Ch 9: Dazzling Moments

Sydney clutched the ring tightly on her palm. What she heard froze her on the spot.

"My parents?"

"Yes. As a matter of fact, they are arriving here soon. Your parents have returned from New Zealand."

Baby might have felt its owner's stiffening silence for it padded to Sydney's legs and nudged its head on her pants.

"It certainly took them long enough." Sydney said, bending down to cuddle Baby.

"I'm sure they have their reasons, Syd. You should go pack up now." Her eyes widened with dread as she slowly turned to face Cruger.

"What…do you mean? I thought my position has just been reinstated. And you are telling me now that I'm not needed here anymore?" she gripped the edge of the bar tightly.

"Calm down Syd. I have my reasons. Your parents, they insisted that you leave with them immediately to New Zealand for treatment of your head injury. Whatever it is, until your memory is back, they are not willing to take chances, that is, to leave S.P.D as soon as possible." Cruger growled as he recalled their conversation.

"Cruger, Sydney's my daughter. I know what's best for her and it would be best you not interfering in our family business." Sydney's dad, Adrian Coltrane Drew— well known for being a cunning corporate shark in the business world had been funding S.P.D for as long as Sydney was born.

Gaetana Drew, Sydney's Italian mother was in tears as they spoke. "Cruger, you have to let her come with us," she pleaded. "We have the best doctor for her. If not for Adrian's business, we would have rushed over immediately."

"Oh dear, Adrian, do you think Syd's mad at us?" Gaetana clutched her husband's arms.

XXX

Meanwhile, Jack moved around the forest in swift motion. There was fire in his dark, hazel eyes, determination in the set of his firm mouth, strength and authority in every line of his bearing. Never take chances.

Jack's cell started to vibrate. It was an unlisted number. He picked up the phone and waited for the person at the other end to answer. Jack heard muffled sounds at the back. Instinct told him this wasn't good.

"Jack—Jack, she's a hot one you've gotten yourself." A sinister voice spoke. He didn't have to introduce himself, Jack knew who he was.

"Qudamah!" He said urgently. "Where are you?"

"Cool it, American boy. Don't you care about your little chick, Miranda?"

He got Miranda in his hands. Damnit. "Where have you brought my partner to? Don't play games with me, you hear."

"Play games?" Qudamah chuckled. "You started the game first. You are with the Police, no, you are a Police." He screamed on the other end. "You love games, don't you, Jack. Let's have some fun. Miranda and I are going on holiday and you are going to have to look for us. Your first clue is," Qudamah handed the cell to Miranda, "Tell him."

"JACK!" Miranda yelled. "It's a trap."

XXX

It all happened quickly. Sydney's parents arrived in the evening and she was called into the command center for the second time.

"Commander," Sydney saluted.

"At ease, Officer Drew."

The minute Gaetana saw Sydney stepped into the command center; her eyes wouldn't tear away from her beloved pretty daughter.

"Syd." Gaetana rushed forward to hug her daughter. But Sydney just stood there, staring blankly at her so-called parents. Parents whom she had no memory of.

"Sydney, we're taking you with us." Adrian broke the awkward silence, his voice commanding.

Sydney tried to calm herself. Were her parents so demanding? Not even a word of "how have you been?" She found herself clenching her fist.

She spoke in a quiet and defensive voice. "I'm not going with you." She stared back into her father's deep, blue eyes defiantly.

"Syd?" Gaetana watched her daughter with concern eyes. "Why are you saying this? Of course you are coming with us. We have the best doctor to cure you."

"Sydney Drew, I don't have all the time in the world for your defiance. Either you are coming with us on your own accord or I shall have to drag you into the jet. Your choice." Adrian threatened.

"Adrian, you are scaring her."

Baby growled at Sydney's parents. It tried to pull her dad away from her by biting his pants.

"Baby!" Sydney called.

At the same time, Sky, Bridge and Z barged into the command center. "Commander, what's going on? We heard Syd's parents have arrived."

"Sky," said Sydney gratefully. "I'm glad you guys are here."

"So those are your friends, Sydney? Don't they have any manners at all?" Adrian snickered.

"Like you have any, Sir." Z said. "Syd, are you alright?"

"Of course she is. Here's S.P.D, safe as can be." Bridge offered. "We have the best security etcetera, etcetera."

Z made a face, "Not here, you dumbo, I mean her parents. Look at their menacing eyes."

Sydney managed a weak smile. "I'm fine."

"Hi, uncle Adrian. It's been a long time." Sky shoved a hand out to shake Adrian's.

"You are?" They shook hands.

"Schuyler Tate. Remember my father, Wesley Collins?"

"Oh, Sky. No wonder your name sounds familiar. Your dad and I—business associates and we still are. You're a big kid now."

Sky nodded, his eyes smiling a little.

"You and Sydney?"

"Same squad."

"Not bad. I always knew my Sydney was good at what she was doing, except she had amnesia now. But don't worry Sky; we are bringing her to New Zealand to get cured. And then you two can hit it off likeold times."

Sydney stared at the two men talking as if she weren't present at all. Cruger cleared his throat. "Syd, have you made up your mind?"

She nodded. "I'm staying."

"Sydney, I'm telling you the last time…."

"Uncle Adrian, you and Aunt Gaetana must be tired and hungry from the long flight." Sky started to usher them towards the café. "Let's have some food at our café." Sky winked at Sydney before leaving.

XXX

"I knew you could do it, Sky. Thanks." Sydney and Sky were on night duty.

"Well, I'm confident that they still want you to go with them." Sky replied nonchalantly. They nodded their heads as cadets past by to greet them.

"They won't force me to do anything I refuse. I have a feeling about it. Well, Adrian—my dad. I don't think I like him. I haven't acknowledged them yet."

"I understand fully, Syd. It takes time."

"I just hope my memory would come back soon." Sydney sighed.

They strolled to the rooftop where it overlooked New Tech City. Night and weather were closing in more quickly now. One by one the stars lit up the sky. Both of them kept quiet; Sydney was lost in her thoughts while Sky had something else in mind. He had tried to push Sydney out of his mind, but her shadows haunted him at night and in the day.

He didn't give her time to protest, just bent his head and took her lips. They were soft as silk, smooth and sweet as honey, and beneath his determined assault, he thought that they were trembling,

Sydney might have resisted him, for her devotion to Jack. But he hadn't replied, hadn't tried to get in touch. She needed someone at this time, her weakest moments. She allowed Sky to lip touch hers. He kissed her throat and drew earlobe between his teeth. She met him with a fierce reply, opening her mouth against his mouth.

Tell her. Tell her you love her and see what she says. And when she says, 'Thank you, you're a good kisser and I enjoy your company, say, 'Yeah, that's all I meant, too.' And let it go at that.

XXX

TBC-Pls R&R