Title: Skeletons in the closet

Summary: Sydney faces her past at SD-6.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Alias related, only the characters you don't know.

Spoiler: 3:17 'The frame' and before, AU after that.

Rating: PG-13

A/N: I'm really sorry that my chapters are getting shorter but I'm trying my best to post as often as I can.

Chapter Nine

Sydney was confused about two things. The first was why she couldn't move and the second was as to why Lauren was standing over her with a smug grin on her face. "You're awake." The first problem became clear as she saw the restraints that held her arms above her head.

"Where's Vaughn?" She tried to sound aggressive, but it came out as a weak mumble. Lauren's smile vanished.

"He's all you ever think about. We could have been friends Sydney but you had to be bitter and still in love with him. You were more fun as Julia." Sydney's eyes widened at Lauren's comment. "We were good friends when you were Julia."

"Ah, my two favourite girls." Danny stood by Lauren, his arm around her waist. " It's such a vile thought that that cretin Vaughn has had you both." Sydney ignored him and the tears that welled up in her eyes.

"Where's Vaughn?" She choked out for a second time.

A sly grin spread across his cold features. "Elliot and your devoted father are planning on rescuing him within the hour; then we'll all be here and the real fun can start."

Elliot stood patiently in the shadows of a large warehouse. She could see Vaughn tied to a chair in the centre of the room. He looked beaten and bruised and his eyes were closed. Up until then the mission had been too easy. She'd entered virtually unchallenged. She looked at her watch. She'd been away from Syd for nearly ten hours and she needed to get back to her, even if she was taking the love of Syd's life back with her.

She rushed to Vaughn and stopped as Lauren emerged from a shaded corner. "Hello Elle, not with Sydney? I'd have thought she'd come. It's pitiful you know. She loves Vaughn, my husband and you're besotted with her."

"Don't forget you're infatuation with me." Elliot grinned as Lauren wavered. "C'mon Lauren, you never got over me. I love Syd and so does your husband. You can't stand that everyone loves Syd and not you." Elliot quietened as Lauren aimed the gun at her chest.

"And I have you all. Danny has Syd and I have you. So I'm very happy Elle." Her finger started to pull the trigger.

"You won't shoot me."

"Love hurts, Elle." Vaughn's eyes shot open as he heard the shot and watched Elliot crumple to the floor.

When Elliot opened her eyes she was sitting up tied to a chair with Jack facing her, tied and gagged. Sydney next to him and Vaughn sat beside Elliot. Danny and Lauren stood in the corner and grinned. "Play time."

Sydney's cheeks were stained with tears and Jack's lip was cut. Elliot watched as Lauren pulled a seat beside her and Danny sat beside Sydney. "Now everyone's here I think it's time for a little group therapy."