CHAPTER 2
"Lauren, we need to talk. Now."
She looked up at him angrily. "No kidding."
He rolled his eyes and continued pacing the room. "I want a divorce. I should have answered you the first time you asked if I still loved Sydney, because I do. Lauren, when I met you, I was still on the rebound. I can't be like this. You deserve to be with someone who will love you unconditionally with all of his heart and soul. I'm not that man-my love belongs to Sydney, and always will. I'm sorry." He looked at Lauren. Instead of the furious tears he expected, Lauren began laughing. It was then that he noticed the pistol stuffed in her jacket pocket. "Oh, God!"
"You better run. Run to your precious Sydney! I knew you would, Michael. Now go," she screamed as she reached for the weapon. She began her hysterical laughing again as she heard her husband peel out of the driveway. As soon as the headlights were gone she walked over and picked up the phone. She punched in the digits, and waited for him to answer.
"Hello?"
"Julian, he's gone. He's out of the house. For now, anyways."
"Might I ask why you insist on calling everyone by their first name?"
"You just did...Mr. Sark. Is that better?"
"Much. I'll see you soon."
She smiled as she hung up the phone. They were all idiots. A British diplomat? Please. The Covenant was where her true loyalties really were.
"Sydney! Are you here," Vaughn pounded on the door with growing apprehension.
Sydney opened her eyes wearily and heard the dull knocks and faint calls. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" She wrenched the door open to find a panicked Vaughn.
"Sydney, you gotta let me in. Lauren's gone insane. She's got a gun. I came here because of your security detail."
"She nodded, wide eyed with shock and fear. "Are you alright?" He stepped in and she shut the door behind him. "What happened? Are you sure you should be here? Vaughn! Talk to me!"
He walked over to her couch and sat down. Sydney was startled by the raw fear that showed on his face. He buried his face in his hands, shivering. "I told her I want a divorce. She just started laughing, though. That's when she pulled out the gun."
"Did you call the cops? I know she's NSC, but still, pulling a gum on a CIA officer..." she let the words hang.
"No. Not yet. I was going to wait until I got somewhere safe. I'm kinda used to getting shot at, but, she's my wife! I didn't even know she knew how to load a gun!"
"Vaughn, I don't mean to nag, but you should. Even with security, I don't want her coming after you...or me."
He nodded silently and picked up the phone.
The next morning, Lauren was taken into custody. She also wholeheartedly agreed to Vaughn's divorce request.
"I knew he never loved me. I got what I wanted." She had walked to her cell, head held high. She smiled as she told the guards, "I have secrets. The CIA needs to question me. Besides, it will be too easy to break out of her." The melodious British lilt faded from her voice with each venomous word.
As Vaughn watched by a closed-circuit television feed, his jaw dropped. What did she mean by all of that? The Lauren he knew wasn't rash like that. She wasn't in possession of brute force either, but this Lauren, the Lauren in custody seemed to be quite different. He jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Mike? You okay?" It was Weiss.
"I guess. Not really, but it'll get better."
"Well that's great. Look, it's getting late. Why don't you come over to my place? We need to talk anyway."
"Sure. Just try not to get me too drunk. If it happens, I want it to be of my own doing." Vaughn looked up and smiled. Just one question was bugging him. What did they need to talk about?
"Will do. Just drop by after work."
Vaughn nodded and made a mental note to see Sydney before he left to go home.
An hour later, Vaughn showed up. It was exceptionally warm that night-nearly 85°. Weiss opened the door, a beer in each hand. "Sit down," he commanded.
"Okay, chill. What's the emergency?"
"Sydney."
Vaughn rolled his eyes. "Look, there's nothing to talk about anymore."
"Oh really? She still loves you, Mike."
"I know."
"Really? And may I ask how?"
"Paris," he said simply.
"You're kidding. You actually got things out in the open?"
"I love her, too."
"Well then, this is pointless. Lets watch the game. The Kings are playing the Red Wings. We're gonna get massacred."
After a few more beers, Vaughn got an idea. "Eric, call a friend. We're going swimming."
"Mike, it's 11:30 at night!"
"So? They can't close the ocean." With that, Vaughn leapt off the couch and grabbed his cell.
"You're calling her, aren't you?"
"Why do you care? My divorce is already finalized tomorrow." Weiss rolled his eyes as Vaughn punched in the numbers.
"Hello?"
"Joey's Pizza?"
"Vaughn!"
"Hey, you wanna go swimming? Weiss is coming, and whoever tags along with him."
"It's 11:30 at night! You bet!"
"Great. We'll come and pick you up. See you soon!"
"Love you, Michael."
"Love you, Sydney." Vaughn turned around to see Weiss grinning at him.
"You are pathetic."
"Bite me. I'm gonna go use your bathroom, okay?"
"Yeah, whatever."
Back at Sydney's apartment her heart was racing. As she tore apart her drawers looking for the perfect bikini, she realized how long it had been since she'd seen Vaughn shirtless. After trying on several suits, she finally found the perfect one. It was simple-a Bahama blue triangle top. The only problem was how it revealed her mysterious scar. She heard the doorbell ring as she threw on a tank top and shorts. Grabbing her sandals on the way, she raced to the door. "Hey," she said shyly. The Vaughn standing in front of her was Vaughn at his most casual. His navy blue swim trunks contrasted beautifully with his tanned skin. The old grey T-shirt that hid his strength was fraying at the bottom.
"Close your eyes. Trust me."
"I do, Michael." She closed her eyes and felt something soft slip over them. He led her out to the car where Weiss and Vaughn's ex, Alice were waiting. Alice, too, was blindfolded like Sydney.
After a quarter of an hour, Vaughn whispered, "We're here." He grabbed Sydney's hand and helped her out of the car. The four of them walked in silence until Sydney felt the cool, damp sand under her now bare toes. She kept her eyes closed as Vaughn gently slid the blindfold off. When she opened her eyes she found herself on a secluded section of the beach. The moon cast a pearly glow over the water, the sand, and the dense trees and flowers. "Come on," Vaughn said quietly, peeling off Sydney's tank top, followed by his own T-shirt. She slid her shorts off and ran to catch up with him. Eric and Alice were further down on the beach, chatting and watching Vaughn and Sydney. Vaughn had stopped at the shore, letting the waves lap at his toes. He trembled at feeling Sydney's hot breath on the back of his neck.
"I'm here," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. Without warning, Vaughn slipped an arm under each of her knees, hoisting her onto his back. Once she was secure, he ran into the waves without hesitation. She gave a slight chirp as the cool water hit her sensitive spots. When it was shoulder deep, Vaughn set her down. The water came up to her neck, allowing her hair to float freely on the water's surface. His breath caught in his chest as he saw the mystic patterns the moon and the waves were casting on her face.
"You are so beautiful," he said, hands sliding down around her waist.
The moon was reflecting in Vaughn's eyes, giving them a heavenly quality. "Vaughn, I love you." Weiss looked out at the two of them kissing among the waves as Alice slept. A pang of something hit him at the sight. Was it jealousy? NO, he told himself firmly. They're in love and happy. I can't take her from Mike again. Maybe it's just because he's gotten to know her so much better since her return. Whatever the reason, it didn't matter.
As the waves washed over them, Sydney began tracing Vaughn's tattoo with her index finger. The delicate touch sent chills down his spine. She rested her head on his chest. "Vaughn, I'm tired."
"I know. Weiss is still awake, I'm sure you can hitch a ride with him.
"No. I don't want to be alone again. Come with me."
Vaughn's heart leapt at the prospect. "Okay." He scooped her up in his arms and headed back to shore. When he reached the beach blanket, another idea struck him. "Stay here for a sec, okay?" She nodded her approval and watched his muscled body sprint across the beach with satisfaction. Panting, he leaned against the trunk of the car. Once he regained his breath he opened it. Thankfully, the camping gear from last weekend was still in there. He grabbed the tent and two of the sleeping bags. He knew Alice was going to have Weiss taking her home in half an hour, tops. Now loaded down with the equipment he trudged back to where Sydney lay, waiting to see what was in store for her.
She saw his shadowy figure coming towards her, but was confused as to why it was moving so slowly. As he drew nearer, she saw the tent and sleeping bags by the light of the moon.
"Vaughn," she breathed. He smiled at her, giving off a heat she was sure only she could feel. As she stood up to help, he gently pushed her down again.
"Let me get Eric." Sydney nodded and laid back down.
Within minutes the tent was set up, and Vaughn was zipping the sleeping bags together with trembling fingers. When all was finished he glanced at his watch. It was already 1:30. Luckily, neither of them had to go into work later that morning. "You ready?" Vaughn asked.
Sydney nodded and followed him in, zipping the door shut behind her.
Lauren looked around at her cell with disdain. So many predecessors-Irina Derevko, Elsa Caplan, Will Tippin, and, of course, Sark. She was sure there were others, but she doubted they had posed as members of the NSC. She had a lot to think about as well. Being a double agent was more work than she had anticipated. Sure, Sydney had done it for over a year and a half, but she was working for the 'good guys'. Lauren on the other hand was a traitor. Among other things, her main goal was to rid the world of Sydney Bristow. It could find another savior. It was true she didn't marry Michael out of love, but she still felt jealous that she wasn't getting as much attention from her husband as she used to. Especially when Julian brought the pictures. A whole folder of them. Sydney and Vaughn sleeping together. Sydney and Vaughn kissing. Sydney and Vaughn in love. The jealousy wasn't completely about Michael, though. Lauren envied Sydney's strength. Sydney was a strong woman who could take out anyone. On the other hand, Lauren was bony, inflexible, and rather weak. But she was cunning. She was deceitful. Most of all, she was an excellent liar. That was why she was so useful to the Covenant. Her inside CIA and NSC information was unmatched. She smiled to herself again. The day would come where she washed Sydney Bristow's blood from her hands.
Sydney looked up at Vaughn's nervous expression. "What's wrong?"
"I love you, Syd, but are you sure you want this?'
"I want it, Vaughn. I want to lie here in your arms tonight more than anything else in the world. And I love you, too. More than you could ever imagine."
"I think I have an idea." He smiled a devilish grin and crawled into the sleeping bag. They laid there facing each other for what seemed an eternity. As the waves crashed upon the shore, Vaughn reached out to Sydney and kissed her deeply. When she pulled back to breathe, she lightly ran her fingers over the newly formed scar between his ribs where she had stabbed him. His muscles jumped beneath her fingertips. In turn, he traced his fingers over the odd scar on her stomach. The fact that she had no memory of where it came from gave Vaughn the urge to pull her closer. "I'm so sorry," he murmured into her ear. She jerked back in shock.
"Sorry? For what?"
"I'm sorry that I wasn't there to protect you. I'm sorry that I gave up on you. I'm sorry for all the pain I caused you. You need to know that I would never intentionally cause you any kind of pain or heartbreak."
"Vaughn, don't be sorry. We're together now, and that is the only thing that matters." She leaned forward and kissed away the lone tear that was making its way down his cheek. He looked at her with a softness and love in his eyes that melted her heart. She snuggled closer to him, head resting on his chest. He stroked her smooth brown hair, closing his eyes. For one perfect instant, they were both transported to an earlier time, quite similar to this one. It had been a time with fewer obstacles for them. They were in love, and didn't care who knew it. The same was nearly true now, except for the huge obstacle of Sydney's missing two years. As she lay there, she realized that she felt complete. The steady rhythm of his heart and his even breathing blended perfectly with the dull roar of the ocean. Lying there in bliss caused her eyes to grow steadily heavier. Just before she fell asleep, a whisper escaped her lips. "I love you, Michael C. Vaughn."
He gently bent down and softly kissed the top of her head. "I know. I love you, too, Sydney A. Bristow." With those last soft words they both drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
Lauren's method of extraction was not as she had planned, but it would have to suffice. She was prepared when the anesthetic seeped out of the vents and swirled to the floor. Within minutes, everyone in the building slept where they had fallen. When Lauren awoke, she smiled to see Sark standing over her.
"Hello, Julian."
He grimaced at the use of his first name, but forced a slight smile and said, "Welcome back, Ms. Reed."
She smiled again and rose to softly brush her lips against his. He acquiesced, and fell back with her once again.
Sydney was still sleeping when Vaughn awoke. She looked just as beautiful in the golden morning sun as she did in the silvery light of the moon. In either light, Vaughn felt there was a slightly ethereal look about her that he found irresistible. He sighed and she stirred slightly, the words "Santa Barbara" escaping her lips before she fully woke.
"Morning, beautiful."
"Morning, my love." the muted morning light cast Vaughn's features into sharp relief. Every line of muscle jumped out, the chin cleft, and the ever-present lines from his constantly furrowed brow. Each thing was more beautiful than the last to Sydney, and she couldn't take it anymore. She rolled over and kissed him deeply, not even attempting to worry about morning breath. He responded achingly slow, almost teasing. Sydney pulled back and saw the devilish grin begin to spread. Just as he leaned in again, her phone rang. Sydney rolled her eyes and answered. "Hello?"
"Hello, Miss Bristow. My husband wouldn't happen to be with you, would he? He's not home, and he isn't answering his cell."
"Lauren," Sydney said coldly. At the mention of her name Vaughn's head snapped around. With trembling fingers and a racing heart, Sydney handed over the phone.
"Lauren!"
"Aah, Michael. I just thought you and Sydney would like to know I am no longer in CIA custody. Julian, pardon me, Mr. Sark extracted me while you were on your little escapade with Sydney. I'm afraid I'm currently out of reach, but you should warn your new lover that she needs to watch her back. Goodbye, Michael."
When he looked up, his face was grey.
"Michael?"
"Lauren is with Sark. She is plotting to kill you, Sydney, and I am scared for you."
"What? Vaughn, I could take her."
"I don't think it'll be like that. We need to go."
She nodded her assent. Lauren had lost it, and was now working with Sark and the Covenant. While things with Vaughn were steadily improving, the rest of her life was growing steadily worse. "So much for a day off."
Vaughn laughed weakly and began dressing. Sydney started rolling up the sleeping bag, and within minutes everything was packed up. Weiss and Alice had walked back, so the car was there waiting for them.
After stopping at each other's houses they headed to the Ops Center. The moment they crossed the threshold Dixon was upon them. "Did she call you, too, Agent Vaughn?"
"Yeah. What are we going to do?"
"Well, you are going to report to medical services so we can see if any sort of hypnosis was performed on you. She may have gotten information out of you without your knowledge."
"I understand." He cast a nervous glance before walking away.
"Sydney, you are going to be staying in a safehouse until we recapture Lauren. I would encourage Vaughn to stay with you, but perhaps he should stay in a separate safehouse."
"No! I mean, I'll get his input."
"Very well. Now if you'll follow me, there is someone very important here that has a lot of things to tell you."
End Ch. 2 and Part 1
part 2 will continue...