CHAPTER 11
MONTH LATER: REED HOUSE
"Lauren" Michael greets calmly.
Lauren steps aside allowing Michael to enter the house, "Sophia Daddy's here." She calls
"Daddy, Daddy." Sophia runs to the foyer jumping into her Dad's arms.
Michael smiles hugging the girl, "I missed you."
"Miss you Daddy." Sophia grins hugging her Daddy.
"Sophia why don't you go get your things." Lauren suggests
"OK"
Michael sets Sophia down watching as the girl runs to the back of the house. Once they hear her footsteps up the stairs Michael looks at Lauren, "We agreed he wouldn't be around Sophia."
"You agreed. I never agreed." Lauren corrects. "I went along with it."
"Damn it Lauren!" Michael says angrily. "He's a killer. He shouldn't be around Sophia."
"He's never hurt Sophia and he wouldn't." Lauren says angrily as she walks back to the living room.
"You don't know that!"
'Yes I do. He adores his little girl.' "He knows that if he did anything no matter how remote to hurt Sophia in anyway I would be the first person to revoke his pardon." Lauren snaps. "Its not like he baby-sits her or anything. He just comes over for dinner sometimes."
"And according to surveillance he spends the night. What the hell are you thinking Lauren! He's an assassin!"
"We aren't sleeping together." Lauren lies heatedly. "He comes over for dinner and we talk until late. Sometimes have a few drinks so he sleeps on the couch." 'Only time we have sex is when Sophia is at Mom and Dad's.'
"I swear Lauren if he does anything to her no matter how small... I will take Sophia." Vaughn warns.
"Don't EVER threaten to take my daughter from me." Lauren hisses angrily as they hear Sophia clatter down the stairs.
"I'm ready." Sophia announces as she walks into the foyer carrying her stuffed bear, blanket, and backpack.
"All right." Lauren crouches before Sophia, "Be good OK? Don't run Daddy ragged."
"I'll be good Mama." Sophia promises hugging her Mama. "I love you."
"I love you too. I'll see you in a few days." Lauren hugs Sophia "I'll call tonight OK?"
Sophia nods
Vaughn picks up the duffle bag in the corner, "Come on Soph."
"Have fun baby." Lauren stands looking at Vaughn, "Make sure she goes to bed on time."
"I know." Michael holds his free hand out to Sophia.
"Bye Mama." Sophia waves as they reach the car.
Lauren watches as Michael buckles Sophia into the car seat then gets into the drivers side and drives away. She walks back into the house closing the door she takes a deep breath. 'I'm going to miss my baby.'
LATE EVENING: COTTAGE
Lauren jumps in surprise as she feels arms wrap around her middle. "Don't do that." She laughs elbowing Sark in the stomach. "You're late." She turns around her arms going around his neck.
"I had to ditch the guards and change cars."
"Ahh" Lauren nods
"So how'd it go with Vaughn?"
"Same as always. Threatened to take Sophia from me again."
"Well just to be sure I made some calls to some former associates."
"Julian"
"Just told them to keep an eye on Vaughn while he's here. Don't want him taking off with Sophia."
"I don't think he'd"
"I didn't want to take that chance." Sark interrupts "I just told them to keep an eye on the flights to the States and France. I know he still has his French citizenship."
"I don't think he'd take off with her. He knows that if he did and I found out there would be a fight he doesn't want to risk."
"What do you have on him?" Sark asks curiously.
"Besides the truth about Sophia? His obession with Sydney. The times he went behind Dixon's back and the CIAs to help Sydney. That would destroy his career faster than anything could. I don't think he'd risk his chance to see Sydney every day." Lauren tilts her head, "What do you have on Vaughn?"
"What makes you think I have anything on him?"
"Because you have something on everyone" Lauren says
"Lets leave it at something else he wouldn't want anyone to know."
"OK" Lauren drawls scratching the back of his neck.
Sark kisses her
SAME TIME: HOTEL
Vaughn smiles as he watches Sophia brush her teeth, "All done?"
Sophia spits in the sink, "Done." She announces setting her toothbrush on the counter she holds her arms up.
Michael picks the girl up kissing her nose, "I've missed you."
"Missed you Daddy."
Vaughn sets Sophia on the bed, "Soph what do you think of Mama's friend?"
Sophia frowns thoughtfully, "Who?"
"Sark"
Sophia stares at him confused, "Mama doesn't have a friend named Sark."
"Well then what's his name?"
"Julian"
"You call him by his first name?"
Sophia nods
'Sark lets someone use his first name... that's a surprise.' "What do you think of Julian?"
"He's fun." Sophia grins
"He is huh? What do you do with him?"
"He plays towers with me. He watches cartoons with me. He makes pancakes and he lets me help."
'That's a surprise.' "Does Sa... Julian, stay the night?"
Sophia shrugs "I go to bed and wake up and some times he still there."
"Where does he sleep?"
"On the couch."
"Are you sure?"
Sophia nods, "Some times I get up really early and watch cartoons and he's there."
"Does he watch with you?"
Sophia nods "I like him."
"What else do you do with Julian?"
"Sometimes we go to the park or the zoo."
"Does Mama ever leave you two alone in the house?"
"No." Sophia yawns
"All right... go to sleep." Michael kisses her forehead, "Sleep well."
"Night Daddy." Sophia yawns burrowing into the covers hugging her blanket.
LATE THAT NIGHT: COTTAGE
Lauren leans against the couch as she runs her fingers through Sark's hair lightly scratching his neck as they watch a movie. "Julian?"
"Hmm" Sark says absently as he strokes her legs as they rest on either side of him while he reclines against her.
"Why don't you ever mention your mother?" Lauren asks curiously.
Sark pauses briefly then continues stroking her legs, "Not much to say. She's dead." He shrugs. "Died when I was a boy."
"What was she like?" Lauren asks softly "There's nothing about her in your files. Not even her name."
Sark sighs knowing Lauren won't stop until he gives her some information, "My mother's name was Josephine. She was 20 when I was born."
"How did she meet Lazarey?"
"Not sure. She never really spoke about my father... I didn't even know his name until the night I was told about my inheritance. I think it was through her brother Ryan."
"You have an uncle?"
"Had. He died when I was a baby. He was a member of the IRA. The whole family was before they died in a bombing when Mum was 15. She and my Uncle were the only ones who survived and that was because he had gone to pick her up from a friends house. When they arrived home the rest of the family was dead. Members of the IRA took them in. Up until she became pregnant Mum worked with them... running guns and information across Ireland and England. After all who would suspect a teenage girl of that... at least not back then." Sark kisses her knuckles, "When I was born she stopped and walked away from all of it."
"How'd she die?" Lauren asks after a moment of silence.
"I didn't really know the full story until I was 18, and Irina sat me down and told me, about how some members of the IRA were upset that she had left the way she had. The official story was that she died during a burglary while I was at school."
"The unofficial?"
"Irina gave me the police report as well as the autopsy... she'd been raped, tortured, then shot. Over the years Irina had been keeping tabs on the rogue members of the IRA she suspected was behind Mum's death."
"What happened?"
"I killed them." Sark says simply. "Tortured the one who actually killed my mother." He says coldly remembering the feelings that were invoked the day he killed the man who destroyed his life. "He deserved it after what he did to her... and them."
"Them?"
"I didn't know until I saw the autopsy report but she was pregnant... twins." Sark takes a deep breath. "She was all I had" he rests his head on Lauren's arm "I had no one after she was killed." He whispers blinking back tears.
Lauren hugs him kissing his head, "I'm sorry."
"The night before she died I told her I hated him. I had never seen her so hurt... so angry when I said that. That night was the first night I had ever heard her mention my father in more than just passing."
"What happened?"
"I was angry because I came home to find her crying... again. Over the years I had equated her crying to him. I hated seeing her upset. She always covered it up saying she was thinking about her family but I always knew she was lying. I called her a liar and said I knew she was crying over him. I told her that I hated him and wished he was dead." Sark winces remembering the look on his Mother's face, "She slapped me. She'd never done that before... it surprised her... and me. Before whenever I did something wrong or lied about something I was either spanked or sent to my room, mostly it was both." Sark sits there his mind drifting back to the night before his mother's death.
/18 YEARS EARLIER: LONDON
Eight year old Julian walks into the house and stops in his tracks when he sees his Mum sitting on the couch wiping at the obvious tears on her cheeks. "Mum?"
Josephine smiles sadly, "How was school Julian?" She asks calmly.
"Why are you crying?" Julian asks concerned.
"Just thinking about my family." Josephine shrugs standing, "What would you like for a snack today?" She asks heading into the kitchen.
"It is not them your thinking of its him." Julian watches his mother stiffen.
"I have no idea what you are talking about Julian."
"You always cry over him Mum." Julian says bitterly as he drops his book bag by the door.
"I am not thinking about him Julian."
"You are such a bloody liar!" Julian accuses his temper rising
"Don't you take that tone with me Julian Alexander."
"I hate him!" Julian says angrily.
"Don't say that Julian"
"I hate him for everything." Julian yells "I wish he was dead!" Suddenly he yelps in pain as he feels his cheek burn./
Sark absently rubs his cheek "Always knew Mum could hit... she once punched a man she was seeing for calling me a bastard and trying to hit me. She threw the man out of the house. Learned that day she could slap hard as well." He sighs "The slap hurt but that look she had hurt more."
/Julian looks at his mother and flinches at the look in her eyes. A look he had never seen pain, anger, remorse, regret... and so many other emotions. He blinks back tears then runs out of the kitchen.
"Julian"
Julian enters his bedroom slamming the door behind him he throws himself on his bed. He lies there staring at the wall ignoring the burning of his cheek as he tries to keep from crying. "Go 'way" he says angrily as he hears the door open.
"Julian" she sits on the bed, "I'm sorry for slapping you." She reaches out stroking his hair. "Let me see."
Julian turns his head so his Mum can see his cheek
"Might be a slight bruise. I'm really sorry OK?" She gently strokes his cheek. "I didn't mean to slap you."
"I hate him." Julian says again.
"Oh Julian." She sighs "You can't hate him. He's your Da."
"If he was he'd be here and you would never cry over him."
"Julian just because your Da and I aren't together it doesn't mean we don't love each other or you."
"Why isn't he here then? Why are the others always here?"
"Your Da is a good man who wants to do some great things for his own country. That requires him to stay away."
"Why?"
"Before you came along I did things I should never have done to survive and to help Ireland." She sighs running her fingers through Julian's hair, "If your Da and I were together and those things came out" she shakes her head, "he'd never have the chance to do the things he wants to do. There are people who would do anything to hurt him and end his line."
"I don't understand Mum"
"I know but you will one day."
"I hate him." Julian says stubbornly.
"When you're old enough you'll understand why things are how they are." She assures "Everything your Da and I will ever do is for you."/
"I never understood what she meant by end his line... at least not until they told me about the Will and who my Father was."
"How did you end up in military school?"
"I think he put me there... he had no idea what else to do with me." Sark shrugs
"And you met Irina there?"
Sark nods
"I'm sorry about your Mom."
"It was a long time ago." Sark shrugs
"You still miss her."
"Always will." Sark kisses her hand then turns looking at Lauren.
Lauren silently gasps at the expression in his eyes of complete and utter trust. 'He's never looked at me like that.' She kisses him lightly.
NEXT MORNING
Lauren turns her head and smiles at Sark who grins back, "Morning."
"Morning sweetheart." Sark returns kissing her sweetly. "How did you sleep?"
"Same as always." Lauren turns facing him her fingers lightly scratching at his neck.
"So just what should we do today?" Sark asks with a smirk.
"Well we have a bed and no prying eyes. You're supposed to be in France. I'm supposed to be at the house in the countryside."
"I guess we'll just have to figure out what to do."
"Just what should we do." Lauren shifts shoving Sark onto his back.
LATE MORNING
"How is she?" Sark asks as Lauren hangs up the phone.
"Good. Having fun."
Sark nods handing Lauren a cup of coffee then sits beside her on the bed with his own coffee. "Good."
"Mother invited Michael over for dinner tonight. I've been ordered to show up."
Sark nods
Lauren sets her mug on the nightstand then moves onto Sark's lap kissing him after he sets his mug on the nightstand. She smiles as he shoves the robe down her arms.
LATE AFTERNOON
"I really don't want to do this." Lauren sighs "Its just going to end in another argument."
"Your mother wants you there." Sark gently brushes her hair back, "Can't ignore your mother."
"I wish I could sometimes." Lauren admits "The woman is driving me bloody insane."
Sark chuckles "Just wants to look out for you."
"I know." Lauren strokes his cheek, "See you soon?"
Sark nods "I did promise Sophia I would come over and play soon."
Lauren smiles, "She really likes having you come over." She kisses him lightly. "So do I."
"Soon."
MIDEVENING: REED HOUSE
Lauren smiles picking Sophia up, "How was your time with Daddy?"
"Fun. I missed you Mama."
"I missed you too." Lauren kisses Sophia's forehead. 'Your Daddy misses you too.' She meets Michael's gaze, "Why don't you go give Grandma and Grandpa hugs and kisses."
Sophia nods, "OK."
Lauren sets Sophia down watching as the girl runs out of the foyer. "How was she?"
"Behaved as always." Michael answers setting the duffle bag and backpack by the door. "She's growing fast."
"Yes she is." Lauren smiles faintly.
"Sophia told me that Sark has been sleeping over."
Lauren winces, "I don't want to argue Michael."
"Do your parents know about him?"
"No. Mother is still upset about the divorce. Dad... you know with his sources what he'd find out."
"Damn it Lauren."
"It is my choice who I'm friends with. Sark stays the night yes. He sleeps on the couch when he's over. If anything happens it would never happen around Sophia."
"Lauren you are his handler."
"You were sleeping with Sydney when you were her handler."
"That's different and you know it!"
"Why?"
"She's not a killer!" Michael hisses
"I don't want to discuss this Michael." Lauren walks back to the living room where she finds Sophia with her Dad.
"Michael." George smiles "Good to see you."
Michael nods "George."
COUPLE HOURS LATER
"Michael looks good." Olivia muses as Lauren zips Sophia's coat up.
"Don't Mother." Lauren warns
"Lauren"
"We're divorced Mother. We are not getting back together." Lauren looks at Sophia, "Where's your blanket?"
"Backpack." Sophia says with a yawn. "Daddy put it there."
"All right." Lauren looks at her Mother, "We are not having this conversation again." Lauren picks Sophia up, "Michael and I are over Mother. Deal with it or not its done."
"Lauren I just want you happy."
Lauren looks at Sophia and smiles faintly, "I am Mother. I am happier than I have ever been." She kisses Sophia's nose. "Let's get you home and into bed shall we?"
Sophia yawns
"I'll talk to you later Mother." Lauren shifts Sophia in her arms as her Father walks into the foyer. "Bye Daddy."
"Bye Princess." George kisses his daughter and granddaughter's cheeks. "Call when you get home."
"Dad"
"I'm serious."
"All right." Lauren sighs
LATER THAT NIGHT
"How'd it go?"
"Same as always. Mother hinted that Michael and I should get back together. Michael managed to get his mouth shut about you."
"How is Sophia?"
"Asleep."
"Good."
"I should get to bed. I have work in the morning."
"All right."
"Night"
"Sleep well Lauren." Sark hangs up.
Lauren sighs turning off the bedside lamp she closes her eyes.
SAME TIME: HOTEL
"What do you want?" Vaughn asks coldly as he sees Sark at his door.
"Thought we should have a little talk." Sark enters the hotel room. "Just so you know I don't have my guns or any weapons. Besides I promised your former wife I wouldn't hurt you."
"Say what you have to say then get out."
"Not much for being polite are you." Sark looks Vaughn over coldly. "At least Bristow verbally spars."
"I have a flight to catch in three hours."
"Reed told me you threatened to take Sophia from her."
"This is between Lauren and myself Sark. You aren't involved."
'Everything involving my little girl involves me.' Sark thinks "I am involved. Reed is my handler so that means when she's upset it puts everything we both work for in danger."
"Doesn't involve you."
"Russia. The death of the man who accosted Bristow. I applaud you for what you did."
"You did it." Vaughn says quickly.
Sark looks at the other man amused, "I took the blame yes but we both know I didn't do it."
"Can't prove that I did it." Vaughn says warily.
"The place had security everywhere. You thought you destroyed the cameras but you missed an offsite feed." Sark tosses a file on the bed. "I found it. Those aren't the only copies. I have them... so does Irina. If something happens to me Irina will leak them to Jack... and you know how Jack feels about you. You broke his baby girl's heart... that's not something any man who has a child would allow."
Vaughn picks up the file opening it to reveal a picture of himself shooting a man point blank as Sydney lies on the ground unconscious. "So what? He almost raped Sydney. They'd consider it justifiable."
"Not when they find out who the man was. He was a high level British agent. Sure he had gone rogue but no one but myself and Irina knew about it. The body disappeared in the explosion but his bosses have no idea he's dead... he's considered missing. Then your little side missions that you helped Sydney with on the sly. I know it all Agent Vaughn." Sark says calmly inwardly smiling at Vaughn's expression.
"What do you want?"
"I like Sophia. She's an incredible little girl... I would hate to see her separated from either of her parents. If you try to take Sophia from Lauren on the grounds of what I used to do then you are not only breaking National Security, which could land you in jail, but I will give these to those who need to know. If something does happen to me these pictures go not only to your former wife but your employers as well. See Bristow has protected you on all the side missions but I have all the evidence of you helping her. She won't end up in prison or lose her job because they all know she did do what they thought she did. But you... you lied. You helped her."
"You're up to something." Vaughn says. "I know you Sark."
Sark ignores Vaughn's remark and continues, "I am willing to keep this a secret for Sophia's sake... we both know what its like to not have a father. I'd hate for that to happen to her as well." Sark regards Vaughn, "Have a good flight home. And I hope this conversation stays between us, we don't want to upset Lauren or Sophia do we?" He walks out of the hotel room leaving Vaughn standing there.
Vaughn stares at the file in his hand, 'I know he's up to something. Why would he give me this when he could just end my career and get Lauren?' "Damn it."
'He'll keep his mouth shut about everything.' Sark thinks as he steps onto the elevator.
TBC…
Sorry it too so long to update this fic. I wasn't sure where it was going in later chapters but I fixed that. Hope you like it.