Chapter 28

Oh God Vaughn thought. What is she doing here and how does she know? Himself knowing the truth for years but unable to tell her because of CIA policy. Maybe knowing someday in the future if he and Sydney stayed together that they may had to broach that subject to her.

"Mom, What are you doing here?"

"Stopping the Wedding. This woman is a murderer Michael, she killed your father."

Sydney positioned herself in front of her trying to slightly diffuse the situation. "Mrs Vaughn, why don't you sit down and talk about this."

"No Sydney" She knew her from being introduced to her the first time they dated. Then she realised something "What are you doing here?"

Jack came down to joined them. "That woman who you so delicately told everyone about her is Sydney's mother."

Claudia Vaughn was unable to process the information. "She's Sydney's mother, but I thought your wife was Laura"

Irina also came down to join them. "Mrs Vaughn, if you'd could join me, Jack, Sydney and Michael in the vestry so we can talk about this in private"

They slowly walked down towards the vestry, on the way she stopped to speak to a slightly upset Nadia.

"I'm sorry about this Baby. Can you please keep an eye on our guests please?"

"Sure Mom"

"What did that girl call her?" Claudia asked.

"That's her other daughter Mom. Sydney's half sister"

"But you mentioned that she was only child"

"She didn't know herself until recently. Come on Mother" Ushering her in the room.

"Mrs Vaughn, I am sorry about this by there were reasons why this occurred"

"What possible reason could there be for this, you murdered an innocent man and anyway how can you be Sydney's mother?"

Irina took a deep breath "I was an KGB agent my alias was Laura. During that time my superiors gave me order's to kill CIA agent's. Unfortunately your husband was one of them."

"KGB agent, unbelievable. But why were you giving these orders to murder?"

"It was punishment. I did something that they didn't approve of."

"What didn't they have approve of?"

"Me having Sydney. KGB agents are not supposed to have children with the enemy."

Claudia turned and addressed Sydney. "Sydney how are you able to cope with this. That woman as your mother, a murderer, a liar."

"I know you may find it strange, but I have learnt to look past what has happened. She is my mother and nothing can be done to change it."

"But she is roaming free. Why isn't she paying for what she has done?"

"Mother, Irina has paid in some sort of way. She has redeemed herself by helping us when she was in CIA custody; she has been imprisoned and tortured frequently and will be monitored on her behaviour. But all she wants now is to spend time with her family. Her children and Jack."

"Michael, how can you stand to be around her, she destroyed our family?"

"Because I love her daughter, Sydney wants her mother around, and I want Sydney so I am learning to accept what has happened, and I also know the true meaning behind what she did to him."

"Why Michael, I don't understand. You've always idolized him why have you stopped." These were her final parting words before she stormed of.

"Irina" Jack said quietly. "Do you still want to go ahead with this?"

"I'm not sure. All of this coming out so ugly, I knew some of them were aware of what has happened Jack. But I want to marry you and today."

"What if we make it just a family and close close friends like Vaughn. Is that a good comprise."

"Yes Jack. Thank You"

Jack left the room to tell the guests.

Sydney walked over to her mother.

"I'm so sorry about this" she said as she strongly hugged her mother. "But at least we've got some of it out. But Mom one day very soon both of our family's are going to have to sit down and talk about."

"I know sweetheart. But why she did she choose today to do it? And how did she know?"

"I'm sorry Irina. After this I'm going to speak to here and find out exactly what has happened. But Syd's right there has to be a meeting or a talk some day soon considering I'm involved with your daughter."