In The Air Tonight, Part 14

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Jack Bristow materialized in the doorway, not even an ounce of remorse showing on his otherwise blank face.

Turning to face him, Vaughn said drolly, "Normally, time alone with someone means actually being alone with that person."

Jack's expression showed no response to the sarcasm. "Call it…father's prerogative," he replied calmly.

It was times like this that made Vaughn want to land a punch right in the middle of Jack Bristow's smug face. But, since he didn't have a death wish, he didn't. Besides, his knuckles were still sore from his clash with the wall a few minutes ago. "This isn't high school, Jack. You didn't just catch me sneaking in a window with a keg. Last I checked, we were both adults, here."

"I have the right to know what your intentions are regarding my daughter," Jack responded coolly.

"…seeing that I'm now f***ing her," Vaughn mocked, voicing the unspoken accusation that hung in the air between them.

A muscle in Jack's jaw twitched violently.

"That's the real issue here, isn't it? You've seen the tape…All of it…right?"

Jack's voice revealed nothing. "Of course. It needed to be determined if any classified information was discussed during your moments of…indiscretion."

"I wouldn't exactly consider an 'all-nighter' a simple indiscretion…would you?" came Vaughn's sarcasm-laced reply. "I'm sure you didn't need to watch the entire tape to discern that work was the farthest thing from our minds that night, Jack."

Vaughn was trying to get a rise out of the unflappable Jack Bristow, and this time it worked. "That is precisely why it did need checking! Do you think I don't know the effects sexual intercourse has on brain function? Many classified secrets have been revealed in the bedroom."

A sudden thought crossed Vaughn's mind. He knows this from personal experience… Suddenly, it all made sense. Jack was worried about the release of sensitive information because it had happened to him; this was one of the techniques Irina must have used during their 'marriage' to get him to talk…

"I'm not the enemy, Jack," Vaughn replied simply.

"No. But, as you've now learned, the enemy can be listening…even watching," Jack needled.

"I think that's been well established…especially in the last few minutes," Vaughn retorted. "I'm sure that I don't need to tell you this, since you just spent the last ten minutes eavesdropping, but this isn't some game for me. I'm not just 'screwing' your daughter for a 'good time'."

This earned Vaughn a death look from Jack, but he was too angry to be affected. "I think we've worked together long enough for you to know what my character is made of…to know that I would never treat Sydney that way. However, it doesn't really matter to me what you think. I am not asking for, nor do I need your permission to have a relationship of any sort with Sydney. She and I are both consenting adults, and we've made our decision. It's no longer your concern."

Jack stalked up until he was an inch from Vaughn's face. Fire flashing in his eyes, Jack spit out, "Everything about Sydney is my concern."

Vaughn did not flinch. He met Jack's eyes defiantly. "I meant what I said, Jack. I intend to be around for a long time. So you'd better get used to the idea." Vaughn paused, and then finished simply, "I love her."

Jack stared into the younger man's face for a long moment and then took a step back. "I know. Which is why I didn't kill you after that tape…yet."

"Gee, that's comforting," Vaughn rejoined, unafraid. "You treat all of Sydney's boyfriends this way?"

"Yes." The one word spoke volumes.

Vaughn let out a sigh, and then turned to look at Sydney for a long moment.

Jack clapped a hand on Vaughn's shoulder. "You should go. Kendall will expect you by 8 a.m."

Vaughn desperately didn't want to leave. Although he understood why he needed to, he also needed to know that Sydney would be all right. "But…"

"Go," Jack urged. "I will call you the moment anything changes."

After what seemed like an eternity, Vaughn reluctantly nodded. He stepped forward and placed a soft kiss on Sydney's cheek. "Your father will watch over you," he whispered to her. "I love you and I'll see you soon."

Bending over and picking up his bags, he opened the Ziploc and pulled out his car keys, dumping the cell phone into the bag with his clothing. He slung the plastic bag over his shoulder and walked out of the room, only to practically run over Weiss.

"Hey, where you going, man?" Weiss asked.

"Home," Vaughn replied flatly. "I have to work tomorrow."

"What!?" Eric gasped. "That bastard Kendall is making you come in tomorrow?"

"No. Jack is."

Eric huffed, "Well if it ain't one bastard, it's another. What's his problem?"

Where would you like me to start? Michael thought, but didn't say. "Jack told me he received intel that indicated Sydney could still be in danger…from the Rambaldi device."

"Sh*t. Really?" asked Weiss.

"Yeah," Vaughn confirmed. "Jack wants me to spearhead the task force to find Sloane and the device before he can activate it."

"Man, that's like a needle-in-a-haystack job. If Jack wants it done, why doesn't he do it?"

"Because she's his daughter and he wants to be with her," Vaughn replied. "I can understand that…respect it, even. And if he can't be in the field, I guess he wanted someone out there who he knew would follow every possible lead…someone who had as personal a stake in the outcome as he did."

"Makes sense… If you're Jack Bristow," Eric smirked. Changing the subject, he asked, "How's Sydney? Did you tell her?"

"She's unconscious. But yes, I did tell her."

"Feel better?" Weiss asked.

"Not really. I'll feel better when she's awake and I know she's out of immediate danger. When I can tell her again and she will actually hear me," Vaughn explained.

Eric nodded in understanding. "You need a ride home?"

"No. Jack had the forethought to collect my keys from Sydney's house and had my car brought here. But thanks anyway."

"You wanna go out then? Go get totally sh*t-faced somewhere? It'll take your mind off things for a while…" Eric offered.

Vaughn shook his head. He needed to be alert in case something happened with Sydney. He patted his friend on the back. "No, thanks. I need to be in to work at 8 am. It's hard enough dealing with Kendall… let alone dealing with him while nursing a hangover…"

Eric snorted. "No need to tell me that, man… Been there, done that one too many times. No thanks!"

Despite himself, Vaughn let out a short cackle. "Now why does that not surprise me?"

They had reached the elevator. Vaughn pushed the down button and waited for Eric's reply. "Maybe because you know me too well?"

"Could be," said Vaughn. The bell pinged and then the elevator doors slid open. Vaughn stepped inside and turned to face Weiss.

Weiss' face turned serious. "Mike, listen…You need anything, anything at all, you call me, okay?"

"Okay, thanks. 'Night."

"G'night, Mike." And with that, the elevator doors slid shut, whisking Michael Vaughn out of sight.