Chapter 10: Of Codes and Emails

Vaughn didn't want to wake up. If he woke up then the events of last night would be real, not just a bad dream and he would have lost another friend. Reluctantly he opened his eyes and the feelings of loss and agony cam rushing back. He groaned and glanced over at Syd. She had cried herself to sleep last night, they both had. She looked so peaceful, her breathing even, traces of tears still visible on her face.

She grimaced in her sleep, and Vaughn felt her stomach begin to move. He placed his hand on her and felt his child kick. He was amazed and sad that he would never know the child. He felt Sydney's hands move over his and he glanced into her face. As if she was reading his mind she snuggled close to him and whispered "Don't worry, I wont let the child forget you."

As much as he wanted to lie in bed with Syd forever, he couldn't. He had worked to do fore the sect. He made a move to get out of the bed only to be stopped by Sydney.

"Tell me the truth, Vaughn, do you really believe all of this?"

"I believed everything Syd, up until the day you died. Then I lost all faith. But know I have to protect you and our baby so I will do what they tell me."

Vaughn left her then, not willingly, but he had to leave. After showering and changing he went to his office, located down the hall from Sydney's locked room. Sark was waiting for him in there.

"What do you want?" Vaughn snapped. He was in no mood to deal with his brother.

"I just came to give you the ashes of Agent Weiss; I figured you would want them. Lauren always hinted that he had a crush on you."

It took all of Vaughn's energy not to kick Sark as hard as he could. He gritted his teeth and took the urn and then pushed Sark out of his office and shut the door. Looking at Eric's ashes, Vaughn felt tears coming on. Eric was his best friend and now he was gone. At least he was with Nadia now. Vaughn composed himself and went to work.

His computer flashed that he had a new message. Clicking open his mail he saw the reply he had been desperately waiting for.

To: oldfrenchcastlejuner. GREAT OFFER

Original message:

Hello KICKASSINSTATES,

We have a great offer for you! The first edition of Alice in Wonderland has been found in an old French castle near Fluery in perfect condition! It has been under the guard of boy scouts. Act now before the term is up, but beware coming to soon may ruin the book! We are willing to trade vintage jack-in-the-boxes for this copy!

Re:

OLDFRENCHCASTLE,

I have a vintage jack-in-the-box that I am willing to bring over for the first edition of Alice in Wonderland. Will arrive soon. I hope boy scouts are good guards.

They had gotten his message and were coming. Vaughn smiled in relief. They might arrive too late for him but they would arrive to keep Sydney and the baby safe.