A week later, Sydney was sitting on Weiss's sofa eating popcorn while he
sat next to her and flicked channels. They had been watching a film about
spies but Sydney was getting a little angry at all the mistakes they were
making so Weiss turned it off and refused to put it back on. There was a
knock at the door and as Sydney had just gotten up to get more popcorn, she
answered it.
It was Vaughn.
"Oh hey Sydney. Is Weiss in?" he asked awkwardly wishing he had come at a different time. "Hey Vaughn." Weiss said as he came to the door. "Sup?" he asked. "I thought I'd come over and we could have a few beers." He said thinking he was sounding more stupid by the minute. "Come in. have a few. Were just watching a bit of T.V." Sydney said as she opened the door wider. "There's no point in us being careful around each other. Lets just... try. Then we'll see if we can eventually become friends again." She even surprised herself with her outburst. She was just getting so fed up of walking around on eggshells. Plus it wasn't fair on Weiss making him schedule time with each of them. "Ok then" a shocked Agent Weiss took the empty bowl from her hand and walked over to the table to fill it up. He shouted to Sydney. "Come on then take the bottles from Vaughn and sit down. What's that video? He asked as he joined them on the sofa."
Vaughn was beginning to feel more comfortable and replied. "Oh it's about a spy who goes..." "NO" Sydney and Weiss shouted together. They looked at each other and laughed. Vaughn simply looked confused. They saw his expression. "Sydney can't watch spy movies." Weiss explained. "She gets a little too excited and we have turn it off." "Yeah sorry Vaughn." She giggled and opened a beer. Taking a huge swig as she got comfortable.
A few hours later and they were sitting together watching a non-spy-related film. Weiss in the middle sitting with the popcorn bowl, now empty. He placed it on the floor and Sydney curled up to him. He laid his hand on her knee and stroked her leg in affection.
Vaughn watched them as he did this. Sydney had not flinched under his touch. "She must be used to it." He thought as they sat there. She had curled up to him. Vaughn wandered if they were closer than friends. He found himself thinking of the days when he and Sydney had been close. Of when they had sat curled up on the sofa and watched movies. He knew he was jealous and shouldn't be. After all, he had given up on them. Like she had said all those months ago, he had lost faith and he had known then that she would have waited. As he watched her now, she at last seemed happy. Her and Weiss appeared to have grown closer and formed a friendship that they had once had. Were they just friends? He asked himself.
That night Sydney thought about how happy Vaughn had been with Lauren. They were married and he loved her. Why couldn't that have been her and Vaughn? They even had a baby on the way. She thought about her child. It would be approaching two in the next few months. God how she wished she knew. She had thought about telling Vaughn so many times but couldn't. She knew he wouldn't be able to cope with knowing. He would become obsessed with finding his child just like her father had and she knew that she couldn't let that happen. It would have lead to his downfall. She thought of the time he had become infatuated with finding information out about her father. He had gone to great lengths to acquire information on him and had even undergone an investigation by the CIA. She got into bed and eventually fell into an uneasy sleep with all of this whirling around in her head.
Jack awoke to find the sun blaring in and the woman he loved asleep in his arms. Her head lay on his chest and he felt her breathing. Slow and steady. Their engagement party had been the night before and they had slept in late. He had wanted a quiet affair and a small private wedding but it was the first time Constance would get married so he finally gave in to a compromise – a big party and a small wedding. He knew she wasn't entirely happy but it was the marriage that mattered not the wedding. Constance awoke a few hours later and she found a rose with a piece of paper on the pillow next to her head. She sat up and read the note:
My darling,
I have gone to work and will see you later.
You were so peaceful sleeping and I was
torn between waking you for a kiss or
leaving you to slumber. I chose to leave
you because then, later on when I see
you, the kiss will be twice as sweet.
All my love, Jack. x x x
She smiled to herself as she read it and tucked it into her pocket.
She arrived at the office to find everyone in a panic. Dixon had all of the higher agents in the conference room in what looked like a very important meeting. Dixon spotted her and waved for her to come in. she entered and sat next to Weiss. Dixon continued.
"... And with this terrible incident, we hope to gather new information as quick as possible. Vaughn, take Agent waters and fill her in. once she's been informed, you two will go and see Sark and try to get some information on how this could have happened. The rest of you, join me in my office and we will discuss our next move." All of the agents left the room except Constance and Vaughn. Jack gave her a smile and left.
"What's going on?" she asked worriedly. "Well, last night a shipment of extremely dangerous warheads from world war two, were being transported from the Nevada dessert to the Los Angeles museum of natural history, when they were intercepted by the covenant. The warheads would not normally bother us except for the fact that Yamhill Mead, an expert in the old warheads was broken out of a maximum-security prison in the middle of the pacific two hours before. We suspect that the covenant is going to get him to fix them up and sell them to the highest bidder. If terrorists get their hands on them then we could have an all out war on our hands."
"I thought my biggest problem today was going to be that I'm late." She looked over at Jack who was heading over to the conference room. "Your not late. In fact, your half an hour early." Vaughn said looking at his watch. "That's not what I meant." She said as Jack walked in. "Oh." Vaughn realised.
"Hi honey." Jack kissed Constance on the cheek. He was still uncomfortable with public shows of affection but he was getting better. "Hi, Vaughn's just filled me in. so what's the plan?" she said hoping Vaughn wasn't going to say anything. "Dixon still isn't sure. We'll know more after your talk with Sark hopefully." "Way to put the pressure on Jack." she looked at him. "I'm sorry. Are you going to be ok going there?" he asked looking at her. "I'll be fine. There's going to be a whole sheet of reinforced bulletproof glass between us. Oh and I have Vaughn." She said looking at the young Agent standing by the door. "Look I'd better go." She and Vaughn walked out towards the corridor leading to Sark's cell.
Jack watched, worrying about what she would say to Vaughn. The look in her eyes as he had entered the room made it seem as if she was hiding something from him. He was very accustomed to that look. He had seen it many times in his marriage to Irina. He had only identified it when their marriage ended. What was Constance keeping from him?
"Vaughn?" Constance said as they walked down the corridor. "Yeah?" he stopped and faced her. "There's something you should know Vaughn. Something I should tell you now that you are my partner. It's about Sark. Do you remember when we last went to see him and he was being all superior even though he was the one in handcuffs?" She paused to see his reaction. "Yes." "And the way that Jack is always so concerned every time I go to see Sark?" "Yes." He looked at her with concern. "Well he did something that Jack and I didn't put in our reports. We lied to the CIA mike so I need for you to keep what I tell you quiet." Constance awaited his reaction. She knew Vaughn was no stranger to breaking protocol so she had high hopes. Just in case, she added. "If you have a problem with lying, I can always shut up and you won't be in trouble if it gets out because you wont have known." "No, no that doesn't trouble me. I'm just worried about you. Tell me. Are you ok?" "I'm fine now but..." she paused. Vaughn grateful that she was telling him. Everyone around Vaughn was being secretive. "Its good to be told some things, Sydney and Weiss have a secret that even Jack knows about and they talk about it all the time. God they think I cant catch on to the fact that they go quiet every time I walk in a room." He thought as she sat on a chair in front of him.
"Well, when I was in Geneva with Jack when we captured Sark remember? Before you lot came along, It didn't all go as planned. Sark had Jack and I tied up and he was taunting Jack. We had just started seeing each other sort of and he was very protective of me. Sark picked up on this and mocked Jack by" she paused "kissing me and pulling me around. Jack got mad and pulled at his chains..." "That's how he got the cuts on his arms." Vaughn interrupted. "...Yeah." She continued. "Sark started to undo my blouse and I kicked him away. He got mad and dragged me by my hair to the floor and... he..., he raped me." Vaughn turned and looked her in the face. He was clearly not expecting that and was shocked. "It was right there in front of Jack and there was nothing he could do... but watch." "And that's why he's so protective of you when you come down here?" Vaughn asked. "Yes. Look you are the only person I've told. Jack obviously knew but apart from you two, no one knows. So please keep it between us." "Of course Connie. You know I'd never tell anyone, but... well... have you ever thought about talking to Weiss? He cares for you a lot you know. You've known each other since you were how old? Five? Six?" "I know. I've nearly told him so many times but well he and Sydney are so close now and I think that he shouldn't have to deal with me as well. You know? In fact I think I'm kinda jealous. She's always over at his and I can't go because I'm like the step mom. The next generation and its weird." "Why don't you join them. I thought it would be weird being there but we watched a film the other night and it was good. I've missed you me and Weiss going out and getting smashed then talking about our lives. You were always pining for Jack and we could laugh at you." "Oh very funny mike. But, I went once and the conversation got onto sex and they were talking about Weiss's ex girlfriend and I had to try and change the subject. I couldn't go and talk about her dad in bed could I?" They laughed and got up. They carried on like this and went to see Sark. Constance was glad that Vaughn knew now and was thankful he hadn't asked any questions.
Sark watched as Vaughn and Constance walked into the cell he was being held in and smiled. He could tell something was wrong as they hardly ever sent one senior officer let alone two. It was good to see Constance again though. He remembered the look of fear in her eyes that was now so excellently covered up.
Vaughn walked up to the young man and stood over him. Constance stood by the door cautious as to go anywhere near him. It had been quite a while since she had seen him and he bought back memories of nightmares once forgotten. Sark looked at her and smiled as she turned away. Vaughn stared down at the man he felt like beating. "Hello Agent Waters. How are you today? I like that blouse you have on its extremely..." he extended the next word like it was sensual and wrong. "...Flimsy." "Shut up." Vaughn spat at him as Sark smirked at the vulnerable Agent. Constance was surprised at Vaughn's protection of her. She walked over to him and determined not to show her fear, she sat down on a chair the guard had bought in with them.
"So what do you want Agent Waters? Or is this a social visit? Did you just miss me?" Sark asked as he reached out and touched Constance's leg. Vaughn grabbed the man by the collar and pulled him away. "What's wrong Agent Vaughn? Jealous? Is she not giving you any now she's with Bristow?" Sark smiled at Vaughn and continued. "You should just take it like I did. You know I think that's why she comes to my cell. She's just hoping I'll give a repeat performance."
The next thing he saw was Vaughn's fist meeting his jaw and he fell to the ground his handcuffs pulling on the metal frame of the bed. Constance had seen and heard enough and ran into the corridor sinking down the wall not ready to face the guard through the door.
Five minutes later, Vaughn joined her. "I asked him about the warheads. He says he knows nothing but can tell us where they might be held if they are being shipped to Germany. We suspected they were so his info may come in handy. Are you ok?" Vaughn asked as he moved closer and put his arm on Constance's arm. "I'll be fine." She replied. Her eyes filled with tears. "I still think about what he did all the time. I have dreams about it. I can't tell Jack because all he'll do is get angry with Sark. That's not what I need. I need someone who'll be there for me." Vaughn felt heartbroken to see her in such a state. He watched as she wiped her tears away with her hands. She missed one as it trickled down her cheek. Vaughn felt his hand move up towards her face and he wiped away the tear with his thumb. As he did so, his other hand moved around to cup her face and he looked into her teary eyes. He knew then how helpless Jack must have felt to see Sark hurt the woman he loved. He moved away and helped her up wishing he had never let Sark live. All he had to do was pull the trigger one of the times they had met before and Constance would have never had to go through that terrible ordeal.
It was Vaughn.
"Oh hey Sydney. Is Weiss in?" he asked awkwardly wishing he had come at a different time. "Hey Vaughn." Weiss said as he came to the door. "Sup?" he asked. "I thought I'd come over and we could have a few beers." He said thinking he was sounding more stupid by the minute. "Come in. have a few. Were just watching a bit of T.V." Sydney said as she opened the door wider. "There's no point in us being careful around each other. Lets just... try. Then we'll see if we can eventually become friends again." She even surprised herself with her outburst. She was just getting so fed up of walking around on eggshells. Plus it wasn't fair on Weiss making him schedule time with each of them. "Ok then" a shocked Agent Weiss took the empty bowl from her hand and walked over to the table to fill it up. He shouted to Sydney. "Come on then take the bottles from Vaughn and sit down. What's that video? He asked as he joined them on the sofa."
Vaughn was beginning to feel more comfortable and replied. "Oh it's about a spy who goes..." "NO" Sydney and Weiss shouted together. They looked at each other and laughed. Vaughn simply looked confused. They saw his expression. "Sydney can't watch spy movies." Weiss explained. "She gets a little too excited and we have turn it off." "Yeah sorry Vaughn." She giggled and opened a beer. Taking a huge swig as she got comfortable.
A few hours later and they were sitting together watching a non-spy-related film. Weiss in the middle sitting with the popcorn bowl, now empty. He placed it on the floor and Sydney curled up to him. He laid his hand on her knee and stroked her leg in affection.
Vaughn watched them as he did this. Sydney had not flinched under his touch. "She must be used to it." He thought as they sat there. She had curled up to him. Vaughn wandered if they were closer than friends. He found himself thinking of the days when he and Sydney had been close. Of when they had sat curled up on the sofa and watched movies. He knew he was jealous and shouldn't be. After all, he had given up on them. Like she had said all those months ago, he had lost faith and he had known then that she would have waited. As he watched her now, she at last seemed happy. Her and Weiss appeared to have grown closer and formed a friendship that they had once had. Were they just friends? He asked himself.
That night Sydney thought about how happy Vaughn had been with Lauren. They were married and he loved her. Why couldn't that have been her and Vaughn? They even had a baby on the way. She thought about her child. It would be approaching two in the next few months. God how she wished she knew. She had thought about telling Vaughn so many times but couldn't. She knew he wouldn't be able to cope with knowing. He would become obsessed with finding his child just like her father had and she knew that she couldn't let that happen. It would have lead to his downfall. She thought of the time he had become infatuated with finding information out about her father. He had gone to great lengths to acquire information on him and had even undergone an investigation by the CIA. She got into bed and eventually fell into an uneasy sleep with all of this whirling around in her head.
Jack awoke to find the sun blaring in and the woman he loved asleep in his arms. Her head lay on his chest and he felt her breathing. Slow and steady. Their engagement party had been the night before and they had slept in late. He had wanted a quiet affair and a small private wedding but it was the first time Constance would get married so he finally gave in to a compromise – a big party and a small wedding. He knew she wasn't entirely happy but it was the marriage that mattered not the wedding. Constance awoke a few hours later and she found a rose with a piece of paper on the pillow next to her head. She sat up and read the note:
My darling,
I have gone to work and will see you later.
You were so peaceful sleeping and I was
torn between waking you for a kiss or
leaving you to slumber. I chose to leave
you because then, later on when I see
you, the kiss will be twice as sweet.
All my love, Jack. x x x
She smiled to herself as she read it and tucked it into her pocket.
She arrived at the office to find everyone in a panic. Dixon had all of the higher agents in the conference room in what looked like a very important meeting. Dixon spotted her and waved for her to come in. she entered and sat next to Weiss. Dixon continued.
"... And with this terrible incident, we hope to gather new information as quick as possible. Vaughn, take Agent waters and fill her in. once she's been informed, you two will go and see Sark and try to get some information on how this could have happened. The rest of you, join me in my office and we will discuss our next move." All of the agents left the room except Constance and Vaughn. Jack gave her a smile and left.
"What's going on?" she asked worriedly. "Well, last night a shipment of extremely dangerous warheads from world war two, were being transported from the Nevada dessert to the Los Angeles museum of natural history, when they were intercepted by the covenant. The warheads would not normally bother us except for the fact that Yamhill Mead, an expert in the old warheads was broken out of a maximum-security prison in the middle of the pacific two hours before. We suspect that the covenant is going to get him to fix them up and sell them to the highest bidder. If terrorists get their hands on them then we could have an all out war on our hands."
"I thought my biggest problem today was going to be that I'm late." She looked over at Jack who was heading over to the conference room. "Your not late. In fact, your half an hour early." Vaughn said looking at his watch. "That's not what I meant." She said as Jack walked in. "Oh." Vaughn realised.
"Hi honey." Jack kissed Constance on the cheek. He was still uncomfortable with public shows of affection but he was getting better. "Hi, Vaughn's just filled me in. so what's the plan?" she said hoping Vaughn wasn't going to say anything. "Dixon still isn't sure. We'll know more after your talk with Sark hopefully." "Way to put the pressure on Jack." she looked at him. "I'm sorry. Are you going to be ok going there?" he asked looking at her. "I'll be fine. There's going to be a whole sheet of reinforced bulletproof glass between us. Oh and I have Vaughn." She said looking at the young Agent standing by the door. "Look I'd better go." She and Vaughn walked out towards the corridor leading to Sark's cell.
Jack watched, worrying about what she would say to Vaughn. The look in her eyes as he had entered the room made it seem as if she was hiding something from him. He was very accustomed to that look. He had seen it many times in his marriage to Irina. He had only identified it when their marriage ended. What was Constance keeping from him?
"Vaughn?" Constance said as they walked down the corridor. "Yeah?" he stopped and faced her. "There's something you should know Vaughn. Something I should tell you now that you are my partner. It's about Sark. Do you remember when we last went to see him and he was being all superior even though he was the one in handcuffs?" She paused to see his reaction. "Yes." "And the way that Jack is always so concerned every time I go to see Sark?" "Yes." He looked at her with concern. "Well he did something that Jack and I didn't put in our reports. We lied to the CIA mike so I need for you to keep what I tell you quiet." Constance awaited his reaction. She knew Vaughn was no stranger to breaking protocol so she had high hopes. Just in case, she added. "If you have a problem with lying, I can always shut up and you won't be in trouble if it gets out because you wont have known." "No, no that doesn't trouble me. I'm just worried about you. Tell me. Are you ok?" "I'm fine now but..." she paused. Vaughn grateful that she was telling him. Everyone around Vaughn was being secretive. "Its good to be told some things, Sydney and Weiss have a secret that even Jack knows about and they talk about it all the time. God they think I cant catch on to the fact that they go quiet every time I walk in a room." He thought as she sat on a chair in front of him.
"Well, when I was in Geneva with Jack when we captured Sark remember? Before you lot came along, It didn't all go as planned. Sark had Jack and I tied up and he was taunting Jack. We had just started seeing each other sort of and he was very protective of me. Sark picked up on this and mocked Jack by" she paused "kissing me and pulling me around. Jack got mad and pulled at his chains..." "That's how he got the cuts on his arms." Vaughn interrupted. "...Yeah." She continued. "Sark started to undo my blouse and I kicked him away. He got mad and dragged me by my hair to the floor and... he..., he raped me." Vaughn turned and looked her in the face. He was clearly not expecting that and was shocked. "It was right there in front of Jack and there was nothing he could do... but watch." "And that's why he's so protective of you when you come down here?" Vaughn asked. "Yes. Look you are the only person I've told. Jack obviously knew but apart from you two, no one knows. So please keep it between us." "Of course Connie. You know I'd never tell anyone, but... well... have you ever thought about talking to Weiss? He cares for you a lot you know. You've known each other since you were how old? Five? Six?" "I know. I've nearly told him so many times but well he and Sydney are so close now and I think that he shouldn't have to deal with me as well. You know? In fact I think I'm kinda jealous. She's always over at his and I can't go because I'm like the step mom. The next generation and its weird." "Why don't you join them. I thought it would be weird being there but we watched a film the other night and it was good. I've missed you me and Weiss going out and getting smashed then talking about our lives. You were always pining for Jack and we could laugh at you." "Oh very funny mike. But, I went once and the conversation got onto sex and they were talking about Weiss's ex girlfriend and I had to try and change the subject. I couldn't go and talk about her dad in bed could I?" They laughed and got up. They carried on like this and went to see Sark. Constance was glad that Vaughn knew now and was thankful he hadn't asked any questions.
Sark watched as Vaughn and Constance walked into the cell he was being held in and smiled. He could tell something was wrong as they hardly ever sent one senior officer let alone two. It was good to see Constance again though. He remembered the look of fear in her eyes that was now so excellently covered up.
Vaughn walked up to the young man and stood over him. Constance stood by the door cautious as to go anywhere near him. It had been quite a while since she had seen him and he bought back memories of nightmares once forgotten. Sark looked at her and smiled as she turned away. Vaughn stared down at the man he felt like beating. "Hello Agent Waters. How are you today? I like that blouse you have on its extremely..." he extended the next word like it was sensual and wrong. "...Flimsy." "Shut up." Vaughn spat at him as Sark smirked at the vulnerable Agent. Constance was surprised at Vaughn's protection of her. She walked over to him and determined not to show her fear, she sat down on a chair the guard had bought in with them.
"So what do you want Agent Waters? Or is this a social visit? Did you just miss me?" Sark asked as he reached out and touched Constance's leg. Vaughn grabbed the man by the collar and pulled him away. "What's wrong Agent Vaughn? Jealous? Is she not giving you any now she's with Bristow?" Sark smiled at Vaughn and continued. "You should just take it like I did. You know I think that's why she comes to my cell. She's just hoping I'll give a repeat performance."
The next thing he saw was Vaughn's fist meeting his jaw and he fell to the ground his handcuffs pulling on the metal frame of the bed. Constance had seen and heard enough and ran into the corridor sinking down the wall not ready to face the guard through the door.
Five minutes later, Vaughn joined her. "I asked him about the warheads. He says he knows nothing but can tell us where they might be held if they are being shipped to Germany. We suspected they were so his info may come in handy. Are you ok?" Vaughn asked as he moved closer and put his arm on Constance's arm. "I'll be fine." She replied. Her eyes filled with tears. "I still think about what he did all the time. I have dreams about it. I can't tell Jack because all he'll do is get angry with Sark. That's not what I need. I need someone who'll be there for me." Vaughn felt heartbroken to see her in such a state. He watched as she wiped her tears away with her hands. She missed one as it trickled down her cheek. Vaughn felt his hand move up towards her face and he wiped away the tear with his thumb. As he did so, his other hand moved around to cup her face and he looked into her teary eyes. He knew then how helpless Jack must have felt to see Sark hurt the woman he loved. He moved away and helped her up wishing he had never let Sark live. All he had to do was pull the trigger one of the times they had met before and Constance would have never had to go through that terrible ordeal.
