[b] Chapter 11 [/b]

"Why are we going to get Renee Rienne?"

"Your dad asked me to look into this organization called "Prophet Five". In truth, I have been looking into them for a while. Not long before you walked into the CIA, Renee came to me and told me that our fathers worked together to find out more about them. It became too dangerous, so…"

"What? What did he do?"

"He changed my name and his. I know I told you that my name was William, but it was actually Andre Micheaux. My real name is Michael Vaughn now. I had it changed on my birth certificate. I didn't see the need to really tell you."

"Well, I understand. I don't plan on calling you Andre, or William, or Bill. Only Vaughn, or Michael. Whichever comes first. So, that still doesn't answer why you are working with Renee."

"Renee and I started working together to learn more about this 'Prophet Five' group. But, it got way too hot. So I told Renee that I was out, that I had another obligation to fulfill."

"What obligation would that be?"

"Taking care of you. Making sure that nothing happened to you. Helping you bring down SD-6. And wanting to be with you."

"Well, you did fulfill that obligation, and I thank you for it."

"You know I'd do anything for you."

"I know, my Guardian Angel." I said as I leaned up to him and we shared a short, but passionate kiss.

"Ok, go on."

"Well, about two months ago, your father asked me to look into 'Prophet Five' again. Somehow, he found out that I already started that investigation. So, since I already did most of the work, he asked me to continue. That's when I went back to Renee. Last time I talked to her, she was going to go undercover as a bartender of one of their fronts, and steal some of their information once she worked there long enough. Well, she was just compromised."

"What do we do?"

"Syd, I don't want to drag you into this…"

"What do we do?" I said again with a more harsh tone. "If you're in it, I'm in it. Tell me what we are going to do."

"She is currently in San Diego. We have to leave now."

*************

Thirty minutes into our drive, I broke the silence.

"Vaughn, I'm disappointed that you didn't tell me sooner about what you were doing. You know I would've helped."

"I know."

"So, why didn't you come to me?"

"Syd, this is a very dangerous group, more dangerous than The Alliance and SD-6. I didn't want to drag you into something else. I was so relived when SD-6 was destroyed. To tell you the truth, I was hoping you'd leave the spy-biz, cause I didn't want anything to happen to you. Eventually something did happen to you." Vaughn was on the verge of crying.

"Vaughn," I said as I placed a hand on this hand, which was on the steering wheel. "We went over this before, it is not your fault what The Covenant did to me. It was theirs, and it wasn't your fault for marrying Lauren…"

"Yes it was."

"Vaughn, I do not blame you for moving on. In the beginning, yes, I did blame you. But after we learned who Lauren really was, you were just as innocent. You had no idea what she was really doing. You were broken, you needed someone, so you went to the first person to come along, which supposedly, was sent to marry you."

I was crying now, with Vaughn. We lost so much in those two years. Now, we are trying to rebuild what was taken from us.

"I love you so much Syd, I could never tell you how much I love you."

"I know you do, I love you to. Now keep your eyes on the road before we wreak again." I said to lighten up the mood.

"Ya, I don't want to spend any more time in the hospital than I have to." He turned and faced the road, and continued to drive to San Diego.

***************

We pulled outside of a motel. The placed looked deserted.

"Vaughn, are you sure we're in the right place?"

"Yeah, she's around here somewhere."

We sat there for another five minutes. She still didn't show.

"I'll be right back. Stay here." Vaughn said as he gave me a quick kiss.

"I will."

He exited the car, and went down an ally. I didn't have to wait long. I soon saw Vaughn come back with a woman, about my age, coming with him. Vaughn helped her into the back seat. After she was comfortable, he came around the front of the car, and got in the driver's seat and started the car and turned onto the road.

"How is she?" I asked in a whisper.

"I'm not so sure right now, she has some cuts and bruises, but well know more once we get her to a hospital.

"Hospital? Vaughn, she's a wanted fugitive. We can't take her into a public place, let alone a CIA hospital."

"You're right. But she needs medical attention."

"Does my father know that you have been in contact with Renee?"

"Yes."

I pulled out my phone and dialed my father's number. "What are you doing?" "I'm sure that my father knows someone one that could help us. Head home." After about four rings, he picked up.

"Bristow."

"Dad, it's me."

"Sydney, are you alright?"

"I'm fine dad. Vaughn got a call from Renee saying that her cover has been compromised, we are on our way back now to my apartment. She needs medical attention, but we can't take her to a hospital. Is there anyone that you can contact?"

There was silence.

"Dad!?"

"How long have you known about Renee?"

"Oh about," I looked at my watch. "Four hours. Don't blame Vaughn for this I made him tell. Dad she needs help now! Do you know anybody who could help?"

"There will be someone waiting for you at your apartment by the time you get there."

"Thanks dad."

"Your welcome sweetheart." With that he hung up.

"What did he say?"

"He said there should be someone at the apartment by the time we get there."

"Good."

********

An hour later we reached the apartment.

"Renee, can you walk?" Vaughn asked.

Nothing.

"Vaughn, she's unconscious."

Vaughn opened up the back door, and picked her up and carried her to the front door. I went ahead to open it for him. When we got inside we saw who was waiting for us."

"Hello Sydney."