I had hoped we would make it to Weiss' car unobstructed after Marshall and I parted, but it was not to be. On our way, Kendall swept by, tossing out a snide order to go see Dr. Barnett immediately or face the consequences. Weiss gave me a knowing look.
"You don't have to wait for me Eric. I'll just-" he quickly cut me off.
"Syd, I'm not going anywhere. I'd tell you to take your time, but since I'm sure you want this to be over soon…" I smiled at him lightly.
"Thanks." He nodded at me, moving off to busy himself with something productive while I went to see Barnett. She gave me a sympathetic look as I let myself in.
"It seems you've been having a difficult week, Sydney." I nodded- what else was there to do?
"First losing three men who you've worked with very closely, one of whom-" I had to jump in.
"They're not dead."
"I'm sorry?"
"They aren't dead."
"I had heard that there were pictures proving otherwise."
"That's not true, unless someone has seen something that I haven't…"
"I'm referring to the pictures that had been in Miss Calfo's possession. Did they-"
"That wasn't Francie." She stopped again, giving me a long, hard look.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure! That… double handed me a set of photos, and one of them showed MY Francie dead."
"Agent Bristow, is that really plausible?"
"Was it plausible to have two copies of Agent Lennox running around last week?" She inclined her head at me, though if she was truly agreeing or just not wanting to antagonize me, I couldn't tell.
"You don't believe your father, Agent Vaughn, and Agent Dixon to be dead?"
"Dixon is." As she took down a few more notes, I wondered who would tell Diane. I hoped they would at least wait until we had proof positive that he was gone, and not just go on that one picture and my gut feeling. I didn't think she would take too kindly to that, and she probably wouldn't believe it either. Barnett's voice broke through my thoughts.
"Agent Bristow?" I realized she had been talking to me, but I hadn't heard a word. I shook my head briefly, clearing away those thoughts, before looking at her.
"What?" She gave me another penetrating look.
"I think we're done for today. But I will want to see you again sometime soon. Feel free to stop in anytime you need to talk." I frowned to myself, recalling my mother telling me something very similar. There was no question in my mind of which way I'd go if I needed to talk.
"Thanks," I said shortly, and got up to leave. As I shut the door behind me, I glanced back to see her already on the phone. I sighed. No need to guess who she was calling. I walked out to search for Weiss and, hopefully, finally get out of there. I eventually spotted him, but stopped in my tracks. He was talking to Kendall, the last person I wanted to see.
I stood for a moment, watching them, trying to decide how to draw Weiss' attention without having Kendall notice me as well. I considered sending one of the younger agents over to tell Weiss I was ready, but having very little faith left in people in general, and especially the CIA, I figured they would screw that up too. Then I thought of something.
I pulled out my cell phone and dialed his. After a moment, I saw him reach into his pocket. He answered.
"Weiss."
"Hey, it's me. Sorry, but I really don't want to see Kendall right now. Whenever you manage to get away, I'll be waiting by the car." I saw him glance at Kendall before replying.
"Um… ok Mom, no problem. But next time, can you wait until after work to call me and ask me to bring you Moose Tracks ice cream?" I almost laughed.
"Thanks Weiss, I needed that. See you at the car." I hung up, watching as Weiss kept Kendall's attention strictly on him. I quickly made my way out to the car, and leaned against the passenger door, shutting my eyes briefly. I tried to sort through the various thoughts and feelings that lay siege to my mind, but it only got more confused.
A moment later, I heard footsteps approaching, and turned to greet Weiss. He smiled at me.
"Moose Tracks?" I said faintly. He shrugged.
"It's really good. You should try it." I made no comment, waiting for him to unlock the doors so we could get moving. That plan came crashing to a halt a moment later.
"Agent Bristow!" I stopped with one foot in the car and looked up to see Kendall striding across the parking lot. I sighed, retracted my foot, and waited for his latest lecture.
"Dr. Barnett reported to me as soon as you left her office." I resisted the urge to comment, instead waiting for him to continue.
"She has recommended that you be taken off of active duty- including this case. And I've agreed."
"What? Why? You can't take me off of this. I have to find them!"
"She thinks you may be in denial, Agent Bristow, from the various comments you made concerning the three missing agents, as well as your friend Francie Calfo." I was shocked, and had no clue what to say.
"She also recommended that your clearance to Derevko be revoked." He held up a hand to stop my protest.
"For now, I'm denying that recommendation. You still have clearance, but don't blow this, Bristow." I slowly fell into the car, where Weiss sat staring after Kendall in disbelief. I thought about things for a brief moment.
"I'm really sorry to do this to you, but can you wait a few more minutes?" He looked at me curiously, saying nothing.
"I need to go see my mother one more time." Understanding dawned in his eyes, and he nodded.
"No problem, Syd. I'll be waiting here." I nodded my thanks and once again started the walk down to her cell.
