidney stood up and tossed some hair.
'Yes, helping them. Someone from inside this place gave them shelter. I want to know who.'
Sloane smiled.
'Why don't you ask your mother?' he asked.
Sidney raised a brow. She then looked over at Mr. Lyle. But he wasn't surprised at such treachery, considering the family he came from. What he did take note of though, was that Sidney had deliberately not mentioned the fact that Jarod and Ms. Parker had a child. He had his own reasons for not saying anything. But what were Sidney Bristow's?
****
Hours later, Sydney walked back into his office, only to find a nervous Broots already there.
'Sydney, thank God you're back!'
Sydney gave the younger man a gentle smile, before sitting down.
'What is it?'
'Irina Derevko was here!'
'Oh. I've had dealings with her. I'm sure she just wanted an update on her daughter...'
'No! Sydney, she was rifling through your private files! I saw her take some DSA's! I didn't know you kept any down here...'
'DSA's?!' Sydney's voice rose. 'From where?!'
Broots was startled by the sharp tone in Sydney's voice. He tried to keep from stuttering.
'In that cabinet over there...you know...where you keep your liquor...'
Sydney closed his eyes briefly, before he walked over to the cabinet and opened it, then the secret compartment, where the DSA's had been. They were indeed gone. He stared at the empty spot.
Broots walked up behind him.
'Sydney, what was on them? Did it have something to do with Jarod?'
Sydney shook his head, then turned around.
'If Irina Derevko knew to look for those DSA's, then she means Jarod no good!'
'Derevko doesn't mean anyone any good, not even her own kid!'
Sydney took a deep breath.
'You don't understand, Broots.'
Broots touched his shoulder.
'Then make me understand, Sydney.'
Sydney nodded sadly.
'Those DSA's are proof of a betrayal.'
Broots shook his head.
'I don't understand.'
'A betrayal by me, of Ms. Parker and Jarod. I'm not so much concerned about the two of them never forgiving me, as I am about Derevko and Sloane's intentions, if they watch the DSA's and figure out the secret.'
Broots didn't like the sound of this! He didn't like the sound of anything that could get them killed!
****
Sidney Bristow and Mr. Lyle left Arvin Sloane's office. Irina Derevko passed them in the hallway. She smiled at Sidney and said hello. Sidney kept walking. Mr. Lyle smiled at Derevko, thinking she looked damned hot for a woman her age!
He then hurried to catch up with Sidney.
'Where are we off to?' he asked.
Sidney didn't answer but kept walking, until she reached Sydney's office. She threw open the door. Broots jumped. Sydney slowly turned and looked at them.
Sidney Bristow took out her gun and pointed it at Sydney.
'Come on, we're taking a ride.' she said. Mr. Lyle raised a brow.
'Ms. Bristow,' Lyle began, 'while I thought we should've rid ourselves of these two years ago, Sydney is Jarod and my sister's last link to this place. We can't just can't kill him.'
Sidney eyed Lyle, her expression one of extreme distaste.
'We're not doing anything. I will take care of this.'
Mr. Lyle began to realize she was serious!
'I don't know if you are aware of how certain things work around here, but there are certain people that you can't just kill, without a directive! Sloane would have to authorize this!'
'I'll deal with Sloane!' Sidney snapped. She then pointed her gun at Sydney, beckoning him forward. Broots gave Sydney a woeful look, as he passed him. First Ms. Parker, now Sydney! When would someone come gunning for him?!
Mr. Lyle watched as his partner grabbed Sydney and left the room with him. Mr. Lyle then took out a cell phone, and ordered a sweeper team to follow the two of them.
****
Sydney sat in the passenger seat, as Sidney drove, not saying one word. They reached a busy street, where Sidney parked on the side of the road. The sweepers parked a few cars behind her, puzzled. Where was she taking Sydney?
They watched as the two got out and walked down an alley. The sweepers then got out of their car and followed. When they reached the alley, it was empty!
The sweepers were so busy gaping at one another, they did not see that part of a wall had slid back on one of the business's, that occupied the alley. Sidney shot them both quickly, then two other men, quickly dragged the sweepers inside. Sidney stepped in as well, closing the wall.
Sydney stood before CIA Agent Michael Vaughn, as Sidney handed him copies of the DSA's that her mother had stolen from Sydney's office.
Sydney, was still in deep shock. Sidney had explained to him in the car, that she had taken drugs, to counteract his brainwashing drugs, and that the goal of the CIA was to bring down Arvin Sloane, and the New Centre.
'What do you want from me?' Sydney asked, feeling a mixture of relief and curiosity. Jarod would like his cousin, if he ever got the chance to know her.
Michael Vaughn looked at Sidney briefly, before turning back to Sydney.
'We need to talk to Jarod.' he said.
Jarod stood up from the table in the library and walked over to Ethan. Ethan was still bouncing Abigail up and down.
'Where are you staying?' he asked his brother.
Ethan looked over at Ms. Parker, who had just stood up from the table. He then looked at Jarod.
'I have a place next door, the complex is called Jefferson Heights.'
'Give me the keys to your apartment. I want you to take Abigail to the airport and wait for us there.'
Ethan looked past Jarod, at Ms. Parker, who was watching them suspiciously. She then made her way over to them.
'Jarod, I don't know...' Ethan hesitated.
'I do. I trust you. You're my brother. I want you to take my little girl to the airport and wait there. If for some reason, we are not on time for the flight, I want you to go on to Alaska without us. We'll meet you there.'
'Jarod,' Ms. Parker began, her tone sharp, 'what's going on here?'
Jarod turned to her. His tone was sharp as well.
'If you really plan on doing this thing, then I want you to say goodbye to Abigail now.'
Ms. Parker looked confused, as Ethan handed Abigail to her. Jarod then pulled Ethan aside. Ms. Parker stared into her daughter's eyes, then walked over with her to a window.
Abigail just stared at her. Ms. Parker almost got the feeling that the child was just patiently waiting for her to say whatever she had to say. She stared at her baby. Her baby. She felt as if she had really only been introduced to her child a few hours ago. In a way she had. For Ms. Parker still could not remember being married to a doctor in Chicago. It was frustrating as hell! It was almost as if she had traded one amnesia in for another.
Abigail touched her blouse with her little hand. Ms. Parker smiled at her.
'I know that your Daddy will never let you forget me.' she whispered to her baby, giving her a kiss on her forehead.
Abigail turned her head slightly, to stare over at Jarod and Ethan. Ms. Parker continued talking to her.
'I want you to be a very good girl, and mind your father...and always trust him. I will always love you. There will never be a day that goes by that I don't think of you...'
Ms. Parker stopped talking, as the enormity of what she was telling her daughter, began to sink in. A tear threatened to form, as she became aware of the bitter irony of this whole situation. Ms. Parker had some memories of time with her own mother. Abigail would have none.
But it would be worth it, if her daughter could just live a normal, safe life. And Ms. Parker was prepared to sacrifice herself, so that could happen.
Jarod and Ethan walked over. Ms. Parker took a deep breath, then began to turn Abigail over to Jarod. Jarod took her, gave her a big kiss on the cheek, then handed her over to Ethan. Ms. Parker looked confused.
'What's going on?' Ms. Parker asked, feeling uneasy. They had already decided what was to be. Now, Jarod was already deviating away from the script.
'Ethan is taking Abigail to the airport. We're going someplace to talk.' Jarod said, his tone forceful.
Ms. Parker sighed heavily.
'Jarod, we've decided this already. Now you are to go to the airport with Ethan and Abby, and let me do what I have to do to keep all of you safe.'
Jarod turned from her, and looked at Ethan.
'Go.' he ordered.
Ethan nodded, then picked up one of Abigail's hands and made it wave to her parents. Abigail stared at both Jarod and Ms. Parker, before Ethan trotted off with her. Both of Abigail's parents stared after her, until she was out of sight.
Ms. Parker finally snapped herself out of her daze and looked over at Jarod.
'What now? You should've went with them.'
But Jarod grabbed her hand and pulled her down the stairs, through the first floor and out of the building. Ms. Parker did not ask where Jarod was taking her, for she sensed that whatever he was doing, was something he had to get out of his system. Ms. Parker wasn't going to begrudge him that. For it would be a lifetime, before either one of them probably saw one another again.
Jarod ended up pulling her into an apartment building that was next door to the library, but on another block. Ms. Parker realized she was not used to any man grabbing her in any manner, to lead her around. But things were different now. And they would be for a long time to come.
Jarod said nothing to her, as they made their way into the building, then got on to an elevator. Jarod hit the number nine, then watched as the doors closed.
The ride up was silent as well. By now, Ms. Parker knew why Jarod had brought her to this place. The elevator stopped at the ninth floor and Jarod indicated that she should get off first. Ms. Parker did so, then waited as Jarod got off the elevator, fumbled in his pocket for a key, moved towards a door that said, 910, then took out the key and unlocked the door.
Jarod then waited for Ms. Parker to walk in first. She did so, and did not turn around when she heard the door slam shut and lock. She looked around the place.
Ms. Parker could tell this was Ethan's place. There were little signs of him in the apartment. Sadly though, there were no pictures anywhere. She smiled to herself sardonically. They didn't have that type of family.
Ms. Parker turned to face him. He stood there and stared at her. She then walked up to him, pulled him to her and began kissing him. She made the first move, but Jarod took over, as he began to kiss her back. They fell onto a nearby couch and Jarod began to remove her clothing. Ms. Parker did not protest, for she wanted him as much as he wanted her. And she knew that Jarod thought that he would be able to change her mind with his body, through their lovemaking. For now, she let him think that his plans would work.
****
Later, Jarod kissed Ms. Parker's bare shoulder, as he held her tightly in his arms. They had missed their flight, but he trusted his brother had done what he had been told. Besides, when he did join his daughter and brother, Ms. Parker would be with them.
Ms. Parker was propped up on one elbow, her back facing Jarod's chest. She decided now was the time to bring up the inevitable.
'Jarod...'
But Jarod kissed her shoulder again.
'Don't say anything.' he whispered.
But Ms. Parker pulled away from him and sat up. She moved some hair away from her face. She was not looking at him when she spoke.
'Jarod, you have to go to Ethan and Abigail. I can't come with you.'
Jarod sat up as well. He looked confused, then angry.
'You are still determined to just sell yourself to Arvin Sloane?!'
Ms. Parker jumped up and began putting on her clothes. God! Where did she get these clothes anyway?! With all of their running around, she hadn't even had the time to look at them! She couldn't wear this! She would have to get to a leather shop right away!
Ms. Parker looked at Jarod again. What she saw there nearly broke her heart. Jarod had this unspeakable gentleness to him, that she secretly had always wished every man had. He was also a gentle lover, something that she had noticed that night in the barn. The only other man that had compared in that department, had been Tommy.
But, Ms. Parker knew she had to push her personal feelings aside. She had to be firm about this.
'This is the only way I can be assured that Abby and you will be safe, Jarod! Now, I won't be able to do this, unless I know that you're going to be okay with it!'
'Then you won't be able to do it, because I will never be okay with it! Look, let me talk to Irina Derevko! She wants something from me, something about my mother. Let me see if I can strike a deal with her or something!'
Ms. Parker smiled softly at him, as she buttoned her blouse.
'You would sell your own mother down the river, just for some woman who claims to be your aunt? That's not you.'
'I want us to have a life together!'
'I wanted us to have a life together too, Jarod! That's why I couldn't chase you anymore, not after Carthis...not after my father...look, I'm leaving. Don't try and stop me here...I have a plan and I know what I'm doing.' she said.
Jarod sat back down on the couch. He didn't bother to get dressed.
'Really? You have thought of some way to outwit the Centre?' he asked, his voice riddled with doubt.
'Yes, really.' Ms. Parker lied. She had realized while they were making love, that she would have to assure him that she did have an escape out of there, otherwise, she would have no choice but to knock him out to get away!
Jarod stood up, still not bothering to cover himself.
'I don't like this.'
'You've made that clear.'
'I would appreciate it if you would start taking me a little more seriously.'
At his sharp tone, Ms. Parker decided to just shut up and listen. She was not used to this sort of aggressiveness from Jarod, at least not when they dealt with one another one on one. She didn't know how to feel about it, one way or the other.
'I am taking you seriously, Jarod.'
'Then I want you to tell me what specific plans you have, to get yourself out of marrying Arvin Sloane, then joining Abigail and me?'
Ms. Parker looked away. Jarod took a deep breath.
'You really plan on staying with that man for the rest of your life?'
'As I've said before, if that's as long as it takes to keep my daughter and the man I lo...'
Ms. Parker stopped herself and began putting on the rest of her clothes. But Jarod had only heard her say that she loved him, something he knew anyway, but it was pleasant to ALMOST hear her say it aloud. If she came away with him now, they could spend the rest of their lives saying it to one another.
Jarod reached for her, but Ms. Parker moved out of his reach, then finished putting on her clothes. She looked at him, her eyes were hard, yet determined.
'Take the car we came in. I'll get back to Delaware on my own. Don't follow me and don't try and stop me. When it is safe, I will come to you...and our baby. But not before.'
She then hurried towards the front door, stopped, then turned back to walk over to him. She grabbed the back of his head and pulled her to him for a long kiss. Jarod could feel her tears on his face. She then let go of him abruptly, turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her. Jarod stood there, still naked, but mesmerized by what had just happened.
'Hell of a life we have here, Parker.' he murmured. He then shook himself out of his reverie. He was going to the airport to catch a flight to Cicily, Alaska. But first, he needed to talk to Sydney.
****
THE CENTRE
Lyle paced with disgust in Arvin Sloane's office. Arvin sat back in his chair, and watched Sidney Bristow, who also seemed to be patiently waiting for Lyle to finish his rant. That drug had worked wonders on her! She seemed unaware of the depth of her relationship to him, or her mother, for that matter. Plus, she had killed that sweeper/doorman in cold blood. Sidney would be very useful to him, indeed.
At first, Sloane had been slightly worried about Dr. Sydney's growing attachment to Ms. Bristow. He had brainwashed the young woman, but had been reluctant to perform the procedure in general. And, according to his file, he had had an attachment to Jarod and Ms. Parker, as if they were his own children.
'And I don't understand why you keep testing my loyalties to the New Centre? If you knew where Jarod and my sister were, then why in God's name didn't you send a sweeper team in yourself?' Lyle raged.
Sidney Bristow cleared her throat. She looked at Sloane.
'I really don't care what you knew and when. But if you really want to catch Jarod and Ms. Parker, then we'll need to know who's been helping them?'
'Helping them?' Sloane repeated.
Sidney stood up and tossed some hair.
'Yes, helping them. Someone from inside this place gave them shelter. I want to know who.'
Sloane smiled.
'Why don't you ask your mother?' he asked.
Sidney raised a brow. She then looked over at Mr. Lyle. But he wasn't surprised at such treachery, considering the family he came from. What he did take note of though, was that Sidney had deliberately not mentioned the fact that Jarod and Ms. Parker had a child. He had his own reasons for not saying anything. But what were Sidney Bristow's?
****
Hours later, Sydney walked back into his office, only to find a nervous Broots already there.
'Sydney, thank God you're back!'
Sydney gave the younger man a gentle smile, before sitting down.
'What is it?'
'Irina Derevko was here!'
'Oh. I've had dealings with her. I'm sure she just wanted an update on her daughter...'
'No! Sydney, she was rifling through your private files! I saw her take some DSA's! I didn't know you kept any down here...'
'DSA's?!' Sydney's voice rose. 'From where?!'
Broots was startled by the sharp tone in Sydney's voice. He tried to keep from stuttering.
'In that cabinet over there...you know...where you keep your liquor...'
Sydney closed his eyes briefly, before he walked over to the cabinet and opened it, then the secret compartment, where the DSA's had been. They were indeed gone. He stared at the empty spot.
Broots walked up behind him.
'Sydney, what was on them? Did it have something to do with Jarod?'
Sydney shook his head, then turned around.
'If Irina Derevko knew to look for those DSA's, then she means Jarod no good!'
'Derevko doesn't mean anyone any good, not even her own kid!'
Sydney took a deep breath.
'You don't understand, Broots.'
Broots touched his shoulder.
'Then make me understand, Sydney.'
Sydney nodded sadly.
'Those DSA's are proof of a betrayal.'
Broots shook his head.
'I don't understand.'
'A betrayal by me, of Ms. Parker and Jarod. I'm not so much concerned about the two of them never forgiving me, as I am about Derevko and Sloane's intentions, if they watch the DSA's and figure out the secret.'
Broots didn't like the sound of this! He didn't like the sound of anything that could get them killed!
****
Sidney Bristow and Mr. Lyle left Arvin Sloane's office. Irina Derevko passed them in the hallway. She smiled at Sidney and said hello. Sidney kept walking. Mr. Lyle smiled at Derevko, thinking she looked damned hot for a woman her age!
He then hurried to catch up with Sidney.
'Where are we off to?' he asked.
Sidney didn't answer but kept walking, until she reached Sydney's office. She threw open the door. Broots jumped. Sydney slowly turned and looked at them.
Sidney Bristow took out her gun and pointed it at Sydney.
'Come on, we're taking a ride.' she said. Mr. Lyle raised a brow.
'Ms. Bristow,' Lyle began, 'while I thought we should've rid ourselves of these two years ago, Sydney is Jarod and my sister's last link to this place. We can't just can't kill him.'
Sidney eyed Lyle, her expression one of extreme distaste.
'We're not doing anything. I will take care of this.'
Mr. Lyle began to realize she was serious!
'I don't know if you are aware of how certain things work around here, but there are certain people that you can't just kill, without a directive! Sloane would have to authorize this!'
'I'll deal with Sloane!' Sidney snapped. She then pointed her gun at Sydney, beckoning him forward. Broots gave Sydney a woeful look, as he passed him. First Ms. Parker, now Sydney! When would someone come gunning for him?!
Mr. Lyle watched as his partner grabbed Sydney and left the room with him. Mr. Lyle then took out a cell phone, and ordered a sweeper team to follow the two of them.
****
Sydney sat in the passenger seat, as Sidney drove, not saying one word. They reached a busy street, where Sidney parked on the side of the road. The sweepers parked a few cars behind her, puzzled. Where was she taking Sydney?
They watched as the two got out and walked down an alley. The sweepers then got out of their car and followed. When they reached the alley, it was empty!
The sweepers were so busy gaping at one another, they did not see that part of a wall had slid back on one of the business's, that occupied the alley. Sidney shot them both quickly, then two other men, quickly dragged the sweepers inside. Sidney stepped in as well, closing the wall.
Sydney stood before CIA Agent Michael Vaughn, as Sidney handed him copies of the DSA's that her mother had stolen from Sydney's office.
Sydney, was still in deep shock. Sidney had explained to him in the car, that she had taken drugs, to counteract his brainwashing drugs, and that the goal of the CIA was to bring down Arvin Sloane, and the New Centre.
'What do you want from me?' Sydney asked, feeling a mixture of relief and curiosity. Jarod would like his cousin, if he ever got the chance to know her.
Michael Vaughn looked at Sidney briefly, before turning back to Sydney.
'We need to talk to Jarod.' he said.