The following is a love story. We know Vaughn is married, living in Virginia and working at Langley. Wife, Lauren Reed, has a job with the NSC. Her father and mother live on a horse farm a few miles away. However, it is not about Vaughn, but about Sydney whose heart was broken when she returned from a two-year absence to find him married. (These are facts noted in my stories NOT as they are on the Alias show.)
Most of our readers are Sydney/Vaughn shippers, but let us not forget, that sauce for the goose can be sauce for the gander. There is no reason now for Sydney to wait; to put her life on hold waiting. She is young, lovely, and can find a new love.
JJ Abrams owns all the characters, except the ones I develop.

THE ERRANT HEART

Part One – Moscow

The Bristows entered their apartment building. Sydney had her own apartment upstairs and left them. Grigor had turned up the fire in the heating stove. There was plenty of food packed into the refrigerator. The cupboards were filled with almost everything Irena would need. Jack shook his head. The man was a treasure. He had never met anyone so devoted.

“I hope you pay him well,” he chuckled. He looked at his wife checking the cupboards.

“With an absolute certainty, Jack, he is a very good man.”

“Is he married?”

“Yes, and lives here in the building. He has three boys and a girl. A very productive man is my Grigor.” She laughed.

Jack liked the sound of that laughter. He had not heard it since she left him in nineteen eighty-two. She was standing with her back to him. He walked to her now, pulling her to him. His arms went under hers and he clasped them at her waist.
He kissed the back of her neck.

“I love you, Mrs. Bristow. I dearly love you more than…”

She turned slowly so that his hands were at her back. She looked into his eyes, searching his face and then put her head on his shoulder. “I could stay this way forever,” she whispered.

The cell phone rang. “Damn it,” said Jack.

He reached out for the cell phone on the counter behind her. He snapped it open, “Yes?”

He grinned. “It’s Jan Riffkovsky. He’s back from Irkutsk. Wants to know if Sydney’s here?”

Irina smiled. “Give him her number. He can talk to her directly. Oh, ask him if he’d like to come to dinner here tonight?”

Jack spoke into the cell, listened, then closed the connection. “He says he would be very pleased. As I remember, you were not the best cook in the world. You don’t plan on anything spectacular, do you?”

She laughed, “No, but Grigor is excellent cook. He’ll fix dinner for us tonight.” She took the cell and punched in some numbers.

Promptly at eight, there was a knock on the Bristow’s door. Jack opened it to find Sydney with Jan standing behind her. He took Jan’s greatcoat and told Sydney her mother was dressing and would be out shortly.

“Can I fix you a drink?” Jack asked, taking their coats. There was noise from the kitchen.

“I thought you said Mom was dressing,” said Sydney puzzled.

“She is. That’s our chef.” Jack put the coats on hooks near the door. “He’s fixing dinner.”

“Who?” Sydney was startled.

“Grigor! He is--” Jack didn’t finish, because both Sydney and Jan hurried to the kitchen. Sydney pulled open the door, a grin on her face. It was obvious she loved the big man, who had shared in their adventures to the point she thought of him as family.

Jack went to the bar. Irina had recently added it to the furniture in the living room area. He fixed drinks for them all, knowing what his family enjoyed and remembering Jan’s favorite, Stoly neat. A moment later, Irina walked in from the bedroom wearing a red dress that had never seen the inside of a dressing room at a Russian department store. He smiled in appreciation of her stunning look. His heart was on fire.

“Irina,” he handed her the Absolut, “you are so beautiful.” He kissed her on the cheek.

“Wow, Mom!” exclaimed Sydney who had come back into the living room. She herself was wearing a plain black dress with a pearl choker. Jan’s eyebrows shot up as he saw Irina, but he said nothing.

Dinner was long and filled with reminisces, especially between Irina and Sydney. They were careful not to mention the Magnificent Order of Rambaldi, but Sydney was recalling their adventure with the little box, which Irina had ‘hidden’ in plain sight at the Hermitage. Sydney sent by SD-6 to steal it, was caught by Irina. Jack knew the details and Jan didn’t, so their story fascinated him.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to see more of the city,” said Sydney. “Every time I was there it was for some specific purpose.”

“Then, Anna, let me show you the most beautiful city in all of Russia. I was born there. My parents still live there. It would make my heart so joyful to see your face as we visit.” He took her hand in his large one, staring at her in earnest.

“You were born there?” Sydney was surprised. She hadn’t even known his parents were still alive. She realized she knew very little about him personally.

Jack studied Jan’s boyish face. It had come alive when he was talking to his daughter. He certainly had nothing against the young man who was perhaps a year or so older than Sydney. Irina’s hand rested on top of Jack’s and she too was watching the pair with some amusement.

“Dad,” Sydney’s face was shining, “I know we have to go to Langley. Do I have to go now or—can it wait?”

Jack glanced at Irina, then back at Sydney. They had to see The Master, especially after seeing the painting at the Vatican Museum. “I think we will go tomorrow, then. It should take two days. Then you can do whatever you want.”

After Sydney left for the U. S. with Jack, Irina found the quiet the perfect respite from all the excitement. The next day, she was standing at the window looking out toward the Kremlin feeling somewhat uneasy and did not know why. The peace she had enjoyed the past few weeks was ebbing away. In its place, a sense of foreboding filled her.

Three days later Jack and Sydney returned to Russia. Jack had retired and Sydney had quit. She was not sorry to leave. From the age of nineteen, almost twelve years, she had been involved in the intelligence business. It had cost her Danny Hecht, who was murdered because she told him about SD-6 which she thought then was part of the CIA. It had cost her Francie, her best friend, also murdered and Will, who was nearly killed before being found bleeding from a stab wound. He was no longer a journalist, but was, she learned at Langley, a senior analyst for the CIA. It had cost her Vaughn when she disappeared from Kashmir. He had mourned her loss, but eventually married another woman, Lauren Reed.

She and Jack entered the Bristow’s apartment in the late afternoon. Grigor had picked them up at the airport after the flight from Washington D.C. They found Irina at the kitchen table folding clothes. Sydney blinked and Jack stared. Irina Derevko playing housewife was astounding.

“What?” she looked at them, “you think I don’t know how?” She laughed. “Did you think I forgot the ten years I was wife and mother?”

“To tell you the truth,” said Sydney, “it never occurred to me you ever did something so ordinary.”

“If I don’t do it, who would see to it that my gallivanting family has clean underwear? Did every thing turn out all right?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Jack took papers from his inside coat pocket. “My retirement is complete. I took your advice and had my checks sent to the bank you recommended.”

“Good.” She lifted the pile of clothing and walked towards the bedroom. “Oh, by the way Sydney, Jan wanted to know if you were back. Call him. Number is on the pad by the cell.”

The next day Sydney was gone. She and Jan left by car to go to St. Petersburg. Irina arranged for Grigor to drive the couple, but he was to return. Sydney said she and Jan didn’t know how long they would be visiting. Both agreed she needed time away from Rambaldi and the mystery surrounding his artifacts. Sloane had disappeared with his billions. Jack thought he would resurface, but had no idea when.


St. Petersburg

Grigor drove them to the center of St. Petersburg to the Grand Hotel Europe. Irina had made the reservation to insure Sydney had a good room. After she registered, Grigor drove them to an apartment building where Jan said his parents resided. The apartments were like most: old but still serviceable. Cars belonging to the occupants were parked inside a square and the apartment building, three sometimes four stories, surrounded it. Most of them had no elevators, so those who dwelled in the apartment’s upper floors had to walk up.

Sydney kissed Grigor on both cheeks and got a rather tight hug from him. Jan thanked him for driving them.

“Treat her well, Major!” His voice rumbled ominously. He liked Jan, but his love and loyalty were to Irina and her family, especially Sydney.

“Da,” Jan smiled and shook his hand firmly.

Jan took their bags and led the way. His parents were on the second floor. Sydney looked at everything, the stairs, the hall, even the walls. During the Communist rule, the city was called Leningrad, but in 1991, the people voted to return to the old name. The tourist industry was booming as people from all over the world came to see one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

The door opened at his knock and a tall man, who looked like an older Jan, stood there looking at him. Then his aged face broke into a wide smile. He grasped his son’s hand, pulled him into his arms, and hugged him.

“Jan, my son! You are looking good!” He kissed him on both cheeks; then he noticed Sydney standing, a little shyly, behind Jan. He looked at his son. “This is your wife? It is about time you got married. Your mother and I want grandchildren, lots of them.”

Sydney blushed. Jan turned red and pulled her inside. “No Papa, this is my American friend, Anna Derevko.” Jan still had a hard time with Sydney’s first name, so he just continued calling her by her middle name. She didn’t care, because she understood his predicament and told him she was fine with the name. It was her grandmother’s name also.

“American?” He looked puzzled. “She has Russian name?”

Jan helped Sydney off with her coat. “She’s half Russian! Her mother is Irina Derevko.” He had told his father of his adventure in Kashmir with the Americans over two years ago.

His father, Nicolai, took Sydney and kissed her on both cheeks. “Welcome, little Anna, to our home.”

Jan took Sydney’s hand and led her to the old-fashioned sofa. He kept her hand in his, occasionally squeezing it to reassure her that he was not leaving her alone. His mother, who had been in the kitchen, joined them. Sydney loved her within minutes of meeting her. She was so unlike Irina, it was impossible to compare them. She stood about five three. Her name was Natasha Gordova. Her hair was graying a little and she was probably fifty pounds overweight. Her blue eyes sparkled and the love she had for her son was obvious.

Jan told them he was there to show Anna the city in all its magnificence. She had been here before on business that left no time for sightseeing. Now she wanted to see the city, as he knew it. He was on leave from his duties, so here they were. Sydney was staying at the Grand Hotel Europe.

“We are going to see everything we can,” declared Jan, grinning at Sydney.

Sydney was enchanted. She had never been in such a fairyland. Jan was a prince and she, a princess in waiting. He took her everywhere. There was so much history in this magnificent Russian city of Peter the Great. It had been the capitol of all of Russia for two hundred years and it sparkled for Sydney and Jan. The air was crisp, clean, and bright. The sun made the palaces and cathedrals glitter.

He took her first to see The Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. It was his favorite cathedral. It was astoundingly beautiful. The church looked as though it were made entirely of mosaics, inside and out. Yellows, reds, greens, blues, and gold everywhere she looked. He sat with her on a bench across the small square facing the church. Behind them was a huge open market where tourists and Russians came to shop for trinkets, souvenirs and even some food. Sydney kept looking around her in awe.

“It’s—it’s stunning. I can’t believe that there is so much beauty. Come Jan, let’s go inside. Tell me who was so famous that they built this church on his ‘spilled blood:”

“Tsar Alexander II in 1881,” he answered, taking her hand in his and hurrying across the street. “Killed by assassins on that spot.”

They toured the church then hopped into a taxi, heading for other magnificent sights in the city. The taxi turned onto Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s festive main boulevard that contained most of the shops, department stores, hotels, and restaurants. This included a McDonald’s, much to Sydney’s dismay. They stopped half way down, got out, and started walking. They stopped in the new Cafe SSSR for something to eat.

After lunch, walking hand in hand, he took her to see the monument of Catherine the Great, located in a small garden between the Public Library and the Alexandrinsky Theater. They sat at the foot of the statue. Jan told her some of the history and romance of the city’s greatest and most progressive monarch.

“Tonight, Anna, we are going to the Mariinsky Theatre to see a ballet. I heard your mother say one time she had taken you for lessons when you very little.”

Sydney smiled. “I’d love that.”

They went to many places during the next few days, ballet, soccer game, museums including the famous Hermitage. He took her out to dinner. He took her out to Peterhof, where Peter the Great loved to relax. They strolled along the spectacular Grand Cascade and Water Avenue with an unequalled collection of magnificent fountains and canals. It was a fairyland, Sydney decided. She was in love with the city and its suburbs.

On the fifth evening, Sydney kissed him. He held her and thoroughly kissed her. She caught her breath. Her heart began to beat wildly. They stood together looking at each other. She leaned against him, a little confused but enjoying the moment. It had been so long since she felt this way. She looked into his face and saw the desire in his eyes. He kissed her again, gently pulling her chin up.

“Come inside, Jan. Spend the night with me.” She unlocked the door her heart pounding.

“You mean it, my Anna?” He said, hoping he had heard her correctly.

“Yes,” she whispered. She led him inside, shutting the door behind them. “I want you to kiss me again and again.”

He took her in his arms and followed orders. Five minutes later, he led her to the bed and began undressing her. Sydney was on fire. He kissed her after removing her blouse, on her shoulders, her breasts, between them, and then the nipples.

“Oh God, Jan, please,” she whispered, her hands were busy at his belt.

“Do not be in a hurry!” He finished taking off her slacks, leaving just her briefs. He kissed her over her heart, down her abdomen, his hands on both sides of the briefs, pulling them down, still kissing her.

Sydney felt heat, she had never felt before, even with Vaughn, was consuming her. She watched him leave the rest of his clothes on the floor. He picked her up and deposited her on bed between the sheets and then, breathing heavy, climbed in next to her, and took her into his arms.

Sydney awakened the next morning to find Jan gone from her side. Then she heard him in the shower and fell back relieved. She sat up, leaning back on her elbows, as Jan came back into the room. He grinned at her as he started putting on his clothes.

“So Anna, are you happy?”

“You could make me happier.” She gazed at his muscular body, savoring the memory of what that body had done to her last night. The sheet fell away slowly to reveal her breasts. She was still in need. It had been a long time.

He laughed, “No, time for shower. I have things to do and you can come with me or—stay here, alone.”

She jumped out of bed and when passing him, slapped him lightly on the buttocks. “Okay, I’ll come with you. You, however, must promise to make me even happier than you did last night and I want you to move in here with me today.”

He grabbed her and kissed her.

“Stop that!” she whispered, “or neither of us will go anywhere!”

They spent the evening at his parent’s apartment. They had dinner late and Sydney sparkled in conversation with them and in her flirtation with their son. They in turn were taking great pleasure in the obvious blossoming love between the two young people. Nicolai wondered how long it would be before they married. Natasha warned him not to be pushy. He might scare the American into fleeing.

In their hotel room, now that he had moved in with her, Sydney allowed herself to be undressed by Jan, who seemed to take even more time than last night. Sydney was in seventh heaven as his foreplay surpassed that of any man she had loved, even Vaughn and Danny. Where in the world had he learned this extensive sensual act?

As Jan kissed her shoulders, back, and her buttocks, he shrugged off the rest of his clothing. No woman, he thought, had ever made him as fulfilled and happy. Anna was every bit the woman he ever hoped to have as wife and mother of his children. Could he dare hope she would be his? He held her close enough to hear her heart beating next to his. Jan bent his head down to kiss her thoroughly and fully. She welcomed his mouth and kissed him back with such desire it drove him to pull her onto the bed.

The days and nights passed almost too fast. A couple of days they did not go out at all until evening. Sydney was the envy of every young woman who saw Jan. He was blond, blue eyed, tall and muscular and in his Special Forces uniform, magnificent. Jan, too, was the envy of the men they met. With Sydney on his arm, they were a striking couple wherever they went.

One day, while watching the boats on the Neva River, he took her hand in his and studied her face, his own demeanor serious. She smiled. “Now what could possibly make you so serious, Jan?”

“Anna, I—I am so in love with you, I cannot bear the thought of losing you.” He kissed her hand, holding it to his heart. “I am sometimes feeling inadequate. You are so worldly. You are,” he glanced at her slyly, “very dangerous woman.”

Sydney laughed. “Me? Dangerous?” She placed her other hand on the side of his face, leaned up, and kissed him on the cheek. “You are my golden knight who has rescued me from the doldrums and made me live again.”

He kissed the palm of her hand. “You also are the woman of my dreams. I love you.” He put her hands to her sides, took her face in his, and kissed her. “I want to marry you.” He said the words hesitantly and felt his heart racing with fear of rejection.

Sydney stared at him, marriage? When she was with Vaughn, he never mentioned marriage! Danny had proposed in that goofy, but adorable way. Now here was a man who had only known her three weeks and he was proposing marriage. She saw the fear in his eyes and his face. Her own heart was racing. She knew he adored her. He treated her with such respect. She had a fleeting thought. Given who her parents were, he had better, or the consequences could be grave. Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the thought disappeared. It was her life and these three weeks had been glorious.

“Yes, Jan!” She felt herself lifted off her feet and whirled around. He put her down, his smile so broad it seemed to light up his entire face.

“You said yes? Yes?” He cried. His arms wrapped around her until she couldn’t breathe. He turned and shouted to no one in particular, “She said yes! I love her!”

Sydney’s face filled with another huge smile. “Jan, calm down! All of St. Petersburg doesn’t have to know.”

At that moment, however, walking near by was a man who was on his way to the American consulate. He turned when Jan had shouted the news to anyone close enough to hear. He saw the Russian Special Forces man with a girl who looked familiar. He frowned as he searched his memory for a match to her face. Suddenly he had it. The young woman was Sydney Bristow, a CIA intelligence agent. He hurried on toward the consulate. He would be filing a report with the next dispatch. Now, how had she become involved with a Russian officer and why?

Meanwhile Jan held Sydney in his arms. “I will get you engagement ring!”

“You don’t need to do that? Is that what they do here in Russia?”

“No, but I read Americans and other people do.” He grinned. “I want you to have everything.”

“Jan, it isn’t necessary. Whatever is right for a Russian couple is okay with me. After all, I’m half Russian.” She looked up into his eyes.

“No, come with me. We go to see my father’s friend, Boris. He is jeweler. He find us a nice ring.”

Thirty minutes later, their taxi pulled up to a small storefront just off the other end of the Nevsky Prospekt. Jan led Sydney into the store. There wasn’t much on display. Jan explained that jewelers in Russia did not like putting their goods out where everyone could see them. There were far too many robberies. A door opened at the rear of the small room and an elderly man of about sixty walked slowly out. His face brightened when he saw Jan.

“Jan Riffkovsky, how you have grown. Look at you, a Special Forces officer. How are your parents?”

“Fine. I need a ring.” Jan did not want to waste time in small talk. He was eager to find a ring for his Anna.

10“Then it must be for this beautiful woman by your side?”

“Yes. I want an engagement ring.”

Boris smiled at the couple. “I’ll bring some out for you to see. How much money do you want to spend?”

“Just bring out the rings.” Jan waved his hand.

A half hour later, Jan and Boris agreed on a price for a small delicate ring adorned with a single one-carat diamond. Sydney was thrilled with the choice. She did not interfere with Jan and Boris’ dealing. He was so happy to be doing this for her. She did not have the heart to tell Jan that the man usually bought the ring without the girl being along.

When the two men were finished, Boris took Sydney’s right hand and kissed it. Then he stared at the ring she wore on her fourth finger. Ten years ago, a jeweler in Amsterdam had given it to her as a gift when she visited his shop. She was on mission for Sloane then to pick up a Rambaldi artifact. The old jeweler had taken a fancy to her and given her the ring, which he said was an antique gathering dust in a corner of a shelf.

“That is a very striking ring. I have never seen one like it!”

“A friend gave that to me about ten years ago.” She smiled. “It’s just a zircon.”

“Is it?” Boris brought out his jeweler’s magnification glass. “May I?”

“Sure!” She allowed him to study the ring. He gasped then stared at her in wonder. “What?”

“Young lady, someone played a very expensive trick on you and I think I would be careful of that ring, very careful.” A thin sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead. He took out a handkerchief and wiped it.

“What are you saying,” Jan asked.

“That ring has the biggest diamond I have ever seen. Furthermore, it is perfect. No flaws and the emerald cut make it worth more.”

Sydney gaped at him. “That’s not possible. He – he, the jeweler, said it was worthless. It was just an old piece of costume jewelry.”

“Wait here.” He hurried into the back room, returning in less than a minute with a sheet of glass. “You take the ring and run it across the glass!”

Sydney did as he requested and gasped when a deep scratch appeared. The diamond remained unharmed. She looked at Jan, who stared back at her then at Boris. “What do you think its worth?”

“I would say in the neighborhood of – of…” He stopped. “No, I really cannot say. You need to take it to an appraiser. This is a diamond of great worth. It is at least ten carats. You must be careful with it.”

Sydney suddenly felt uncomfortable wearing the ring. Damn, why had he told her it was worth a lot of money? She was confused. How could the old jeweler make a mistake like this, giving her a diamond ring instead of the zircon? She tried to put it behind her. She was engaged and they were on their way to see his parents. Oh dear, she thought, what will Mom and Dad think? All thoughts about the ring left her as she wondered what her parents would say when they returned to Moscow.

***
Well now, isn't this going to frost MV's pumpkin!

oh, you've done a very dangerous thing here lenafan, not only is Syd not with Vaughn, she's with an ...original character! :thud:

Needless to say loving it thus far.

Hee!

Grigor is definitely a man of many talents, I wonder where I can find a Grigor of my own?

I am a S/V shipper, however I still enjoyed that. Please post more soon.

Thanks for the pm.

I loved seeing Sydney so happy.

I wonder what her parents are going to think ....

hmmm...I can't help but worry about the man who saw Jan and Sydney/Anna on the streets of St. Petersburg. I just know he's going to cause trouble...shoot! :angry:
And just when Sydney is full of happiness, which she so deserves.
And what about the ten carot diamond that Sydney thought was a zircon? What's up with that, eh? :huh:
Another wonderful story, lenafan. I love the fact that Sydney has found love and with a person who seems to be perfect for her. :wub:
Thanks for the pm. Looking forward to the next part of The Errant Heart.
EspionageFan
:ph43r:

psst... read "Moments in Time".

That was brilliant, I love it already. yay for Syd and Jan, but I have a feeling that ring is gonna get them in a lot of trouble or that guy heading for the consulate. wauw I really can;t wait for more, please hurry???? and thanks for pm.

Part 2
Moscow

Jack sat at the dining table, wearing pajamas and slippers. He was reading Pravda. Irina was shopping with Grigor until it was time to pick up Sydney and Jan. She decided she should learn where to buy necessary items for their everyday living. Since Grigor more or less managed the household up until now, Irina realized she had a lot to learn. She was even taking some cooking lessons from the big affable chauffer-cook and bodyguard. These past three weeks with Jack had been wonderful, aside from an occasional uneatable dish Irina prepared.

Sydney had called the night before to tell them she and Jan were coming home today. Her voice had been fresh, light, and excited. Irina, who was listening in, her ear next to the cell Jack held, raised her eyebrows.

“She’s in love,” Irina said.

Jack shook his head. “Now, how can you possibly know that?”

“Easy, I’m her mother!” She challenged him. “Don’t get huffy with me, Jack. She’s in love with Jan. It’s about time she had some happiness.”

“What makes you think I’m going to be huffy?” He then remembered their first adventure as a family, when they went to Kashmir together. He was not nice to her then. He laughed. “All right, I won’t get huffy.”

Jack finished the paper and emptied his cup. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was almost time for Irina and Grigor to pick up Sydney. They would be home soon and he would know then if Irina was right. He muttered to himself, realizing in all honesty that Sydney was her own woman, free of dangers, and quite able to make decisions regarding her life without any interference from him—or Irina. He headed for the bedroom to shower, shave, and dress. At least he could complete his toilet without Irina. That damned heart gave her far too much energy—for everything.

He had just slipped on his shoes where he heard activity from the living room. Jack entered to find Sydney, Jan, Irina, and Grigor, whose arms were filled with packages, all talking at once. Their daughter was glowing. Jan was beaming.

“Jack, hurry, Sydney wants to tell us something and won’t do it without you.” Irina cried. She knew what it was, because she had seen the ring. Still she knew Sydney wanted to tell them both at the same time.

“Sweetheart,” Jack put his arm around Irina’s shoulders, “tell us, before your mother has a stroke.” That would be the day, he thought wryly.

“We’re engaged,” Sydney announced shyly, her hand holding Jan’s. “We want to get married soon.”

“Whatever you want,” said Jack, squeezing Irina. “Have you picked out a date? Or do you want a simple civil ceremony?”

It turned out not to be a simple civil ceremony. Over dinner, Sydney and Jan told them about their adventures in St. Petersburg. Sydney also loved the great city. Irina gleaned from her words that Jan’s favorite church was The Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. Irina knew the church and thought it would be a wonderful place to hold a small, but spectacular wedding.

Working at a speed not seen before among wedding planners, Irina had the entire event planned in a week. She used her father to obtain the church for two hours on a Friday morning. It would close to all tourists during that time. She found a priest. She took Sydney shopping and allowed her daughter to pick out the dress she wanted. Irina did not interfere. Jack went with Jan to get the weddings bands. Jan was going to wear his dress uniform. He asked Aleksey to be his best man since he had no brothers and all his good friends were scattered about the immense country on various assignments. Sydney asked Sophia, Aleksey’s wife, to be her matron of honor. Everyone would fly up on Irina’s personal jet.


St. Petersburg

Irina rented two Rossi suites and two Lidvall suites at the Grand Europe Hotel. Sydney, Jan and his parents, who joined the wedding party at the hotel, were in awe of the grandeur. The suites were huge, furnished in the classical style with antique oil paintings, clocks, and decorative ornaments. Each suite had an entrance hall, guest bathroom, an anteroom, and a master bedroom with its own bathroom. The wedding was to take place in three days.
They went to the church for a brief rehearsal with the priest who had been stunned when Irina said they had the use of it for two hours on the coming Friday. He had never known this to happen before, at least within his memory. Everyone was impressed by the gorgeous interior. In candlelight, the mosaic walls took on a special glow that made Sydney feel so loved, by not only Jan, but also her parents, his parents and everyone in wedding party.
The evening before the wedding, Irina planned a special surprise. Sydney had told Irina she wanted the wedding dinner for everyone before the actual event. She was taking Jan to Hawaii for their honeymoon and had to leave by noon on Friday. With the General’s help, two additional people would be attending the dinner and the wedding the next day. They had been on assignment elsewhere. Jack too had planned a surprise for Sydney, with Irina’s approval. Will Tippin was flying in from the U. S. for the dinner and the wedding.

Late that afternoon, Irina received a call from the front desk. Two women were downstairs. Would she receive them?

“Of course, send them up.” She called to Jack who was dressing. “Jack, they’ve arrived.”

Jack came out of the master suite, carrying one shoe. “Do you want to call Sydney?”

“I thought I should introduce them to you first, then…”

There was a knock on the door. Irina ran to the door, throwing it open. “Katya! Elena.” She kissed both, turned and brought them into the room. “Jack, my sisters.”

Sydney and Jan spent the afternoon wandering along the pedestrian walk near the Neva River. The weather was cool and crisp. The people they met meaningless as they had eyes only for each other. Tomorrow they would be husband and wife. Sydney had asked him where he wanted to live.

“Sweetheart,” he said, “I am a soldier. I cannot be home all the time. They will send me on errands, actions, whatever is my call to duty. We must be practical. I want you where you will be safe. I want you to stay at your apartment in Moscow.” He turned her around and looked into her face. “Promise me you won’t be troublesome about this?”

“No, darling, I won’t.” Sydney would have followed him anywhere. She had a feeling however, that he was right. He could be sent away any moment for long periods. She would rather be close to her parents – and Grigor. It felt safer.

They continued their walk, turning toward Nevsky Prospekt and the hotel. Sydney noticed it was getting dark fast. The dinner was scheduled for eight o’clock in the hotel’s finest dining room, Europe Restaurant, in one of the private alcoves. Sydney remembered her mother had said something about a surprise. They entered the hotel and Sydney saw someone she hadn’t expected.

“Will,” she screamed, running into his arms as he turned. Jan hurried up behind her.

The American man held Sydney tightly. “Syd, you look wonderful.”

“Are you the surprise Mom promised?” She stepped back into Jan’s embrace.

Will laughed, “No, I believe Jack called me. I was to be a surprise though. Jack said you needed someone from the U. S. to represent all your friends back home. Weiss and Dixon send their love and best wishes.” He patted his inside jacket. “I’ve a few cards to give you later.”

“Where are you staying,” asked Sydney?

“Here. Your father made the reservation.” He looked around the huge room. “This is fantastic.”

“Does Dad know you’ve arrived?”

“No, but I have to check in first. I’ll call him.” He looked at Jan. “I take it this is the lucky groom?”

“Yes, but we’re late too. We must get dressed. You two can talk later.” She took Jan by the hand and led him toward the elevators.


Jack was fascinated. He spent two hours listening to the three Derevko sisters trading stories about their lives. He could not believe Irina had kept this from Sydney or him for so long. He already knew there were sisters; when Irina left him and Sydney in 1982, he had done a lot of checking through contacts he had in Russia. He found out she had siblings, but that was all. Now he knew why. They were SVR operatives out in the field. He did not ask where they had been or what they were doing. He was retired and didn’t much care anymore. His commitment was to his marriage and his wife.

Katya and Elena had given him the once over thoroughly. The idea that Irina never forgot her husband and child during the twenty years they were separated seemed strange until they saw them together. As they sat on the sofa, Jack’s left arm held Irina close and her right hand rested lightly on his thigh. Katya glanced at Elena who met it with a “still in love, aren’t they?” look.

Though they couldn’t talk ‘shop’, they did talk about their childhood, growing up in Moscow. Katya was three years younger than Irina who was fifty-four and Elena was seven years younger.
“Where’s my niece,” Katya finally asked.

As if to answer the question, there was a knock on the door and Irina got up to admit Sydney and Jan. Bringing the pair back into the room, she said, “Sydney, these are my sisters, your aunts: Katya and Elena.”

“Oh my God, I’ve got relatives?” She left Jan and ran to both women, who had stood up. She hugged each of them, tears falling down her cheeks. “I have aunts.” She wiped her eyes. “Mom, why haven’t you told me before this?”

“Hummm, she never told us how beautiful a daughter she had either. Must have gotten your beauty from your father’s side,” said Katya, one eye on Irina, who found a cushion at hand and threw it at her. Katya laughed.

Elena received her hug from her niece with an aching heart. She couldn’t believe how beautiful Sydney Bristow was. She herself was about five nine, long light brown hair, and dark eyes. Katya was the short one in the family, taking after her mother. Her hair was cut short and much darker than her sisters. She was in possession of a wry sense of humor that could rankle. The three had not seen each other for over three years, not since Irina walked in to the CIA.

Sydney sat down between her aunts and started talking a mile a minute. Jan didn’t move until Jack motioned for him to join him on the sofa. “Might as well get comfortable, they’ll be chatting for the next hour and well into dinner.” Jack looked approvingly at his son-in-law to be. “Patience is needed when a gaggle of females start talking.”

At eight, the six of them walked into the Europe Restaurant’s reservation alcove to find General Probukov, Natasha and Nicolai Riffkovsky, and Will Tippin waiting. Mikhail and Will had been talking about the Kashmir adventure. Details were not discussed about the most recent activities of the Bristows, but Will did learn Irina and Jack had both retired from their respective intelligence agencies. He knew about Jack, but did not remember being told about Irina. He wondered how many at Langley knew this.


It was midnight when Sydney and Jan returned to their room. They kissed as soon as the door closed behind them. Clothes were strewn across the floor as they headed for the master bedroom.

“We have to get up early,” whispered Sydney, as Jan kissed her.

“Stand still,” he ordered. “Not to move.” He kissed her breasts sucking on her nipples. His hands were busy at the same time, stroking her lightly up and down her back, across her buttocks and down her thighs. She whimpered. He kissed her everywhere: nipples, breasts, neck, moving down to her abdomen and further. She moaned with anticipation. Jan lifted her up.

The next morning, Irina went to Sydney’s room. She brought with her something blue. It was a tradition in America, for the bride to have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. She knew brides loved this particular tradition. Sydney opened the door. Jan had gone on an errand.

“Mom!” She hugged her.

“I brought you a blue garter to wear. Have you the other things?”

“Sophia let me borrow a pair of hose and I have a new dress. I also have my antique ring.” Sydney put her hand out and Irina saw the ring she had provided the stone for so many years ago.

“Perfect.” Irina smiled, remembering her dealings with the old jeweler in Amsterdam.

“Funny thing,” Sydney said, staring at the ring. “Boris, the jeweler who sold Jan my engagement ring, told me someone had played an expensive joke on me. He said it was a real emerald cut diamond close to ten carats. He didn’t tell me anything other than I should get it appraised.”

“Did you?” Irina asked.

“Yes. It’s worth millions!” Sydney stared at Irina calmly. “You sent this to me, didn’t you, for my twenty-first birthday?”

“Sydney, I…” Irina looked into her daughter’s eyes. She couldn’t lie to her. “Yes.”

“Where…how did you find this diamond?”

Irina gathered Sydney into her arms and held her. “That is of no concern to you now. I did not steal this from a safe or from any one person. I picked it up in my travels in South Africa.” She told Sydney only sparse facts. Irina managed the black ops for SVR for ten years and it was not common knowledge where she went or how she came about funds, she transferred regularly into Russian banks.

. “This is your ring. No one will ever come looking for it.” She gave Sydney a hug. “Now finish dressing. The wedding is only a half hour away.”

The wedding was perfect. The guest list selected friends and family. Everyone was crying by the time it was over including the bride’s mother. Sydney Anna Bristow was now the wife of Major Jan Riffkovsky. The entire wedding party moved out to the front steps of the church. Sydney and Jan stood framed in the doors. TV reporters and cameras were outside waiting. They had been tipped that a special wedding was taking place at the Church on Spilled Blood. An American woman was marrying a Russian Special Forces officer. As cameras filmed the scene, the reporters observed the groom was in his dress uniform and the bride wore a cream-colored silk dress. Jack and Irina, meanwhile, slipped out of the church through another door with Katya and Elena. The General, however, stood prominently proud with his granddaughter and her new husband.

An hour later, Grigor drove the couple to the airport. Sydney and Jan were going to Hawaii for their honeymoon, staying at the cabana the Bristows owned at the Moana.

Jack had his arm about Irina, watching Sydney go. There was a single tear running down his face. They had gone through so much when Irina left them and they had been through a lot since she returned to their lives. He felt overwhelmingly tired. He thought he could sleep for a week.

“She’s gone,” said Irina. “You raised our daughter so well. I think she is truly happy for the first time in many years.”

“Thank you.” He looked at her. “I’m exhausted.”

“Then we shall retire early tonight.” Irina smiled, a knowing smiled on her face. “We will sleep.”

Moscow

Jack awakened about one in the morning. Irina was not in bed. He threw his robe over his body and walked out into the apartment to find her standing at the window in the living room staring out at the Kremlin. He put his arm around her shoulders. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure, but I’ve been uneasy for several weeks and don’t know why. We have to go to see the Master.” She turned to look at him. “There is something very wrong.”

“Then we’ll go. Do you want to tell Sydney or should we just leave a note.”

“We’ll leave Grigor here. He can tell her.” She kissed him lightly on the mouth. “I do love you, Jack Bristow, tattoo, and all.”

FINI

***Author’s Note: I am not sure when it will begin, but a working title for a follow-up serial The Di Regno Effect is The Rambaldi Stone. B)

What a good story. I kept waiting for something to happen to break up the happiness and am grateful that nothing did! :)
So glad the SpyFam has found peace and contentment...but wait!
What could be making Irina uneasy? :blink:
Looking forward to reading The Rambaldi Stone.
Congratulations on finishing your final, lenafan. :reallyexcited:
And thank you for the PM
EspionageFan
:ph43r:

nice story and good build up for rambaldi stone

cannot wait!! B)

Bren

yay, that was beautiful, but why such a evil cliffy. aside from that it was quite brilliant, and very sweet. can't wait to read more concerning this little tale. and thanks for pm.

Another good cliffhanger ....

I wonder what will happen in the next serial in this saga.

Awwwwww :wub:

and

eep!

Awesome ending.

Thanks for the pm.