Vengeance (Alias,XO,ADULT,UC) Part 38 6/4/09 [WIP]

[LittleBit]

WOW!!! The fic is amazing as it is every week. The spoilers sound really good, can't wait to read those chapters. I have one question, maybe 2, In the first few chapters, wasn't there a spoiler of Sark & Liza torturing Max? If so, when will that part happen? Hopefully you can answer those for me. Again, Thanks for a good fic to read. Christina

Thanks, I love spoilers (well the kind of spoilers that wet your appetite but don't tell you anything) and I thought I would give you guys a tease. As for the torture scene, it is going to be towards the end.

PART 18

Liza kept her gaze locked on Simon Walker over the lip of her martini glass as she took a sip of her Manhattan. Normally she would not have indulged in the drink but it would have made her look out of place in the club, L’Etoile if she had not had some type of cocktail in her hand. And she had gone through too much trouble dressing the part then trailing Walker to let something as simple as not having the drink ruin the ruse.

After hearing Walker preparing for an evening out, Liza had left Sark in the front room to retreat to the bedroom to prepare her costume. She pulled her long dark hair up into a messy twist that left her hair erupting from the top as if part of a fountain, lined her eyes with black liner and mascara while coating her lips in dark red. And lastly, she squeezed her body into a skintight backless red tube dress with black strappy heels. When she emerged, she looked like she could go into any club, either a trendy dance one or a chic one like L’Etoile.

When she emerged from the bedroom and saw Sark, there was no question in her mind that he planned to accompany her. He was dressed in a stylish black suit paired with a sky blue shirt that was as light as his eyes. He wore no tie; instead left the collar opened the top two buttons. Liza didn’t question his intentions, not wanting to argue and potentially miss Walker leaving. So instead she grabbed a black bag that she would take with her, big enough for a gun and a few other extras she thought to take with her before the two of them left.

The bouncers at the door of L’Etoile were not only guards for those who got a little uncontrollable but were also in charge of who got into the club and who didn’t. Walker was a regular so they didn’t so much as stop him before he went in. Liza and Sark followed shortly after and although they were not on the list, Liza took care of that with a little flirting and cash.

When they got inside, it took a few minutes to locate Walker again but after locating the VIP area he wasn’t hard to spot. He had one of the largest booths, which both helped and hindered Liza and Sark’s objective. The booths were very open so that if you wanted to be seen, you could but they also were recessed enough into the background so that you had privacy so the people surrounding them were unable to hear any of the conversations going on at the table. Because of this the two were limited in the surveillance to only visual from the table they had attained a short distance away.

Liza took another sip of her martini before saying. “Perhaps we should try another strategy.”

“And what do you suggest?”

“A more direct approach, we ask him.” Liza explained. “For the right amount of compensation, I do not doubt that Simon Walker would sell any information he has on Sydney such as if he has seen her.”

“While I agree with you that Walker would sell any information he might have to the highest bidder, I do not think it is the best approach.” Sark stated.

“Might I ask why?” Liza inquired.

“Because I also see Walker as the type of man that he would make the most of a situation, which means he might sell the information to us but also return and sell it to Sydney as well which would cause her to possibly bolt before we were able to use the information we acquired.” Sark rationalized.

Liza agreed that Sark’s reasoning was logical, so she did another approach. “Then I have yet another idea.”

“I’m intrigued.”

“It still involves approaching Simon except instead of using business as a way in, we use pleasure.” Liza pitched. “I get close to him, I’ve watched him enough over the last few weeks to know the kind of woman he likes therefore it would be easy to duplicate. If I’m around him, I might be able to dig the information out of him without causing suspicion.”

Sark mulled the idea over, giving it consideration. “It is a good proposal, one I think we should initiate but not immediately. We should put it off for a few hours yet, just to see how things play out. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” Liza concurred.

“In the meantime, we are very noticeable just sitting here and Walker might become restless if he feels he is being watched. I suggest we make ourselves less obvious.” Sark proposed.

“And what are you suggesting?” Liza asked.

“Dance.” Sark stated. “We go onto the dance floor like each and every one of these other patrons. You do know how to dance don’t you?”

“Only since I was about seven. My parents thought that it was good for all little girls to take dance, it wasn’t until I was fourteen that I managed to talk them into letting me quit so I could spend the extra time on other stuff. ” Liza answered. “But you are right about blending in. Let’s go.”

Sark stood first before Liza rose and stepped in front of him. As they walked to the dance floor, Sark placed his hand on the small of Liza’s back and Liza felt the heat of his hand against her bare flesh. It was warm and felt quite pleasurable. It had been a long time since someone had touched her in a gentle way and not with the intent to inflict injury on her. It felt strange.

And then as quickly as it was there, they reached the dance floor and it was gone and replaced with a hard muscular body pressed against the front of her. The music was a slow, sensual jazzy number that guaranteed that anyone dancing to it would be dancing close to his or her partner. Liza danced as the music dictated, moving her body to the sensual music, rubbing against Sark occasionally. She continued to enjoy the feeling of his warm body against her and began to consider his suggestion earlier. That she should have a relationship not based on emotions but on attraction and physical need. Despite the changes she had gone through over the last several months, she was still a woman with needs. And she didn’t feel like ignoring them any longer, she had done that for entirely too long.

Now the predicament that Liza was faced with was who she would seduce into having such a relationship. Depending on the length she wanted for such an association to go on determined on who was accessible. If a one or two nightstand was what she was after, she could attain that after this mission was complete. She could stay a few extra days in Paris, meet some rich spoiled man that would enjoy her attentions. She could even go after Simon Walker himself, he met the criteria of wanting a non serious, no strings attached liaison. However she knew she would never consider it, there was something too slick about him, something that just rubbed her the wrong way.

Then there was always the option of a more extended relationship, still for physical reasons but a more solid attachment. The most beneficial reasons would be to have the means for physical release easily assessable. However the disadvantage of that was that the choices were limited. For that type of relationship to happen, the man would have to live close to her, and that only left one man. And as the idea went through her head, things became all too crystal clear.

As she continued to dance, Liza looked up into Sark’s face. He stared at her intently, and any doubt that she had was gone. Sark had been methodically seducing her since they had gone to Monte Carlo. It started when he had sought her out in the plane’s cabin to chat. Since then he had arranged for private little meetings where it was just the two of them were present, talking to her, forming a tentative acquaintance so to be used later. She had to admit that he was good but she had still eventually seen through his pretense and figured it out. And she would let him know it.

Liza brought her hand up, cupping his smooth cheek as she said. “I know what you are doing.”

“I thought it was obvious, perhaps you are not the dancer you think you are if you can not recognize it.” Sark stated.

“Not this, although I think you are using that as your advantage. No, I’m talking about something quite different.” Liza declared. “I’m talking about your attempts to seduce me.”

“Seduce you?” Sark repeated. He found himself somewhat taken aback at Liza’s declaration of the knowing his intentions. But it mattered not because her reaction to the deduction so far had not shown that she was hostile to the possibility. “What makes you think that?”

“I am not as naïve and inexperienced in seduction as you might think. Remember, I was taught by my mother, one of the finest seductresses. ” Liza responded. “And you did not deny my accusation.”

“Why should I deny it when you speak the truth?” Sark inquired.

Liza was about to respond when something behind Sark caught her eye. There was movement at Simon Walker’s table someone new had arrived. Liza could only see the back of the woman, but was able to see that she was tall and slender, with long brown hair. Just like her sister Sydney.

[LittleBit]

Sorry that I didn't update last week, things have been busy and I haven't had a lot of time to spend online. I hope you enjoy.

PART 19

Liza could only see the back of the woman, but was able to see that she was tall and slender, with long brown hair. Just like her sister Sydney.

Sark noticed the change in Liza’s demeanor and that her attention was no longer aimed at him. He knew what the likely reason behind it was, something was happening behind him. He knew that it could likely draw unwanted attention to him if he reacted so he kept himself focused on Liza and said. “Tell me what you are seeing.”

“Simon Walker has company, it appears that the woman he intended on meeting has arrived.” Liza stated as she continued to watch the exchange. Simon created the woman with intimate informality and she sat but the combination of her body angle and the shadows around the booth kept her identity a secret.

“And something about her is familiar?” Sark asked.

“Yes, it’s possible that it Sydney.”

“Possible?” Sark inquired.

“I can only see her from the back but her shape and height as well as hair and other physical features match Sydney’s.” Liza explained. “But I can’t see her face to verify.”

“Then we need to get a closer look.” Sark declared. “Shall we?”

The two worked harmoniously together, each knowing where the other was as they exited the dance floor. They separated then and flanked the VIP booths, both moving purposely but still managed to stay blended with the surrounding crowd. There was a large group of inebriated partygoers at the opening to the VIP area that were being overly loud and boisterous, so much so that the bouncers were trying to get them under control, discreetly but persuasively. Liza used the distraction to slip past the robes and bouncers to go inside.

The access to the VIP section gave Liza a closer point of view to Walker’s table and she headed in that direction. Simon Walker and the mysterious woman were deep in conversation and did not notice her as she approached. Several of Walker’s men that were surrounding the table noticed her but did not see anything more then the persona she displayed and did not see her as a threat. Because of that she finally was able to get close enough and at the right angle to get a look at the woman’s face and felt a supreme sense of disappointment when she saw that it wasn’t her sister.

It was easy to see how the mistake could have been made. The woman bore an uncanny resemblance to Sydney, enough so that at a distance, she could be Sydney. However there were also differences, her face was rounder, her nose larger and most notably, her eyes were bright green. The Intel they had received was faulty, which meant it was time to leave and report to her mother.

Liza made her way back out of the VIP section before she was noticed and forced to leave. Once she was out of the ropes, she set off to find Sark in the direction she had last seen him. She found him not to far away, his cell phone in hand and placed to his ear. As she reached him, he ended the call and put it back into his pocket as she said. “It’s not Sydney, it’s a good likeness of her but there’s enough difference to tell that it isn’t her.”

Sark nodded. “We have larger problems then that. Irina just phoned me to tell me that a contact of hers just notified her that I have been spotted in the area and that the CIA are sending a team to detain me. They also have information about your involvement with her organization. We need to leave immediately.”

“We have hours before the CIA could get a team here from the states.” Liza said as she followed him out of the club.

“That would be true if they did not already have a team placed in Marseilles on another mission that they reassigned. They will be here momentarily.” Sark informed her.

“That does change things.” Liza agreed. “Let’s go.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*

In next to no time Liza and Sark left the club, returned to her hotel room and broke down all of her equipment. Neither of them even took the time to change their clothes, they just left the room and hotel. Since concealment was a must at the moment they left out a back doorway into the alley behind, no one on the hotel staff saw a thing. Sark had left his car a good distance away but it had been necessary for safety reasons. They would use it to drive out of Paris. It couldn’t be traced to him nor could the secure parking garage so they felt it was safe to use. Or so they thought.

Liza and Sark were two blocks away from the garage when she heard the roar of a big engine accelerating down the alley. Their headlights were disabled so to make them harder to see but Liza was about to make out a large black sedan barreling down the alley towards them. Both of them reversed course and went back the way that they came as the Mercedes continued pursuing them but did not get too far before another Mercedes appeared in front of them. They were trapped.

The trap was further sprung when both vehicles stopped and CIA agents piled out, clad in black combat gear and black leather gloves armed with standard CIA issue .45s. And they were all aimed at Liza and Sark as one of them called out. “This is the CIA, throw away any weapons that you have in your possession and surrender.”

“Oh, they should know me better than that. I think I should be insulted.” Sark commented quietly to Liza before raising an eyebrow. “Ready?”

“For anything.” Liza stated as she moved her hand into the bag and wrapped her hand around the Glock 22 that was there.

In the flash of an eye, Sark stripped off the suit coat he’d been wearing, allowing it to fall on the ground carelessly and drew out his two Walther P99 from the shoulder holster he wore as Liza withdrew her weapon from the bag. As they did, they opened fire on the agents. The agents were completely caught off guard, too confident in the thought that they had their targets captured and three were killed before the others could return fire.

The alley granted no cover the two of them aside from shallow doorways and the walls themselves but they made the most of them and pressed themselves against the walls as the fire fight continued. It wasn’t long before the handguns started running low on bullets so while Sark covered her, Liza popped the clip out, dropped it on the ground and slapped it’s replacement back in the stock with the unconscious smoothness of reflex.

But before she opened fire again, Liza noticed that a short distance away from them, a fire escape hung against the building. Normally she wouldn’t have thought anything about it but at the moment, it was the perfect avenue of escape. If they could get to it without getting shot, of course finishing off the agents could ensure that.

When the two switched places so that Sark could reload, Liza whipped her chin upwards. “The fire escape.”

Sark nodded. “It’s our best means of escape without being seen. The local authorities will have been notified by now and on the way.”

“Then we better get out of here and I have just the thing.” Liza stated as she once again dug through her bag. It was an artillery bag, full of ammo and other assorted thing that she would need. She pulled out a small compression grenade, activated it as she yelled to Sark. “Get down.”

Liza took the chance of stepping out of the doorway and hurled the grenade at one of the cars, the one with the most amount of agents left on it. Originally there had been eight agents in the cars, but the number had of course shrunk when Liza and Sark killed the first three agents. Another two had dropped away since the beginning; it wasn’t clear as to whether they were injured or dead. The grenade hit the car and exploded on impact. The explosion was minimal, mostly smoke and heat, enough to injure the agents but not to destroy the surrounding buildings.

The other agents were diverted by the fragments and flying debris from the blast and did not see Liza as she barreled towards them until she was on them, her gun aimed right at them. She shot both of the agents twice in the chest before they could get off a shot. After they were down, Liza turned back around and found Sark staring at her. “What?”

“You are magnificent, do you know that?” Sark asked.

Liza did not get a chance to answer before Sark tangled his hand into her hair and yanked her forward. The momentum sent her towards him and crushed her lips to his. His mouth molded over hers forcefully, parting her lips with the thrust of his tongue as he ravished her mouth with his. Liza did not fight him, she didn’t want to. Why should she, it felt too good. Her hands trailed up his arms and encircled his neck, as she put all of her energy in the kiss. His hands had drifted to her hips, holding her steady. The adrenaline pumped through both of their veins, making the kiss even more fervent and wild.

The sounds of sirens in the distance caused them to end the kiss and break apart. It was time for them to retreat to a safer location before they got farther carried away. Sark reached up and pulled on the lowest rung of the fire escape, causing it to lower. They climbed up the ladder to the top of the building, and from there they went from rooftop to rooftop until they were out of the police’s search area.

This is a little anticlimatic in one way but very climatic in another don't you think?

[LittleBit]

Okay guys, here it is. Have a cigarette and a cold shower waiting, at least I hope it's that good.


PART 20

Fifty kilometers outside of Paris was a safehouse that Sark was acquainted with and that was where he drove the car he and Liza had ‘acquired’ after they escaped the CIA. After concealing the vehicle in the former carriage house and switching on the power for the house, the two made their way inside. However the lust and thirst for each other had not disappeared in the interim from Paris to their hideout

As soon as the front door was open, Liza lunged forward and slammed her lips onto his. She pushed him into the house and kicked the door closed with her foot. Sark reacted instantly, returning the kiss with just as much fervor but letting her take the dominant roll, for the moment.

"I want you," Liza whispered huskily as she seized the sides of his shirt, using them as a lever to push him up against the closed door, claiming his lips in another passionate kiss.

Deciding to take the upper hand, Sark lifted Liza up and carried her away from the door. He sat her on the nearest hard surface, a large wooden desk and positioned her so that her legs hung off the edge. He slid himself in between her legs causing the skirt of her dress to ride up and allowed him to press himself against her soft warm center. A movement that he could tell pleased Liza immensely.

Their tongues dueled in a passionate fight for dominance. Liza moaned as his tongue lashed hers. He breathed deeply taking in her sweet scent, the smell of her perfume, her shampoo. His hands roamed down her back, pulling her dress down as he went, causing her to groan at the sensation of the feel of his hands on her bare skin.

His hands roamed up her arms, over her shoulders, down over her breasts and onto her toned flat stomach. Her breasts were small so that she did not need a bra but Sark found them more then adequate. He leaned forward beginning on her neck, nibbling on her soft skin until he kissed all the way down her throat, along her collarbone and down to her perfect breasts. She cradled his head, running her fingers through his hair, urging him not to stop. He continued to suck on her nipples, his hot tongue circling around the hard nubs until she thought she would go nuts.

When he finally pulled away, Liza looked into his blue eyes as she said. "You're wearing too many clothes."

Liza undid the buttons of his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. Her hands roamed all over his chest as he returned his attention to her lips, kissing her furiously. She ran her hands over his strong shoulders as she once again captured his lips in a powerful kiss. She ran her hands down from his shoulders to the hard muscles of his abdomen and her thumbs caressing his nipples.

As Liza explored his body, Sark slipped her dress the rest of the way off of her, lifting her lower body just enough to let it slip off. Next his hand moved in between them and slipped inside her black lace panties. She let out a soft sigh from her throat when he touched her.

The feel of his fingers between her thighs was an unbelievable pleasure that made her arch towards him. She was so wet for him. He massaged her gently making her moan in his ear, she was not even aware of him removing her last article of clothing. Her trembling muscles told him what she wanted but he thought another venue would be better. “Let us move this into the bedroom where we can be more comfortable.”

"Please Sark...” Liza begged him, whispering in his ear as she sucked his ear lobe. “Right here…right now.”

With one quick motion Liza undid his belt and fastening on his pants. They dropped to the ground and Sark willingly kicked them and his shoes off. They were both now totally naked. Their bodies pressed to one another. Sark loved the feel of her body next to his, her breasts against his chest, her legs intertwined with his. He waited only a split second before positioned himself at her opening and easing his way in. He was only mildly surprised when he found no virginal barrier; she had after all been trained in ‘all’ aspects of tactics for espionage.

Liza locked her legs around him as he started to thrust into her. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, kissing her softly. Her arms encircled his neck, holding him close. The heaving of his chest against her breasts made her tingle with pleasure. The movement was exquisitely sensual but Sark's whole concentration was on her. Faster and faster he drove into her, she knew he was close as she heard his breathing becoming ragged.

With each forward movement Sark went deeper and deeper into her. She arched her back and moved her hips into him, his last thrust bringing them both the edge of satisfaction. She let out a soft cry as she came and he could feel her climax as her whole body spasmed. It sent him over the edge making him come with her. He collapsed on top of her. She ran her fingers through his short but messed hair.

When they had both calmed down Sark lifted himself up off her. “I must say that you surprised me in your readiness to engage in this endeavor.”

“What did you expect? To play cat and mouse games? Or better yet for me to be flattered and swoon at your attentions?” Liza asked sarcastically. “Not likely that I would fall for that. I’m done with all the courtship and romance; all I want is physical release just as you said. Something you were more willing to provide.”

“I feel so used.” Sark said with a smirk.

“Yeah, I’m sure your ego is really hurting.” Liza retorted. “You wanted the same thing from me as I did from you although I expect that you looked at it as more of a sport. Seduce the boss’s daughter? Don’t you think Irina will be irritated?”

“She did not warn me to stay away from you.” Sark stated.

“Would you have listened to her if she had?” Liza inquired.

“No.” Sark answered truthfully.

“I didn’t think so. And despite the fact that my mother did not advise you to stay away from me, I do not think that it is wise to inform her of this liaison.” Liza stated.

“And what of future ones?” Sark asked.

Liza’s eyebrow rose in question. “Cocky aren’t you?”

“No, merely confident that this is not the only time you will share my bed.” Sark replied. “In spite of the fact that we technically did not yet make it to the bed yet.”

“I guess this once, your confidence is well founded.” Liza said as she shifted to sit up. “I see no reason not to continue this association. As you mentioned before, physical relationships suit their purposes. No attachments or complications, just the enjoyment of two bodies enjoying each other. With you, I get that pleasure along with the convenience that goes along with having you in the same residence as me.”

“I do fancy a woman who takes advantage of a situation that presents itself.” Sark commented.

“But do not assume that because I am sleeping with you that I trust you.” Liza stated.

“Of course not.” Sark retorted.

“I trust you enough to work with you, and to be certain that you won’t kill me while I sleep but I don’t completely trust anyone so don’t consider it an insult.”

“I do not.” Sark responded. “It’s is an intelligent policy. One myself applies to my daily life.”

“It was something I learned, the hard way before I was introduced to this life.” Liza declared.

Her gaze ran the length of his body, her eye catching some of the small imperfections that marked his skin. Various scars and blemishes, signs of the abuse that his body had been through over the years but her attention focused on one spot in particular. It was a small round scar on his left thigh around the size of a quarter. As she ran her finger over it, she felt the skin dimple in just a little bit.

Sark felt Liza’s caress on his skin. “That was a gift from your dear sister, one she felt like delivering in the form of a pick ax when we both sought after the same Rambaldi artifact.”

Sark could see in Liza’s eyes when she shifted from her current easiness and back into business. “We need to notify my mother that the Intel in Paris was faulty then see what we can do about travel arrangements back to Cyprus.”

Sark nodded in agreement but added his own input. “Irina will have already learned about our escape in Paris. She will conclude by the details that we were leaving Paris and will therefore know that we found nothing there. We can completely brief her upon our return.”

“Then it’s back to Cyprus.” Liza stated.

[LittleBit]

I want to thank everyone for their feedback. I was worried people would think that things were a little rushed but I see that you guys didn't. I hope you like this next part and the cliffhanger that comes with it.

PART 21

As soon as they returned to Cyprus, Liza briefed her mother on the entire length of stay in Paris as well as the outcome of the mission with Sark adding his own involvement during his own brief stay. They both of course deleted any account of their sexual encounter after their escape and she appeared none the wiser.

Irina was disappointed that it had not been more productive but it didn’t impede her aspiration of finding her oldest daughter. She told them that nothing new had surfaced as of yet, however she had received a communication that could prove helpful in their search. She had been working for the last week on verifying the genuineness of the informant as well as set up a secure way to meet. Several days after her return to Cyprus, Liza found out just whom that communication was from.

Liza was just exiting her suite when she caught a glimpse of movement in the lower courtyard. She moved to the railing and peered down to get a closer look. Below was her mother and a man, one who was obviously there for some type of meeting but whom Liza could not completely see for the reason that his back was turned to her. She could hear their raised voices but not enough so to distinguish any words. She moved forward down the corridor to get closer but did so gradually so not to alert them to her presence. At least not the man, her mother’s notice was minor.

However her change in position did not help her to learn anything new so when Liza felt someone come up behind her, she did not hesitate to ask. “Sark, do you know who that man is meeting with my mother?”

“Why Liza, I am surprised that you do not recognize your own stepfather.”

“That is Jack Bristow?” Liza asked mildly amazed to be so close to the man she had heard so much about. She wished that she could get a closer look; he was something of a curiosity to her. He turned slightly then and she was able to see a bit of his profile. She had read his record and learned that he was a highly intelligent man who was the top in his field; the fact that he was still alive attested to that fact but also he was a man who had so intrigued her mother. What was it about him that had made her mother fall in love with him?

“Indeed. And while I see your curiosity is piqued, might I suggest you keep your distance from him? After our encounter in Paris with the CIA, I do not think he would look upon you well.” Sark stated.

“A pity.” Liza acknowledged as she watched Jack and her mother go into her office. “I believe I will go down to the beach for a bit, care to join me for a nice swim? Irina looks as if she will be tied up for some time.”

“As appealing as that proposition sounds, I must refuse at this moment for I have other matters to attend to, perhaps later? Tonight?” Sark inquired.

“Perhaps.” Liza nodded before descending down to the beach.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

On the edges of his peripheral vision, Jack Bristow saw that he and Irina were being watched. It only took him a minute to recognize that it was Irina’s newest operative, the one that Kendall had briefed them several weeks before and who he had been ordered to create a profile on. With a subtle nod of his head, he motioned to the woman. “I had been informed of the fact that you had a new operative to replace Doran. She appears to be just as lethal.”

“That she is as well as very talented.” Irina agreed not even glancing up at her daughter.

“She killed at least four agents in Paris.” Jack declared.

“Merely in self defense.”

“Sark appears to have used her as a replacement for Doran in more ways then as a young female operative.” Jack stated as he looked at the two.

Irina allowed her eyes to wander up to the railing where Liza and Sark were conversing. She too had noticed a change between the two in the past few days since they had returned from Paris. It was nothing obvious, something only someone who was an expert at human nature would notice it. Especially considering the fact that the two were attempting to keep it from her. However that did not work, she still noticed the change. Most likely the change was due to the fact that they had entered a sexual relationship, something Irina was not pleased about.

Typically, Irina did not concern herself with who Sark was bedding as long if it did not hinder his work. She had known that he was sleeping with Allison but her daughter was a different story. While Liza had came along way since they had left her tiny New Mexican town, Irina was still not completely confident in her ability to have emotional detachment from Sark. Liza had no difficulty when it came to her work and what it entailed, but a liaison that had romantic implications was a different story.

However Irina chose to observe rather then intercede, at least for the moment. “It appears so, however you did not come to talk about my employees but about Sydney. Shall we go to my office?”

Jack agreed before following Irina to her office.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After leaving Irina’s office, Jack took the opportunity to tour Irina’s residence. He was not entirely sure where they were, Irina had been careful when she had her people bring him there so he did not know their exact location. He knew that they were only six to eight hour flight from Madrid, where he had met her and it appeared that they were in the Mediterranean but beyond that, he did not know. It had been a risky venture to put his life so much in Irina’s hands but he had chanced it with the hope of learning more about Sydney’s possible location or if Irina had evidence that she was indeed alive.

The meeting had been mildly successful; Irina had conducted an extensive search for Sydney and had a large amount of data on it. The problem was that the data did not give any conclusive information about Sydney or her whereabouts. Nevertheless the information at least did lend to the idea that Sydney was still alive despite the judgment of others such as the CIA and Michael Vaughn.

Jack found himself leaving the house and walking down towards the beach. He was not one to usually waste time simply by loitering at the beach but he’d found himself doing it lately. Most likely it was because he knew how much his daughter had loved it and he missed her.

However Jack did not have long to brood over Sydney before he found that he was not the only one visiting the beach. Halfway down the stretch of beach he once again saw Irina’s new operative. It was obvious that she’d been swimming by her wet hair and damp towel wrapped around her body but at the moment she was simply sitting on another towel with her eyes closed, looking almost as if she was mediating. Being in such close proximity to her, Jack realized how familiar she looked. He couldn’t place exactly why, but there was a familiarity about her.

Jack was about to turn and leave when a soft but poised voice spoke. “Do not leave on account of me, there is plenty of beach for us both.”

“Perhaps I do not wish to be executed like others who seem to have crossed your path.” Jack replied speaking of the agents she killed in Paris.

“Taking on the infamous Jack Bristow would not be prudent of me, for many reasons.” Liza retorted.

“You seem to know my name, but I have yet to know yours.” Jack declared.

“The people that are on familiar terms with me refer to me as Liza.” Liza said introducing herself. She noticed that Jack was studying her intensely, more so then could be construed as normal. “Is there a reason as to why you are staring at me so intently?”

“You seem familiar to me.” Jack admitted.

“Perhaps it is my resemblance to my parents that initiates the feelings of familiarity in you.” Liza explained. “I understand that you are familiar with them. Through your work with the CIA and associations with SD6.”

“Who are your parents?” Jack asked.

“Although I did not have the opportunity to meet him before his death, I have been told that my father was Alexander Khasinau.” Liza answered.

Learning that he was talking to the daughter of Irina’s former lieutenant did not completely surprise Jack. True, until this moment he had not known that the man had fathered any children but it explained why the young woman was now working for Irina’s organization. “And your mother?”

“You are quite familiar to her, after all you were just with her.”

[LittleBit]

I hope you guys like this next part. I know it was one of the first ones that I thought up as I was outlining it. Hope you enjoy!

PART 22

“You are quite familiar to her, after all you were just with her.”

Liza watched as Jack absorbed the information she had revealed. Although his face gave no indication of his feelings, Liza knew that she had surprised him. She had to of, anyone even a harden spy would be surprised by that revelation. But he would never show it. Liza wondered if he ever showed any emotion, even if he was alone.

There were only a few times in his life that Jack had been truly stunned to the point he was now. Learning of Irina’s betrayal and later that she had not died over twenty years ago were on the top of the list, with the latest bit of information joining them. Irina had another child, a daughter if this young woman was to be believed.

And Jack did believe her, because it was a puzzle piece that fit in the small amount of knowledge that he had acquired about her. However why had there been no previous knowledge about her? The CIA knew that Irina Derevko had survived her ‘accident’ and had tracked her as much as possible over the years. The search had generated some knowledge but none of the Intel contained information about another child.

Jack studied her face again, although the similarities that Sydney shared with Irina were clearly evident, the resemblance between Liza and Irina were more obscure but they were there. They were why she had appeared to be so familiar to him. “Irina did not inform me that she had had another child.”

“You, stepfather, of all people should know that my mother only divulges small amounts of information and only what she deems is appropriate for others to know.” Liza stated. “But now you do know. A fact that I hope you will keep to yourself and not tell your superiors.”

“Do not call me that.” Jack said firmly before asking. “Why would I choose to not enlighten the CIA of your identity?”

“I highly doubt that you would, because if you did then you would have to explain how you gained that information. And then that would cause you to admit to consorting with Irina and land you into the cell she previously occupied for treason. Because if they were to find out I was Irina’s offspring, they might search for me and that would hinder my search for Sydney.” Liza explained.

“No, the CIA would hunt for you because you are the prime suspect in the death of Rance DeNeige as well as almost half a dozen agents in Paris.” Jack acknowledged.

“I was there following a lead on Sydney when I ran into your agents. They were trying to capture me and an associate, something that I could not let happen.” Liza stated.

“And attempting to exploit my desire to find my daughter against me to obtain your own needs proves to me that you are indeed Irina’s child.”

“I’m not trying to use Sydney’s disappearance against you, just stating that I will be unable to help you. After all, the CIA, all of Sydney’s friends and everyone else aside from myself, my mother, and a few other individuals deem her to be dead and your belief that she is not is nothing more then the delusions of a grieving father.” Liza declared.

Liza knew that her words were forward and she’d probably end up regretting it. She might have appeared to be confident but it did not run too deep. Despite her show of bravado, Jack intimidated her. She had heard many tales of transgressions and they all had Jack as the winning side. She knew she must step lightly. “And face it, you need all the help you can get. That is why you came to see Irina isn’t it? To form an alliance with a woman you consider your enemy because you have run out of options?”

Jack did not answer her, and because of that Liza knew she had struck a cord in him when he asked. “So Irina has had you looking for Sydney?”

“Yes, I was completely briefed on Sydney’s history as well as all other pertinent information regarding the search. I know everything there is to know about my sister.” Liza informed him.

At the remark regarding her sibling relationship to Sydney, Jack’s eyebrow raised questioningly. “Your sister? You presume that since the two of you share a link through your maternal bloodline that Sydney is your sister?”

“I don’t assume anything. That Sydney and I are half sisters through our mother is a physical fact. It is true that as of yet, that is the only bond between us. But once Sydney is found and is told about my existence, I have no doubt that that is a problem that will be rectified.” Liza declared.

“That is a lofty ambition, although an improbable one.” Jack acknowledged.

“Why? I think that Sydney and I have quite a bit in common. Given time and trust, I believe we could become quite close.” Liza replied.

“And what then? Recruit her to work with Irina?” Jack asked.

“If she chose to, but I would not manipulate her.” Liza declared truthfully. She would not manipulate her, however there were times when the truth was it’s own motivation. “Despite what your opinion of me, I can be trusted.”

“No one raised by Irina Derevko can be trusted.” Jack admitted.

“Then isn’t it safe to say that Sydney cannot be trusted, after all she was raised by her for six years.” Liza shot back. She thought to bring up the fact that Irina was not the only one of Sydney’s parents that was an excellent manipulator; he himself had done things to influence and control Sydney’s actions but held back.

“No, Sydney was raised by Laura Bristow. Although they are the same woman, her cover insured that they were quite different more like split personalities.” Jack answered.

“And is one or both of them who you love?” Liza asked. She saw his eyes darken at her question and she couldn’t help but smile at him innocently. She had been going on pure speculation about Jack’s continuing affection for his wife and it seemed that her intuition was spot on.

Deciding it was best to sway the conversation away from his and Irina’s relationship, Jack asked. “Why is it that no one knows of your existence?”

“You mean because every intelligence agency all over the globe has been fervently searching for any scrap of information they can on my mother?” Liza inquired.

“But this is more then a small personal detail.” Jack stated.

“True, but isn’t it the big secrets that people covet the most? After all, a woman like Irina Derevko has many enemies that would love to discover one of her weaknesses.” Liza replied.

Jack noted the bitterness in Liza’s voice and considered that perhaps Liza had just given away a detail of her life. It made him wonder if perhaps that Irina had not put the girl into hiding for most of her life to keep her protected. It would explain as to why no one knew about her. Irina and Khasinau would have seen it as the most beneficial arrangements while they built Irina’s organization. It would only be when she was grown that the child could be brought out of hiding. “An Achilles' heel that would have to be secreted away and cast off.”

“If you are insinuating that I was abandoned and unloved, your analytical skills are off their mark. And my past is none of your business.” Liza acknowledged however did not want to share more of herself. She did not care if Jack knew her link to Irina but she did not want him to know about her past. Her life with the Parkers was confidential and private, and would remain as a part of her life that would stay well buried.

“All you need to know about me to look for Sydney you already do, either from our talk here or my although small record.” Liza turned away from him to bend down and retrieve her stuff to go back to the house.

As she did, Jack spoke. “What is your profit in this?”

“Do you mean in searching for Sydney?” Liza inquired and Jack nodded. “I have many motives behind my actions, for one, I work for my mother. She is my boss and I do as I’m ordered and am compensated quite well for it. And two, despite the fact that you do not like it, Sydney and I are related therefore she is family. And I will search for her.”

Liza finished gathering her things. “And now, if you’ll excuse me I should be going back to the house and clean up. I’m sure that after your meeting, my mother will want to see me.”

Jack watched as Liza walked back up the beach and into Irina’s villa and was left with the feeling of trepidation he always felt when parting with Irina

[LittleBit]

So I'm finally back with a new part. And the really good news is that now that I have it done, I can move on and post the 14 parts I have done as well. If I hadn't changed my mind and decide to add this new part in, I would have posted months ago. Oh well, here it is. And I plan to post once a week from now on.


PART 23

As Liza climbed to the top of the stairs on her way to her suite, she heard Sark before she saw him. “If you believe that by confessing to Jack Bristow the truth about your lineage that you will in someway sway him to favor or trust you , you are sorely mistaken.”

“And if you think I am that naïve, then you have are the one that is mistaken.” Liza stated. “If studying Irina’s file on Jack has taught me anything, it is that he is a very overprotective father. He would not let me within ten feet of Sydney if he thought I was merely an operative for my mother’s company no matter what information I could find, even if I delivered her onto his doorstep. Operatives can be swayed, even Irina’s.”

“And you assume confessing that you have a genetic link to his cherished daughter will grant you access?” Sark questioned.

“No, now that he knows who I am, I’m counting on him trying even harder to keep me away from her.” Liza informed him. “Just like he did with Irina. And that will lead her to find out why.”

Sark had to admit that her forethought was clever as well as on target. Jack Bristow did go to extremes when it came to protecting his daughter and would indeed do what was in his power to keep the two sisters apart. Of course all of this was just theory if…”And if Sydney is never found?”

Liza shook her head, “That’s not an option. There’s too much evidence.”

Liza turned to walk away but glanced over her shoulder. “As to your offer earlier? About tonight?”

“Yes?” Sark inquired.

“Meet me at my room, at midnight.” Liza answered before sauntering to her suite for a shower.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After his encounter with Liza and their dispute over her role in Sydney’s life, Jack was irritated. So much so that he went directly in search of his former wife to confront her. He knew that she had returned to her office and did not so much as knock before charging in. Irina was behind her desk working on her computer, but looked up when he entered. “Jack, I assumed you would have returned earlier, I have a car waiting outside for you…”

“I was delayed by a run in with your new operative, Liza.” Jack stated. “We had quite an…interesting and enlightening conversation.”

Despite his effort to conceal his thoughts, Irina could tell that Jack was upset about the meeting and she was positive she knew why. Jack knew the truth of Liza’s identity. Most likely her daughter had not been able to help herself from announcing who she was so that she could take Jack by surprise. A way to make sure that Jack was caught off balance when around her.

While Irina could understand that desire, she was not happy with Liza for showing her cards for such a petty victory. However she did not let her displeasure show, instead said. “I am surprised that you were so willing to speak with a woman who you yourself stated is a felon who is wanted so highly by your employers.”

“If that was a condition of who I dealt with, you and I would not be having this conversation.” Jack declared.

“And yet here you are.”

“And if I was not, I would not have discovered that Sydney is not your only child.” Jack professed confirming Irina’s suspicions as to the topic of their conversation.

Irina knew that there was no benefit in attempting to deny what Liza had told him; she would have to go a different route to smooth Jack’s ruffled feathers. “I do not recall ever stating that she was.”

“When you were in CIA custody, a part of your agreement was for full disclosure.” Jack declared.

“Don’t pretend to be naïve Jack, it doesn’t suit you. ” Irina said interrupting, “We both know that the information I gave the CIA was trivial, merely the minimum amount to meet my part of the arrangement.”

Irina moved around her desk towards Jack but kept a safe distance at the same. “And giving up the knowledge that I have another child, one that the CIA wouldn’t hesitate to use against me, was not part of the arrangement.”

“I find it interesting that none of my contacts, officially authorized or not, have ever mentioned even a whisper of her existence until now.” Jack announced.

“She was hidden away, so deep that there was no connection to me.” Irina explained. What she was telling Jack was not exactly a lie, Liza had been deeply hidden away so deeply that she had not even been able to locate her. However her history with Natasha and Liza’s kidnapping was not something she was going to volunteer. Something she and her daughter appeared to be agreed upon.

“That amount of silence and concealment must have been…complicated to manage for so many years.” Jack stated. “How many people are aware of her link to you?”

“A handful.” Irina replied cryptically. “However my question for you is who do you plan to give the knowledge to?”

“While doing so might give my employers an advantage, it would not be in my best interest.” Jack replied. “As your…daughter pointed out, if I were to go to the CIA with the information I have they would inquire as to how I came by it. And if I divulged how then I would be arrested for conspiring with an enemy of the state.”

“Now Jack, we both know that you could easily come up with a convincing tale that would convince them that you came by the information from a more legitimate source.” Irina countered.

“And at one time they would have believed me wholeheartedly. However now, too much has happened for the CIA to trust me that much.” Jack explained. “The smartest course of action is to avoid the situation all together.”

“So you’ll leave here, with the knowledge that I have two daughters and keep that information to yourself?” Irina asked. “Naturally you understand that I don’t completely trust you to keep your word.”

“I think of the two of us, I am the more trustworthy here.” Jack stated. “Everything will go on as planned, we will work together with the common goal of locating ‘our’ daughter. Nothing I’ve learned in the last hour changes our arrangement.”

“Very well.” Irina agreed. “As I said prior to this conversation, there is a car waiting for you outside to take you to your air transport to take you back to Los Angeles.”

Jack nodded. “I will check in with you via our protocol in a week to check your progress. Contact me immediately if you learn anything before.”

Irina nodded in agreement before walking Jack out to the drive and saw him into his car. The exchange had gone better then planned, Jack had kept his temper in check and that had kept the situation calm. Now she would have to wait and see how their new arrangement worked out. Hopefully it accomplished both of their objectives, to find Sydney.

[LittleBit]

So I'm finally back with a new part. And the really good news is that now that I have it done, I can move on and post the 14 parts I have done as well. If I hadn't changed my mind and decide to add this new part in, I would have posted months ago. Oh well, here it is. And I plan to post once a week from now on.


PART 23

As Liza climbed to the top of the stairs on her way to her suite, she heard Sark before she saw him. “If you believe that by confessing to Jack Bristow the truth about your lineage that you will in someway sway him to favor or trust you , you are sorely mistaken.”

“And if you think I am that naïve, then you have are the one that is mistaken.” Liza stated. “If studying Irina’s file on Jack has taught me anything, it is that he is a very overprotective father. He would not let me within ten feet of Sydney if he thought I was merely an operative for my mother’s company no matter what information I could find, even if I delivered her onto his doorstep. Operatives can be swayed, even Irina’s.”

“And you assume confessing that you have a genetic link to his cherished daughter will grant you access?” Sark questioned.

“No, now that he knows who I am, I’m counting on him trying even harder to keep me away from her.” Liza informed him. “Just like he did with Irina. And that will lead her to find out why.”

Sark had to admit that her forethought was clever as well as on target. Jack Bristow did go to extremes when it came to protecting his daughter and would indeed do what was in his power to keep the two sisters apart. Of course all of this was just theory if…”And if Sydney is never found?”

Liza shook her head, “That’s not an option. There’s too much evidence.”

Liza turned to walk away but glanced over her shoulder. “As to your offer earlier? About tonight?”

“Yes?” Sark inquired.

“Meet me at my room, at midnight.” Liza answered before sauntering to her suite for a shower.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After his encounter with Liza and their dispute over her role in Sydney’s life, Jack was irritated. So much so that he went directly in search of his former wife to confront her. He knew that she had returned to her office and did not so much as knock before charging in. Irina was behind her desk working on her computer, but looked up when he entered. “Jack, I assumed you would have returned earlier, I have a car waiting outside for you…”

“I was delayed by a run in with your new operative, Liza.” Jack stated. “We had quite an…interesting and enlightening conversation.”

Despite his effort to conceal his thoughts, Irina could tell that Jack was upset about the meeting and she was positive she knew why. Jack knew the truth of Liza’s identity. Most likely her daughter had not been able to help herself from announcing who she was so that she could take Jack by surprise. A way to make sure that Jack was caught off balance when around her.

While Irina could understand that desire, she was not happy with Liza for showing her cards for such a petty victory. However she did not let her displeasure show, instead said. “I am surprised that you were so willing to speak with a woman who you yourself stated is a felon who is wanted so highly by your employers.”

“If that was a condition of who I dealt with, you and I would not be having this conversation.” Jack declared.

“And yet here you are.”

“And if I was not, I would not have discovered that Sydney is not your only child.” Jack professed confirming Irina’s suspicions as to the topic of their conversation.

Irina knew that there was no benefit in attempting to deny what Liza had told him; she would have to go a different route to smooth Jack’s ruffled feathers. “I do not recall ever stating that she was.”

“When you were in CIA custody, a part of your agreement was for full disclosure.” Jack declared.

“Don’t pretend to be naïve Jack, it doesn’t suit you. ” Irina said interrupting, “We both know that the information I gave the CIA was trivial, merely the minimum amount to meet my part of the arrangement.”

Irina moved around her desk towards Jack but kept a safe distance at the same. “And giving up the knowledge that I have another child, one that the CIA wouldn’t hesitate to use against me, was not part of the arrangement.”

“I find it interesting that none of my contacts, officially authorized or not, have ever mentioned even a whisper of her existence until now.” Jack announced.

“She was hidden away, so deep that there was no connection to me.” Irina explained. What she was telling Jack was not exactly a lie, Liza had been deeply hidden away so deeply that she had not even been able to locate her. However her history with Natasha and Liza’s kidnapping was not something she was going to volunteer. Something she and her daughter appeared to be agreed upon.

“That amount of silence and concealment must have been…complicated to manage for so many years.” Jack stated. “How many people are aware of her link to you?”

“A handful.” Irina replied cryptically. “However my question for you is who do you plan to give the knowledge to?”

“While doing so might give my employers an advantage, it would not be in my best interest.” Jack replied. “As your…daughter pointed out, if I were to go to the CIA with the information I have they would inquire as to how I came by it. And if I divulged how then I would be arrested for conspiring with an enemy of the state.”

“Now Jack, we both know that you could easily come up with a convincing tale that would convince them that you came by the information from a more legitimate source.” Irina countered.

“And at one time they would have believed me wholeheartedly. However now, too much has happened for the CIA to trust me that much.” Jack explained. “The smartest course of action is to avoid the situation all together.”

“So you’ll leave here, with the knowledge that I have two daughters and keep that information to yourself?” Irina asked. “Naturally you understand that I don’t completely trust you to keep your word.”

“I think of the two of us, I am the more trustworthy here.” Jack stated. “Everything will go on as planned, we will work together with the common goal of locating ‘our’ daughter. Nothing I’ve learned in the last hour changes our arrangement.”

“Very well.” Irina agreed. “As I said prior to this conversation, there is a car waiting for you outside to take you to your air transport to take you back to Los Angeles.”

Jack nodded. “I will check in with you via our protocol in a week to check your progress. Contact me immediately if you learn anything before.”

Irina nodded in agreement before walking Jack out to the drive and saw him into his car. The exchange had gone better then planned, Jack had kept his temper in check and that had kept the situation calm. Now she would have to wait and see how their new arrangement worked out. Hopefully it accomplished both of their objectives, to find Sydney.

[LittleBit]

This next part is a little boring but it helps move things along.

PART 24

Liza had just finished showering and dressing when the two way radio on her cell phone chirped. She hurried to answer it and heard her mother’s voice over the intercom. “Liza, your presence is required in my office.”

“I’ll be there right away.” Liza answered as she made her way to her door and opened it. She had heard the insistence in her mother’s voice so she hurried down the hallway to the stairs and then down. Her heels clicked on the tiles as she descended and she knew that her mother would hear her coming. She wondered absentmindedly if Jack Bristow was still on the property but assumed that if he was, he would be in Irina’s office. However when she entered, she saw only her mother and Sark. They were talking softly but stopped when she entered.

“Liza, sit down please.” Irina ordered.

There were two wing back leather chairs and a small leather chaise lounge on the opposite side of the desk from Irina’s chair. Sark lounged on the chaise while Liza took one of the chairs. As soon as she sat, her mother spoke. “As I know you are both aware, Jack Bristow came to meet with me earlier today. He contacted me several days ago and after lengthy conference, we arranged it for him to come here.”

“The reason of course behind the meeting was to collaborate our mutual searches for Sydney’s whereabouts. An alliance that has already proved fruitful for the reason that he has already presented proof that Sydney is alive.” Irina stated.

Liza and Sark were both surprised by the information but the only sign of it was Sark’s raised eyebrow and Liza asking, “What type of proof?”

“A copy of a video surveillance recording.” Irina answered her question. “Jack was assigned to conduct surveillance on a Russian Diplomat by the name of Adrian Lazarey. Several of Lazarey’s dealings as well as his associations had come under the scrutiny of the CIA.”

At the mention of the man’s name, Liza noticed Sark’s body tense. Not drastically, but just enough for her to notice it. She was curious as to why. Was he an old enemy? Ally? But despite her curiosity, she did not ask. She would find out later if he would even acknowledge that his mask had slipped even slightly. So instead she kept her eyes on her mother and listened. “The surveillance went on for months until he caught this footage.”

Irina clicked a remote and the large screen behind her came alive and revealed the first shot of the footage. The recording was in black and white but it was easy to make out that the setting was of an office. An older man was situated behind a large stately looking desk. Because he was sitting down it was hard to accurately determine his height, but Liza estimated him to be around six two or three. His face and body were very slender and gaunt, but he still appeared imposing. Since he was the only person in the scene there was no doubt that the man was Adrian Lazarey.

The scene continued to play with Lazarey sitting behind his desk but after a minute, Lazarey stood and walked around his desk. He moved towards what Liza assumed was a door that was out of range of the camera. Almost immediately Lazarey returned and was now accompanied by a woman.

The woman moved to stand in front of his desk while Lazarey moved around the room. At first only her back was to them, only her dark outfit and blonde hair were clear on the screen. But then as Lazarey walked behind her, she turned in his direction and a face shot could be clearly seen. A face that looked very much like Sydney’s.

Liza expected her mother to stop the recording and to enlarge the image but instead she allowed it to continue. Thirty seconds after Lazarey passed her again to go to his desk and ‘Sydney’ grabbed him around the neck. A knife came out of nowhere as she tipped his head back and ran the blade across his neck, slitting open his jugular.

As ‘Sydney’ released him, Lazarey instantly brought his hands to his neck but it couldn’t keep the blood from seeping through his fingers as it poured from the wound. The footage ended with Lazarey on the floor as his assailant left him to bleed to death. It was all over in less than three minutes and was a very formal calculated execution, something that was very unlike Sydney. However there she was on screen.

“This was from two days ago and the only recording of Lazarey’s killer. Jack did not release the recording to his superiors and as of yet, the authorities do not have any leads as to Lazarey’s killers. The meeting at his office was after hours and his staff had already left for the day, and all of the securities cameras had been previously disengaged. It is not known whether that was carried out by Lazarey himself in preparation for the meeting or if it was done by his attacker.” Irina explained.

“If what Jack Bristow was investigating was accurate and if Lazarey was working with criminal elements, it appears that he was no longer of any use. However he was significant enough to have been killed. It also appeared that Lazarey knew his assailant or was at least familiar with her. That raises the subject that Sydney was working for the same group that Lazarey was and carried out the order to kill him. If that is true…Sydney seems to have switched sides.” Sark commented.

Irina nodded. “Jack is following leads with his contacts while I will be leaving in just under an hour to meet with a former contact of mine in Saint Petersburg to corroborate the facts as well as gather additional information. After that, we should be able to track Sydney’s movements before the meeting with Lazarey and perhaps anticipate her next moves.”

“Shouldn’t I or even Sark go instead of you?” Liza inquired.

“No, this matter I must handle myself personally. I will contact one of you as soon as I learn anything new. Until then I want business to proceed as normal. Sark has all of the latest information on the missions that my operatives are currently assigned to if anything occurs.” Irina answered with Sark nodding in acknowledgement.

“And what of me? What do you want me to do in your absence?” Liza inquired. She hated still being the newcomer to the organization and therefore not completely knowledgeable about all of the operations of the organization. She knew quite a bit and had more authorization then many members of her mother’s organization but there was still fractions that she was uninformed of. But soon she will be.

“I have been outlining a particular mission in mind for you. One that deals with your particular interest.” Irina said handing Liza a dossier.

Liza scanned the contents of the folder and felt a ripple of excitement over the information inside. It was the first mission that pertained, if only slightly with her search for Natasha. It was a trip to a facility in South Korea, a place where Natasha had allegedly worked with a radical group for several years. Natasha had since left but the group was still there as was their archives and records, which meant that they could still be in some kind of contact with Natasha.

However that was not the only reason behind her going to South Korea, the group also operated a research and development lab that interested her mother. So while Liza gathered information on Natasha she also had to attain their designs and data so to be studied and later determined if it was something worth appropriating. The layout of the facility was included and Liza would simply have to map a way inside. “I’ll leave first thing tomorrow.”

“I imagined that you would agree to the mission and therefore arrangements will be made for your departure and any gear that will be needed.” Irina acknowledged her agreement. “Now if you’ll excuse us, there are a few issues I need to discuss with Sark before I take my leave.”

“Then I will depart you both now so I can prepare.” Liza said as she looked to her mother. She didn’t want to leave before her mother wanted her to just in case there was more information to be shared. However the nod from Irina indicated that the briefing was over so she left.

Once Liza was back in her suite, she spread out the schematics and notes from the dossier on her desk while she made several phone calls to confirm arrangements as well as make additional ones for her mission. Her mother might have had things arranged but Liza liked to safeguard herself and the only way to do that was to do the work herself.

As she made the arrangements, Liza scanned the layout of the facility and decided upon the best route to take. For the reason of their security measures, it seemed that a water entry would be best. So she made additional plans for dive gear as well as water transportation. She would have no backup on this mission, something that she preferred but something that was extremely dangerous because she was going in blind.

When everything was set up, Liza turned her attention to another subject. Moving to her computer, she did a search on Adrian Lazarey. Although she was certain that the important information she was looking for would not be easily accessible but the Internet was an easy place to start. It would give her a basic profile of the man who Liza was sure was more then a simple target on a video recording. If he were, he wouldn’t have caused the reaction with Sark.

Liza continued her research until she received a call from her mother telling her that she was leaving. She went downstairs and said goodbye to her. Sark was notably absent from Irina’s office and the entryway but after Irina was on her way, Liza went in search of him.

[LittleBit]

I hope to keep updating every Friday but School lets out next Friday so I'll have my oldest son home along with my 1 year old so that maybe tricky.

PART 25

Although she was certain Sark was not on the first floor of the house, Liza did a quick but thorough survey of all of the rooms on the 1st floor. She found the cook and a few other servants but not Sark. She spoke briefly with them, expressing her wishes in regards to their services before she moved on. Deciding to check the beach last, Liza proceeded up the stairs and to his suite.

When she reached the door to Sark’s suite, Liza paused. In the year since Irina first brought her to Cyprus, she had never been inside Sark’s set of rooms. There had never been a reason to because at the time they were not sleeping together. And now that they were, she just had not visited yet since they had come back from Paris. They had been intimate since their return, just the night before as a matter of fact although he had come to her rooms. But there was nothing keeping her from going inside so she knocked. There was no answer.

Liza knocked again, and yet again there was no answer. She pressed her ear to the door and heard what sounded like music coming from inside the suite. Sark had to be inside so she tried the handle. It was unlocked therefore Liza let herself inside. The room was shadowy so much so that one might think that it was empty but Liza’s eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness and she recognize that the dim shape on one of the chairs was Sark.

Sark’s appearance surprised her. Every time she had ever seen him he was always composed and his clothing neat and orderly except for the times when he had been nude. But now he appeared agitated and his appearance disheveled. His shirt was untucked, a few more buttons around his collar had been undone and his hair looked as if he had used his fingers to comb through it numerous times. To top it all off there was a tumbler and large bottle of liquor sitting on the table in front of him. The bottle looked to be half empty so that could explain the rest of his appearance but Liza knew there had to be more. After all, it wasn’t like Sark to go on a huge drinking binge.

For a moment, Liza did not think that Sark was even aware of her presence until he unexpectedly spoke. “As a rule when one’s knock goes unanswered they should assume that the occupant is either absent or does not desire any company.”

“We had an appointment for tonight.” Liza stated just as coolly. “Or is your brain too clouded from alcohol to engage your short time memory?”

“I had other things on my mind other then physical culmination.” Sark replied as he downed another gulf from his tumbler.

Although Liza knew that Sark did not want her company at the moment, she sat down in the chair opposite of him. She listened to the music for a moment, a somber jazzy tune that made Liza think of some of the older jazz singers that Grandma Claudia used to listen to. At times, the music a person listened to dictated a person’s mood and she had a feeling the same could be said right now. Not necessarily the words but the tune.

So instead of analyzing it further, Liz simply asked. “So might I ask why the binge?”

“Overindulgence is human nature.” Sark answered.

“Not your nature.” Liza corrected him. “There are many things regarding you that I am not aware of but one that I do know is that you are a man who demands to be in control of his surroundings. You don’t fall to pieces if something changes instead you work with it. So imagine my confusion at the moment when I come in to see you like this?”

This time, Sark did not say anything. He simply stared at the liquid in his glass and ignored her. Her interest was too piqued to leave but she had to get him to react some way. “Does this have anything to do with Adrian Lazarey’s murder?”

For a second time, Sark did not answer her question however she saw that his fingers tightened slightly around the glass. “Was he an asset? Did you work with him before?”

No answer came and Liza switched her questioning just a little, “Was he was an enemy? Someone you ran up against in Russia? Perhaps one that might even have captured you and forced you to give up information?”

When the silence continued, Liza decided that Sark was not going to answer her. She sat there for a good ten minutes before deciding to leave. “Well if you insist on wallowing, I’ll leave.”

Liza rose to leave. She was almost to the door when she heard Sark’s voice. “He is…was my father.”

At his confession, Liza spun around in surprise. Of all the ways that he could have been associated with Lazarey, parental had not entered her mind. She moved back over to the chair she had vacated and sat down. “There was no mention of him having a son in the information I found on him. Only a wife.”

“His second wife.” Sark acknowledged. “Except to everyone else, she was his first. He hid all evidence of his previous marriage and the offspring that produced from it.”

“Why?” Liza asked.

“To protect his status.” Sark answered. “I’m sure that you read that he is a descendant of the Romanoff dynasty. My mother was considered a common peasant next to him and their marriage was regarded as a lapse in judgment of a young man to his family. When his career as a military attaché flourished, he complied with their wishes. He abandoned us and wiped away any knowledge of a link to him.”

“How old were you?” Liza asked.

“Four.”

“That’s young.” Liza commented. “So you never really knew him?”

“No, and the only memories I have of him were abusive and violent.” Sark answered as he took another drink. “And after he left, I was his son in strictly the biological sense. Even then I tried to forget that detail. As a matter of fact, your birth father was the closest thing I ever had to paternal guidance and that wasn’t until much later in my life.”

“How did you meet my mother?” Liz asked, asking a question that had been on her mind and hoped to get an answer for since the liquor seemed to have loosened Sark’s tongue.

“Irina found me in a boarding school not long after my mother died. We had fled to England shortly after my father left and my mother had taken work at the school as a laundress and maid. She did so for my benefit, it was a first-rate school and they allowed me to attend as part of her wages.” Sark explained. “She died when I was fifteen. I did not find out until months later when Irina showed up that she had contacted her to look after me. I was surprised by her arrival.”

“And did she ask you to work for her immediately?”

“Actually she gave me a choice, I could stay at the school and continue my education or I could leave with her to seek employment in her organization.” Sark explained. “The school held too many memories for me to stay so I immediately took her offer. She produced documents to show the school that she was my guardian and we left.”

“Why did you choose this life over the other? I would think that your mother would have preferred you to finish your education.” Liza commented.

Liza noticed Sark’s eyes darken at her mentioning what she thought his mother’s wishes would be but instead of saying something about it, he gave her his answer. “My father.”

With those two little words, Liza had the answer that she needed. It even explained previous conversations they had had. “You wanted revenge against your father, for deserting the two of you.”

“I wanted nothing more.” Sark stated.

“So what happened? Why did you give it up?” Liza asked.

“Because it is what I became. It was all I knew and there was nothing else in the world. That train of thought caused me to make a mistake, one that almost proved fatal.” Sark explained. “Revenge is nothing if you die.”

“What happened?” Liza asked but didn’t get an answer because at that moment Sark’s eyes closed and she could tell he was asleep. She didn’t know if it was just exhaustion or if the alcohol took it’s full effect and he passed out.

Liza rose from her chair and removed the tumbler from Sark’s limp hand and set it next to the bottle on the table. Next she retrieved the comforter from his bed and laid it over top of him. As she did so, she studied him. It was the first time she had ever had the opportunity to watch him sleep and she was drawn to how harmless he looked. Gone was the callous, serious, seductive assassin and in his place was an angelic looking twenty something blonde man who anyone passing him on the street would think was a businessman or even still a student. Liza could almost see the little boy that Adrian Lazarey had abandoned years ago and she felt something clench in her chest. She didn’t know where it came from and it shocked her. So much so that she felt slightly claustrophobic and quickly left the room. But despite the fact that she had left Sark behind, he still ran through her thoughts.

Liza had not missed the similarities between their pasts, however she would not give up on hers. Sark had said that his revenge quest against his father had led him to make mistakes, but she wouldn’t make a mistake. Now she would be even more vigilant and cautious but she would not quit until things had been finished.

[LittleBit]

Okay, it took me a lot longer to get this posted then I thought it would. But here it is. I hope you like it.

PART 26

Liza left Cyprus the next morning before there was so much as a stir from Sark’s suite. After the amount of alcohol he had consumed, Liza did not think that Sark would leave his suite until midday at the earliest. She did not know what Sark would remember from the night before, if anything and therefore was unsure of how he would feel about being in her company so she was glad that she would be absent when he emerged.

Following two days of surveillance on the area, Liza decided it was time to enter the facility. The sea entry still appeared to be the easiest way to enter and after dark the best time. She drove her vehicle as close as she dared before parking and unloading her gear. She was dressed in a full wetsuit, gray because it worked better than black when hiding in the shadows, and chose a rebreather for her air supply. Since the rebreather recycled the air of it’s user, she would not give away her presence by releasing bubbles to the surface.

Liza made the swim of three hundred meters easily, staying about two meters under the surface as she went and only surfacing every so often to make certain that she was staying on course. Soon she reached the large pipeline that run under the facility to help prevent flooding and she retrieved her wire cutters.

The gating was thick wire so it took some time and muscle but eventually Liza cut a hole large enough for her to climb through. The pipe was monstrous, so much so that Liza only had to duck her head slightly as she waded through it. At the end of the pipe, a larger cross section joined the various pipes. At that focal point rose a maintenance shaft that housed a ladder that rose to the facility above and into the basement.

Liza dumped her dive gear at the bottom of the ladder, tethering it to the lowest prong so it didn’t float away and quickly scaled the ladder to the top. That’s where things got tricky. Although the pipe would usually be an unlikely point of entry, the owners of the facility did not overlook it completely and had installed security measures. Despite the fact that they were not visible on her side, she knew that there were alarm sensors on the other side of the airlock door.

Liza retrieved a scrambling device from a waterproof compartment of her backpack and placed it on the seal of the door where the handle was. Balancing on the top rung of the ladder, she pushed the buttons needed to activate the device and waited for it to do its work. It would only took a minute for the scrambler to find the sensors on the alarm, track it back to it’s source and then jam the signal so that when she opened the door, her presence would not be exposed.

True to form, at just shy of a minute, the indicator light blinked green, giving Liza the okay. Despite the reliability of the equipment, she held her breath as she pulled on the handle and pushed the door up. It was heavy, so much so that she was only able to open it part of the way and she wiggled through the opening before letting it slam shut behind her. She quickly scanned the room and in view of the fact that there were no enemies readily spotted, Liza kept her gun in her backpack but her hand close to the dive knife strapped to her leg.

Not relying on the possibility of her presence not being known, Liza decided to move as quickly as possible. She moved to the door and cracked it open. The corridor was empty so she proceeded on the course that she had memorized in her head. She was now on the ground level of the facility and Liza could see the water’s surf a few feet down and on the other side of railing that she was walking next to. The walkways of the building were on the outside on the first level so she followed the railing until it she came to the access door to the next set of stairs.

Liza weaved her way up staircases and through corridors until she came to the office of the director in charge of the facility. He was conveniently out of the office at the moment and therefore could not oppose letting herself in. There was not another alarm only several locks to bypass but they were uncomplicated.

Once inside, she went straight to main computer. After attaching another little gadget to the computer along with some hacking, Liza had access to the director’s files. Instead of examining the files, she simply downloaded the hard drive. There was no sense in prolonging her stay and risking a chance at being discovered. She could always come back later and examine the physical files if need be.

Before leaving Liza stowed everything securely in her bag then slipped her arms through the straps. She didn’t want to risk loosing what she had come for after completing a job well done. She crept from the office as quietly as possible and retraced her steps that would lead her back to her exit. When she got to the ground floor, she emerged to the outer walkway; she found that she was not alone.

Initially Liza assumed she was caught by one of the security guards but at a second glance she knew that it was no guard standing in front of her. She quickly evaluated the masked person in front of her who was blocking her way. By Liza’s estimation the person was a few inches taller and judging by her figure looked to be a woman. She couldn’t see her face because the woman had a black ski mask, only her eyes were visible. But Liza didn’t have a chance to dwell on it before her opponent decided that she was indeed an enemy and launched a front kick aimed at her stomach.

Liza saw the move in just enough time to block it and retaliated with a sharp right hook to the face sending her opponent’s head to the side. Liza tried to kick her in the ankle to send her to the ground, but the mysterious woman jumped a foot in the air and dodged it just in time.

The masked woman gave Liza an uppercut to the jaw followed by a snap kick to her chest, which Liza blocked. Liza threw a flying roundhouse, but did not find her target when the woman ducked. The woman reacted with a punch to the face and a sidekick to the stomach sending Liza back into the railing. The impact was hard and if she hadn’t grabbed onto the rail her momentum could have sent her over the rail and into the water but she managed to stop herself.

Liza took a quick breath to replace the one that had been knocked out of her and delivered a crescent kick to the face of the ski mask before hitting her with an uppercut and a side punch to the face. The hits stunned her opponent and gave Liza the opportunity to hit her with a sidekick to the stomach. She used her force behind the kick to raise her leg higher and give another kick to the jaw. This caused the woman to stumble back a few times and Liza thought she was going to fall, but she remained standing.

The woman quickly recovered and defended herself with a spin kick that hit Liza in the chest, making her crash down onto the ground. Liza started to get angry and didn’t even wait another second before she pulled out her dive knife out of its holster. She waited for an opening before Liza striked. She brought the knife up and slashed it across the woman’s right lower stomach.

The knife easily cut through the thin black top she was wearing and could see that blood had already started to drip from the wound. The woman gasped at the sudden injury and held a hand to her stomach as she fell on the ground. Liza then bent down and ripped the mask off. Who was under the mask shocked her, and it clearly showed on her face.

Staring back at her in pain was none other than her sister. Even with the small cuts and large bruises now one her face and her long blonde hair, there was no mistaking that it was she. Liza couldn’t do anything except stare at her. Sydney took the advantage to push her back.

Her wound forgotten for the time being, Sydney elbowed Liza in the face with her left arm followed by her right and a roundhouse kick. The roundhouse hit Liza in the stomach causing her to fall back. She lost her hold on the knife causing it to fly out of her hand and into the water. Sydney then grabbed a pipe that had been lying on the ground in the shadows and swung it. It hit Liza’s chest and she knew that she had damaged to her ribs, possibly broke one or two and she couldn’t keep in a small yelp of pain.

Although Sydney could have done more damage with the pipe including killing Liza, for some reason she tossed it aside and took advantage of Liza being down to escape. Her injury kept her from running at full speed but she made good speed by the time that Liza pulled herself up the railing.

Liza wanted to follow Sydney, to try and find out where she was going or maybe even talk to her but she had already disappeared into the shadows. And Liza knew that the commotion that they created during their fight could have alerted someone to their presence and she needed to leave.

Because of her injured ribs, Liza had to go slower as she descended the ladder and the salt water stung the cuts and abrasions on her body but she ignored them. However as she began to make the swim back to where she had stashed her vehicle, she heard the commotion at the facility that told her that they knew that they had intruders and the searchlights lit up the sky as if it was daylight again.

Luckily, being underwater with her dive gear kept Liza from being spotted from above. However it didn’t save her when she had to ascend to the surface to get to her car but she couldn’t stay under either so she took the risk. When she did gunfire broke out but luckily enough she was too far for the bullets to do any damage but cause the water to explode as if hooked to sprinklers. Holding her ribs, she ran for her car and hopped in. She had left the keys inside so all she had to do was crank the engine and slam her foot on the gas to be off.

Because of this complication, Liza knew she had to get out the area as soon as possible the country would be better. Luckily she had a plane waiting for her. Her mother had taken her private plane so it was a charter but the amount of money she had paid had made up for the lack of discretion that was given when using one of Irina’s ‘faithful’ employees.

Liza boarded the plane and gave orders to leave immediately. She wasn’t even going to stop to get medical assistance for ribs instead she just nursed them as best she could. She would phone ahead and tell Sark to have someone ready when she returned to Cyprus. She knew he would want to know if she got the information she was supposed to get, and she couldn’t wait to tell him and her mother that she had gotten more then they had hoped for.