Don't own Chuck

Previous Chuck stories and order: 1 Chuck vs Charles, 2 Chuck vs the Love Boat, 3 Chuck vs The Rock, 4 Chuck vs Amtrak, 5 Chuck vs The Dictator, 6 Chuck vs The Name, 7 Chuck vs The Volcano, 8 Chuck vs The Ghost, 9 Chuck vs The Shooter, 10 Chuck vs The Package, 11 Chuck vs The Jade Dragon, 12 Chuck vs Jai-Alai, 13 Chuck vs The Greek, 14 Chuck vs The Suitcase, 15 Chuck vs The Pirate, 16 Chuck vs The Toy Maker, 17 Chuck vs The Sibyl, 18 Chuck vs The House, 19 Chuck vs The Heist, 20 Chuck vs The A-Bomb, 21 Chuck vs The Snowman, 22 Chuck vs The Tin Man, 23 Chuck vs The Baguette, 24 Chuck vs The Black Knight, 25 Chuck vs The Merchant of Venice, 26 Chuck vs Electric Sheep, 27 Chuck vs The Band, 28 Chuck vs The Cold

Everyone was at home and the holidays were behind them. Chuck and Casey each received a nice bottle of vodka along with the thanks of Stefan's wife and kids. Naturally the Russian government denied any involvement and that their people were simply trying to break up a smuggling operation. However, Anatoly got the powers to be to thank Chuck or better Juri for assisting turning it into a joint terrorist operation. There was the usual promise of medals but Chuck received reward enough when Stefan's wife called him on Orthodox Christmas to thank Sarah and him.

"You know Sweetie, I don't want to come off sounding jealous but you and Casey got vodka then you received thanks from the FSB. I'm the one that did all the heavy lifting. Right here with these arms," said Sarah as she flexed her muscles while sitting in bed with Chuck.

"Well I for one am grateful and I'm willing to show you just how grateful I am," said Chuck as he rolled over putting his arms around her kissing her.

"I appreciate that but Sweetie you're still convalescing," she said as she kissed him back. "I've got to go in a little while to pick up Emma and Molly at the airport.

"You didn't mention Jack. Is that some Freudian slip meaning you plan on leaving him at the arrival gate? Like a kitten left out in the rain?" said Chuck as he made a sad face.

"If Jack looks like a kitten left out in the rain you'd better be checking to make sure you still have your wallet."

"I don't know why they came. Don't get me wrong I'm glad they're here but if it's to help out I'm fine and we've got Sam covered with Kat."

"No you're not fine. The Doctor told you he still wanted to look in your lungs for scaring before he'd sign off on your fit for duty."

"That's scheduled for the day after tomorrow and like I said I feel fine. Come here," he said as he grabbed her pulling her close kissing her. The alarm on his bedside table went off then they heard the sound of little feet running down the hall.

"Hold up," yelled Alex but Sam was too quick. She ran into the bedroom with half a glass of water in a plastic glass.

"Yuck wawa," said Sam as she forced the glass at Chuck spilling some one him.

"I think someone is trying to tell you it's time you take your medicine," said Sarah laughing. "Don't make the doctor mad."

"Sorry guys, but I think she's conditioned to the alarm. Be careful in the hall," said Alex. "The glass started out full."

"I'll take care of it," said Sarah as she got up. "I need to get ready anyway. Sweetie, take your antibiotic." Chuck took his pills as Sam watched. He almost choked trying not to laugh. Sam standing there watching him was like when he was in the agency asylum and it was time to take medication.

"See all done," said Chuck after he swallowed his pills. "You are the cutest turnkey." Sam looked at him perplexed. "Oh, just come here," he said as he grabbed her up and tickled her. Sam laughed and giggled as she tried to break free then she got off the bed and ran to the door smiling she looked back at him from the door.

"Yuck bad," said Sam. Alex called her to come and get ready so she laughed turned then ran back down the hall.

"I'm taking her with me you're supposed to be resting. I don't know which one of you is that toddler sometimes," said Sarah as she put her earrings in. Chuck got up out of bed and zipped up the back of her dress then kissed her on the neck.

"I think I can clear that up right away," whispered Chuck in her ear as he turned her and they kissed. "I don't suppose you'd let me come along?"

"No, you're allowed from the front door to the bedroom. Alex is coming with me and Kat is next door with Casey I hear he's being… how to put this politely the same kind of patient as you."

"You mean a pain," said Chuck. "Okay warden but at least can I have a little yard time. I could sit outside next to the fountain. Some fresh air has to be good for me?"

"As long as you don't overdo it and put sunblock on. The last thing you want is to catch something that sets your recovery back. We both need for you to get back to work if nothing else so you get off my nerves."

"I know I'm a pain and I'm sorry. It's just I feel so cooped up here and I'm grateful you're here to take care of me."

"Hey I was joking about getting on my nerves. We're married I have a ring and certificate that says so. Part of that was an agreement in sickness and in health. Let's make a deal you get better and I take care of you like what you did for me," she said as she kissed him.

"Yes you were a pain,' said Chuck as he smiled at her.

"I'm not hitting you only because you're sick but I've got a running count going for when you're better."

"I've got a running count going too," said Chuck as he whispered something in Sarah's ear. She smiled then finished getting ready.

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Emma and Molly were sitting in First Class while Jack was up in the lounge chatting with some of the other passengers. It was a long flight from Montenegro but Jack couldn't get away before. Being in an orthodox country they had just finished their Christmas. Before Christmas the orthodox celebrate a type of Lent which meant the women went to church and the men went to Jack's casino. With the current economic crisis business was booming as everyone was looking for a little luck.

"Buy you a drink Friend," said a Jack as he sat down next to a man at the bar.

"Drinks are free in First Class," said the man as he motioned for Jack to sit down. "Don't we know each other from somewhere? Your face is familiar."

"I have that kind of face. But the really good drinks aren't free. Willy, hook my friend up here," said Jack. He'd already gotten to know the bartender. The bartender reached under the bar and pulled out a bottle pouring the man a drink. "Now try that and tell me if it's as good as what you were drinking." The man tried it and smiled.

"Wow is that good," said the man as he held up his glass and looking at it. He smelt it then touched it to his lips sipping. He wanted to make it last as long as possible. "Wait I remember where I know you. You're Jack Burton you manage that casino in Montenegro. I lost a little in there."

"Guilty as charged friend. I'm flying back to the states to visit with my daughter and her family in California. Her husband had a work accident and got laid up. Terrible story but I remember you. You're Franz Schultz."

"Doctor Franz Schultz, people ignore the fact that veterinarians are doctors too just our patients don't talk. Medical doctors only have to know one type of anatomy when we have to know all types."

"I never thought about it but you know you're right. Willy, can you set us up another here?" The bartender poured another round and looked to Jack to settle his bill but Jack ignored him. "So you must make good money to travel like this?"

"I specialize in thoroughbreds and race horses. I had a client send for me to look at his horse he's bringing him to the US to run. Actually he's below in the hold they had to put in a special stall and I had to supervise it's installation plus go through all the customs documentation required as well as the documents for the horse to race. I think First Class is the minimum they could spring for."

"On top of your bill," said Jack as he sipped from his glass and smiled.

"Naturally, it's only fair I receive a just compensation," said the man as he sipped from his glass again. It really was good and the man made it known.

"I hate to ask but it's like we're old friends you know you coming into my casino and now here on this plane. It's like destiny. But no, I can't be so bold and I don't want to take advantage of our friendship. Here take this for me bothering you," said Jack as he passed Dr. Schultz a hundred dollar chip. "That's for the next time you visit." Jack got up as if he were going to leave. Willy was about to yell at him about his bar tab then the doctor called him back.

"You said your daughter and her husband have fallen on hard times. Friends have to take care of each other. Well I can't tell you anything here," said the Doctor as he lowered his voice. "But come by the Santa Anita Racetrack day after tomorrow I might have something worth you betting on if you know what I mean."

"Okay I'll see you then and thanks. You know these are hard times," said Jack shaking the doctor's hand. As he got up the sign came on and the passengers had to return to their seats for landing. Willy looked around for Jack but he was gone but he did leave a hundred dollar casino chip that almost covered his bar bill.

"Nice to see you again Franz," said Jack as the doctor went by going to his seat.

"Remember to come by and see me. Sorry to hear about your son in law," said the doctor as he walked by.

"Who was that," asked Emma as she got Molly situated. Molly was dead tired from the long trip and was a little unresponsive. "Jack, what'd you do up in the lounge? Did you hit people up with a sob story to get free drinks?"

"Who me, come on darling? No one bought me a drink and I can swear to that," said Jack as he sit down and relaxed fastening his seat belt.

"Well I'm still waiting? Who was that guy," asked Emma. She had a sixth sense for Jack's schemes almost like a radar and now there was a blimp on the scope.

"Oh that guy the one who just passed by. He invited us to bring Molly and Sam to a petting zoo to see the animals the day after tomorrow. I hope you don't mind I said yes."

"Oh Jack you know that's the day Sarah's taking Chuck in for tests," said Emma but Molly woke up when she heard zoo. "Jack, I told her we'd watch Sam for her."

"So we watch Sam at the zoo," said Jack. "Right angel? He specializes in some kind of animal that are kind to zebras so it should be interesting as well as educational."

"You know I wanted to prepare a special meal for everyone. We couldn't be together during the holidays then this accident with Chuck and Casey. I wanted this to be special."

"And it will be I'll watch the kids for the day. No problem half pint and little squirt can come with me. We'll have a great time together. There might even be ice cream involved."

"Yes, please," said Molly. Now she was really awake. "I can help watch Sam too, please Mom it'll be fun."

"We'll see. I'd feel better if there was a responsible adult going along," said Emma looking at Jack. She didn't appreciate Jack using Molly to get her to agree.

"I know I can take that hairy friend of theirs. You know the other side of the hobbit bookends. What's his name? Cop face called him Troll but I haven't figured out if that's his first or last name or his lifestyle."

"Stop it you know his name's Morgan," said Emma as Molly laughed. "This isn't the comedy club where you have to perform for your dinner." Emma was mad and Jack could tell so he did the smart thing and shut up. Soon the pilot announced they were making their approach and shortly afterwards they were on the tarmac taxing over to their gate

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Morgan was sitting in his office with his calculator out. He was entering figure after figure and none of the numbers he liked. Skip and Fernando stood outside the glass window peeping through the Venetian blinds watch him. Big Mike looked over and saw them shoving each other out of the way so they could see what was going on inside.

"What in the Sam Hill are you boys doing?" he asked walking up behind them. "You wouldn't be spying on the store manager or begging to be fired would you?"

"No we were just looking out for Morgan right Fernando," said Skip. "We were concerned that he might try and commit suicide by hanging himself with all that paper tape. Just look if you don't believe us."

"I'm only violating the boy's privacy because he's family," said Bike Mike as he looked through the peep hole. Morgan tallied up numbers shook his head then tore off the tape waded it up tossed it in the now overflowing waste can then started again. He totaled up figures and again shook his head then pounded it on the desk.

"See what we said. I think Morgan misappropriated Buy More funds for his drug habit," said Skip. "I bet he's been snorting a few lines and it just got out of hand."

"No," said Fernando. "Skip doesn't know anything don't listen to him. Morgan's got a haram full of girls on the side that his old lady doesn't know about and one of them is pregnant so now he's got to come up with some serious cash for this momma and baby before his old lady finds out."

"What? Have you two been putting model airplanes together again in an unventilated space? When you two were little did you play Johnny Space Invader and tie plastic bags over your heads? Out of my way fools," said Big Mike. He pushed by knocking on Morgan's door then walking in.

"Hey Big Mike come in," said Morgan as Big Mike opened the door. I saw dumb and dumber at my window what's wrong?"

"You tell me I see the books aren't balancing. Is there something I can do for you? You know we're family and everything."

"Books not balancing?" said Morgan then he saw Big Mike looking at the waste can. "Oh you're talking about that. No I need the money not the store. I don't suppose you've got ten thousand dollars you can lend me because if not there's not much you can do."

"Well if you back your expectations down a little," said Big Mike. He could see Skip and Fernando arguing outside the window. "I might be able to spot you five dollars until payday."

"Wow big spender," said Morgan as he looked over the paper tape making sure his calculations were right.

"You know your family. Hell I think I might even be able to go twenty. But why do you need that kind of cash?"

"Alex is telling me I've been dragging my feet on the wedding and partly she's right. You know how much a wedding costs these days?"

"Cost ninety dollars in the court house and takes an hour for them to prepare the paperwork. I got you twenty dollars which means you only have to come up with seventy more. Hell we could do this payday then go out for subs at Subway afterwards. If we make a run out to Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens we can pick up some flowers for Alex to make her wedding bouquet."

"You want me to get Alex flowers from a cemetery? Her wedding bouquet?" said Morgan. He knew Big Mike was thrifty but he thought there had to be limits.

"Sure why not? They're just going to waste and you know we're supposed to think about the environment and recycle. Why not recycle flowers? I bring your Momma home flowers all the time. I just swing by and pick them up."

"No one says anything?" asked Morgan not believe what he's hearing but in a macabre way Big Mike made sense.

"No, they see a black man out rearranging the flowers they just think I work with grounds maintenance. You might have a problem though; you're a little too white. Just remember to take the sashes off the flowers. I forgot to take it off when I gave your momma flowers on Valentine's and she wanted to know why it had RIP written across it."

"I bet you ended up in the doghouse over that," said Morgan thinking he deserved that and even more.

"No and as a matter of fact Cupid must've fired a few extra arrows that night because… Well I don't like to talk about your momma but I think even Cupid would've blushed. Muy Caliente."

"Wait I don't understand how did you explain the dead person flowers?" asked Morgan puzzled. "I'm sorry but it doesn't make sense."

"It's called thinking fast on your toes. In my twelve and a half weeks at El Guando School of Finance they teach you how to do that. First I stalled a little for time then I hit her with it."

"You mean feet, thinking fast on your feet and you beat my mother with her flowers?"

"You use your feet I used my toes, ten has got to be better than two. But no fool I didn't… Oh just listen to the story. I told her, 'you've heard of VIP very important person well for me you're a RIP, really important person."

"Thanks Big Mike but…" Morgan was saved from telling Big Mike what he thought about his flowers and wedding plans by Alex who walked in.

"Hey Morgan," said Alex. The room got silent and she looked back at Big Mike who just turned and left. "Am I interrupting something? I can come back but we're supposed to go out for lunch?"

"No, no you just save me from having to kill may step father," said Morgan as he got up and kissed her. With Casey laid up at home he had free reign in the office so Alex could stop by whenever she felt like.

"Why what's going on," asked Alex. "I know he gets on your nerves but he means well and he does love you mother."

"Believe me you don't want to know," said Morgan as he kissed her in full HD resolution.

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Morgan noticed the green light on his computer camera was on and he knew who was watching. Back at Echo Park Casey was sitting in his bathrobe in the living room spying on Morgan and Alex sipping on a cup of coffee. When he saw them kiss he seized the mug and crushed it in his hand luckily there was no coffee left in it.

"You know if you keep that up you're going to have to buy new mugs," said Kat as she came over and cleaned it up glancing up at the screen. "You know they make a cute couple."

"Cute? Beauty and the Troll you mean. You know you're right I need to buy new mugs. I think I'll run down to the Buy More and get some."

Oh no you don't you know you're still on bed rest and you shouldn't even be in here but I'm airing the bedroom."

"Speaking of airing," said John as he looked out the window. "I see Chuck's sitting outside so why don't I go out and air myself out with him."

"Okay John but you got past the courtyard and I'll have the hounds looking for you. You should be like Chuck he's taking his bed rest seriously."

"I'm sure," said John but he had video that contradicted what she said but it was better that no one knew or someone might accuse him of being a stalker.

"John," said Chuck as soon as he walked out the door. "Your warden let you out to do some yard time I see. I made some coffee if you want some."

"I'm kind of running out of mugs."

"I've got plenty above the cabinet, you know where they are. Help yourself," said Chuck. John went in then came out with a cup of hot coffee then sat beside him. "Short on mugs hum… Alex and Morgan kissing in his office again I see."

"Yuck don't remind me. But you're going to have a house full soon with Emma back in town with Molly and Jack. I hope your silverware is safely locked away."

"Funny but Jack's reformed. I had Ellie and Devon's place cleaned up for them to stay in while they're here. Everything will be fine just wait and see."

"I got a C note that says Jack will get involved in something while he's here that is if you've got the guts to put your money where your mouth is."

"Define involved in something. Do you mean involved in something illicit or illegal? Because by definition we all do things that are questionable and maybe illicit but we try not to be illegal."

"Okay then let's say illegal, I'll bet you a C note that Jack gets involved in something illegal while he's here and you'll have to bail him out."

"Okay it's a bet," said Chuck then they shook on it.