A brand new story. Hope you like this one and thanks to my loyal readers and to my new readers, for taking the time to read my stories. I own nothing. Love Chuck and Sarah. Please review. Also please check out my others stories about Chuck and Sarah.

Putting the Pieces back together

1

Sarah had usually used her punching bag that hung in her hotel room to release stress from the missions, to gain the strength she needed but this time she beat the bag to forget or at least try to bury her feelings. Hearing her phone, she ignored the first few rings cause, she didn't want to talk. When the phone kept ringing, she knew her private time was done. She didn't want to talk to anyone especially one particular person but when she saw the number it wasn't the person she was expecting to hear from. Picking up, the voice sounded familiar yet, almost apologetic. She had missed hearing this voice but she had made her choice and he knew that. But, this time was different. He wanted to meet and he wasn't going to take no for an answer.

Sarah agreed on a time, He just 'needed to talk' Sarah replayed those words repeatedly in her head. But 'his' talks usually meant something more. Sighing deeply, she said goodbye returning to her punching bag. Hitting the bag with all her might, she collapsed to the floor leaning against her bed. Ripping off her gloves, she knew that accepting his call; she could be putting herself in danger in more ways than one. But she felt obligated, guilty; yet she had a choice to say no, but why was this so hard.

Calling Casey, she let him know that she needed to take the day off. Casey was fine with that but he just asked if she was okay. She faked smiled her answer over the phone and said that she'd see him in the morning. Tossing the phone on the bed, she headed to the shower. She chose her black dress. It was something he gave her that was actually legit. Looking in the mirror, she took a deep sigh then headed out the door.

Hailing a cab, she repeated the address of the restaurant to the driver and sat back looking out the window. She had driven down these streets for years but never really looked at them. She had missed so much, but that was the part of the job. Don't get too involved, because you don't want to stick around long enough to pick up the pieces. As the taxi pulled up to the restaurant, she was surprised that it was so busy. It was not even noon yet. Paying for the fare, Sarah walked into the restaurant and scanned the area. Not seeing anybody, she sat at the bar and grabbed a glass of liquid courage. Each sip, she asked herself if this was the right thing to do. Finishing her glass, the bartender asked if she'd have another, just then a voice called out. "She'll have a club soda with a hint of lime." There was only one person, besides Chuck who knew that. Closing her eyes slightly, she turned in her seat and looked at the man who had a hand in making her into the person she was today. Looking up, he looked the same to her but he definitely had aged since she last saw him, and it wasn't something she wanted to repeat again. Standing there proudly, he waited for her to say something but instead he reached out his arms. Sarah leaned in and embraced her dad Jack.

They were interrupted as the waiter informed them that their table was ready. Walking out to a table for two along a gated fence overlooking the street, they sat down. Sarah put her small purse next to her on the table. The waiter came back, filled their glasses with ice cold water, and brought Sarah her club soda and Jack a glass of scotch. Sarah took her drink and sipped through the straw then looked at her dad.

It had been over 10 years since she had seen her dad, 10 years since she was running down the street after she saw the FBI shoving her dad into the backseat of a car. 10 years since she watched her dad, walk in the courtroom donning an orange jumpsuit and pleading guilty for money laundering. 10 years when her life as she knew it crashed into thousands of pieces. Staring at this man, she wanted to run, but the way he looked at her, she knew that there was something more. He had always told her that you could tell whether a person was legit or not, just by the way they look at you. And this time she was taking her dad's advice.

"You look great."

"Thanks."

"I see your wearing the dress I gave you."

"I figured that it was time to wear it. Black usually doesn't go out of style."

"So how have you been?"

"Ok. And You?"

"Can't complain. I got out nearly two years ago and been doing okay."

"I heard."

"Figured that you would."

Unbeknownst to her dad, it was the CIA and Langston Graham who had let her know just before she came out to LA. She had just finished working with the CAT Squad and some smaller missions and needed something new, something different.

"So what to do you want dad?"

Jack wasn't surprised to hear her being so forward. Taking a drink, he looked up.

"Can't I see my daughter?"

"You saw me." Sarah got up. Jack grabbed her arm. Looking around not to make a scene. "Please don't go yet. At least finish your drink."

Sarah pulled her arm back and sat down. "You have till I am done my drink then I am gone."

"Fine." Jack sat back down.

Jack watched his daughter. She was smart and she knew that his visit was the last thing she needed. They were far and few so he had to do his best to keep her there as long as he could. Sarah managed to remain in her seat for the meal and a cocktail. The conversation was mostly reminiscing of their so called 'adventures' but in layman's terms they were petty cons, that only gave her dad and at times Sarah herself, a temporary fix until the next fix needed scratching. As Sarah took the last few sips of her drink, Jack had to move fast. Sarah wasn't expecting the question but she knew that she was always going to be a second in the eyes of her father.

"Do you by chance still have the key I left you; with the box of well you know?"

Sarah was wondering why he didn't ask, 'I was wondering if you still had that key I left you?' No instead, he went all in with guns a blazing.

"Really? That's all you wanted?"

Sarah got up.

"Wait! I'm sorry, it didn't come out right."

Gesturing to have her sit down.

"Sarah folded her arms in front of her.

"Ok let me try that again. I am wondering by chance if you still had that key I gave you way back when?"

"And if I did?"

"I am need of it."

"Obviously!"

"I knew that you would have taken care of it."

"So you're assuming that your kid would one day save your ass again. I have tried to forget that day and now you want to bring it up again?"

"Yes and no. The key is mine but the…"

"The items inside may not be?"

Jack nodded.

Sarah sighed with an upsetting tone.

"What's inside of it dad?"

"Do you have the key?"

A minute passed before Sarah answered. Her dad made a closed fist and seemed very happy that she had kept the key.

"So can I have it?"

"It depends. What did you get yourself into?"

"Nothing that I can't deal with on my own."

It was what she needed to hear, to know that her dad had gotten in way over his head. That this key was the only thing that would keep him alive or put back in prison or worse.

Sarah got up.

Jack stood up.

"Give me a few days to find it and I'll get back to you."

"Ok, thanks honey. I really appreciate it. Thanks for coming."

"Thanks for lunch."

Giving her dad a hug, she closed her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her. She missed those hugs from her dad but was this hug the beginning or the end.

Two days later

Sarah stared at the key. She did a search of the number on the key but came up with nothing. Casey and Chuck had come back from their shift at Buy More to check in with Beckman. As soon as Chuck came around the corner, Sarah slid the key into her drawer then followed the guys into the meeting room. Chuck got a glimpse of something but shrugged it off.

Things between Chuck and Sarah had been taken another turn as their last mission forced them to face their feelings for each other once again. Yet they adamantly denied their feelings for each other over and over again to the same person. But, Roan Montgomery was able to have them admit how they felt towards each other whether they knew it or not. Sarah looked at Chuck then slipped out, looking back, she hoped Chuck would have looked at her but instead she turned her eyes towards the desk , missing Chuck's delayed reaction to her presence.

Hours later, after running some recognisance, Sarah's phone rang as they entered Castle. Sarah looked at the number then turned her phone over. Waiting for the guys to leave, she listened to message that was left. Changing, she called her dad back. He wanted to know what happened to the two days. She had to come up with something.

"It took longer to find it than I expected, but I have it here."

"Good, can we meet?"

"In an hour?"

"Okay. Meet me at…"

"Okay."

Sarah hung up as Chuck walked back in. "Got a hot date?"

Surprised by his comment, when they were considered a 'couple'. She smiled and chose her words carefully.

"No just going to run some errands before I head back to the hotel. Unless you want to."

Sarah wished that she could take back what she had just said. When she was trying to keep her distance or actually wanting Chuck to keep her from going.

Chuck looked at her. He would love to take her up on anything that involved just the two of them especially after that kiss they shared in his kitchen the other week, but opted to say no.

"I'm good. You do your thing and we will see each other in the morning."

Sarah slipped to the back to grab her things. Chuck eyed the hall then walked around the front of her desk and opened the drawer to find a key. He knew from working with Casey and Sarah, if you stare at something long enough, it means either you're interested in it or it means that it doesn't belong to you. Looking back again, Chuck grabbed a putty pad and pressed the key into it making a mould of both sides, sliding the drawer closed he slipped the pad into his pocket.

Moving to back to the other side, he smiled as Sarah came walking back. Chuck grabbed his jacket and started up the stairs. He watched as Sarah casually pulled the drawer open without looking and grabbed the key putting it in her pocket.

"Hey Chuck wait up I'll walk out with you."

Chuck waited and walked out the front door of Weinerlicious. Locking up, they walked to Sarah's car.

"You need a lift?"

"Naw, I am on call tonight so I have the Nerd Herder to get me home….I hope."

Sarah laughed. She needed to laugh. Looking at Chuck, she hoped that what she was going to do was the right thing. Walking over to Chuck, she kissed his cheek as Chuck returned with a subtle kiss back on hers.

"See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, good night Sarah.

"Good night Chuck."

Sarah drove to the address that her dad gave her. Driving up she saw him leaning against his car. Waiting for her to stop, he walked over to her car. Sarah opened her window as her dad crouched down and looked in. Sarah passed the key to her dad and he smiled.

"So are you going to tell me what this key is for?"

"I stored some items for someone and now that they heard that I was out they want it back."

Sarah knew that his response wasn't completely truthful. If he had been out for almost two years, why now? Why didn't his 'friend' ask for it sooner?

Sarah had to know more, so she went into spy mode.

"You need a hand?"

Jack looked at his daughter, and thought that it wouldn't be a bad idea. And plus he could trust her.

"Ok, yeah."

Good, Sarah thought at least she could keep an eye on him and maybe keep him out of jail.

Jack gave her the key back and let her in on his plan.

"Here take the key and go to Midwestern Bank tomorrow. Your name will be Katherine Thompson. You're the daughter of Frank Thompson who owns the safe deposit box. Frank died recently and you need to close his account and gather up his items.

"So what's in the box?"

"Just go in there, grab the items and meet me after that."

"Katherine, will need to sign in and give them her id. I will have some ids ready for you by the end of tomorrow."

"That's all?"

"For now?"

"I need to call my contacts and see what they want to do next."

Jack stood up and said goodbye. "I'll send your id to the post office on Warden Ave. You can go to the bank from there. Here is a key for that mailbox." Taking a picture of his daughter, he stepped back as Sarah drove off and headed back to her hotel. She drove an extra block just in case, her dad or the men he was working for were casing the parking lot. When she felt that, she was safe she pulled into the parking lot and slipped into the hotel.

NEXT DAY

Late after noon Sarah walked across the street and walked into the Post Office on Warden Ave. Walking up to the mailboxes, she reached for the key that her dad gave her and inserted the key, opening the box. Reaching to the back, she pulled out a legal size envelope and turned it over. The name Katherine Thompson was typed on it with no returning address. Locking the door, she walked out and slipped back into her car. Ripping open the envelope, she pulled the items out and there were the ids that she needed. As she put the ids down the envelope fell to the floor of her car but promised to grab it later.

Driving a block away from the bank, she rummaged through her box of disguise items. Choosing items as close as she could find that resembled the picture her dad put on the ids. She grabbed her red wig and black long leather jacket and her wide rim sun glasses. Grabbing a purse, her ensemble was complete. Heading down the street, she walked with confidence into the bank as she would any other day. Going up to the front desk she took her sunglasses off and hung them on her jacket then asked to meet with the bank manager in regards to her father's safe deposit box. The associate had her sit at the nearest desk to wait for the manager to come to her. Sarah waited, then was escorted to the basement. Showing her id she followed the bank manager to the safe deposit boxes. The manager looked for the number then inserted his key. He looked at Sarah, but Sarah took her time and inserted the key hoping that her dad was right and that this key was the right one. They turned on three as the door flung open. The bank manager pulled out the long metal drawer and carried it to a small phone booth size room with a heavy curtain. Placing the drawer down he pulled the curtain back allowing Sarah to enter. Sarah put her purse down then smiled at the bank manager.

"Take you time, Ms. Thompson. When you're done just leave, the box here and we will take care of it. Sorry about your loss and we have appreciated your father's business."

"Thank you and your welcome."

The bank manager exited the room and headed upstairs leaving just one of the security guards just outside. Sarah closed the curtain and flipped opened the box. Finding some files and loose papers, she figured that this was a bust. Lifting the box slightly she heard a thud. Placing the box down, she looked into the box to find three metal plates. Each about a 1 cm thick and about 6 inches long. Turning them over she saw what they were. 'What have you gotten yourself into dad?'

Placing the plates into her purse, she grabbed the files and miscellaneous items into her purse then grabbed her purse, flung open the curtain and headed upstairs.

Getting back into her car, her phone rang. Seeing that it was Casey, she had to take it.

"Sarah here."

"Casey, we got a bite, when can you be back to Castle."

"Half hour? Stuck in traffic."

"Okay. I'll get Chuck and wait till you arrive."

Sarah tore her wig off and sped out of her spot. Calling her dad, she had time to drop the items off and still get back to Castle. Her dad waited on a street corner as Sarah drove by. Sarah quickly took a picture of the plates then slid her phone under her leg. Jack walked up to her passenger window as she passed her purse. Jack opened the purse took a look then smiled at his daughter.

"This is great."

"So now what?"

"I will get in touch with you in a few days, then I will pass, I mean hand over these plates to my friend."

Sarah noticed that her dad slipped again. Something wasn't right. Jack stepped away from the car back onto the curb and said goodbye. Sarah looked up again and he was gone. Sarah arrived at Castle and quickly changed upstairs before heading into Castle. Beckman was on the screen within minutes of arriving. Getting there instructions they were off again.

Flying back Chuck noticed that Sarah was a little off, more than usual especially when it came to missions. Both Casey and Chuck noticed that she was missing a lot of cues and was obviously distracted. Casey waited till they grabbed their bags and exited the airport.

"Walker, is there anything wrong? You seemed bit off this time around."

"No I'm fine."

"But you let Chuck…"

"I apologized to him and I'll apologize to you as well. Ok."

Chuck walked up to Casey as Sarah walked ahead. They both looked at eachother and Chuck just shrugged his shoulders and Casey just stared.

Heading back to Castle, they sat down to debrief and write up their reports. Chuck sat in the corner and started typing as Sarah sat at hers. Within the hour her phone rang and she was out the door. Casey had slipped upstairs to cover his shift. Chuck knew something wasn't right and just sitting there wasn't going to wash this feeling from him. Pushing his chair over to another computer, he tried to track Sarah's phone. Sarah was a good spy but Chuck knew that whatever she into, was much bigger. He knew from experience that Sarah didn't always think first. Getting a signal, Chuck ran upstairs to look for her.

Driving for an hour, he came up with nothing. But her signal was very strong. Taking one last stroll, he saw Sarah walking around a warehouse but she wasn't alone. Chuck didn't want to be found plus his stupid watch would give him away so, took it off and ran closer to the warehouse. Reaching the hill across the parking lot, he crouched down to see Sarah, two other men and a older fellow discussing something. Chuck tried to listen but failed miserably. Taking a few photos, he ducked when the group dispersed and drove away. Sliding down the hill, Chuck walked up to the warehouse and tried to look inside. Not seeing much, he walked around back till he heard someone coming. Chuck slid in behind a garage bin.

"Are you sure we can trust the old man, he seems a bit…"

"It's not the old man but the blonde, I would love to interrogate her."

Chuck disgusted made a fist but took a deep breathe.

"No, he has the plates so we need him for now. Until he or the blonde gives us what we want, the boss doesn't want us to do anything. We need to play nice, then we can do whatever we want. But I get the blonde."

Chuck tried to get a visual but was only able to get a partial licence plate number as they finally drove off. Running back to the Nerd Herder, he turned around and headed back to Castle. By now, it was after ten. Sitting at his computer, he typed in the partial plate and got the name of a man whom the LA Police Department had been looking at. Chuck did a FBI check but his name didn't come up but a man named Cristoff Javier popped up on the screen. Printing the intel, Chuck grabbed the papers from the printer as he heard Casey coming into Castle from the media room. Shutting his computer screen off, he grabbed the intel and ran upstairs. He didn't want to let Casey in till he had more to say.

Chuck put the papers on the kitchen table, grabbed a beer and sat down. He also grabbed one of his comics and slid the papers into one so it wouldn't cause the all-seeing eyes to pry too much. Chuck scanned the FBI sheet on Cristoff Javier, and read the sheet 'Arrested 10 years ago for money laundering and stealing currency plates from the Arizona printing Company.' Chuck got up, grabbed his laptop, and typed in the Arizona printing Company. A local based company had permission from the US mint to make currency plates for Casinos on the west coast. It was a pilot project that allowed local casinos to print their own American currency in order to limit money transfers from bank and mail order businesses. Nevertheless, it quickly dismantled after warehouse in Los Angeles went up in smoke. 'The warehouse'. Javier along with an unknown associate and his team, made millions along with upholding evidence. FBI official investigation – items uncovered were 1.2 million dollars but three printing plates in small denominations were still uncounted for - Chuck leaned back. 'Sarah what have you gotten yourself into.'

The next morning Chuck drove to Sarah's hotel, he wanted her to come clean before he went to Casey. Walking up he got a glimpse of her and an older man walking into her hotel. Chuck ran up to the lobby and saw them head towards the elevator. Sarah entered first then the older man. As the older man entered, he put his arm up to hold the door as someone called 'hold the door'. As the arm extended Chuck noticed the scar on the inside of his wrist. Chuck flashed a facial image and a wrap sheet a mile long came up. Chuck snapped out of it and found a seat. Sitting down, he had to do something but, being a bit dizzy he had to sit. Trying to gain his senses, he tried to grab his phone. He now had enough to get Casey involved. As Chuck tried to dial Casey. Sarah and the old man came back down. Chuck grabbed a cab and had them follow the black car. Chuck watched as Sarah's car slowed down and the old man jumped out. Chuck got a glimpse and it was defiantly the same man Jack Burton. The driver pressed on as Sarah drove up to the same warehouse as the night before. Chuck had the cab drop him off at the other end so that he could head up towards the far side, and hopefully not be seen. Chuck did a quick search and saw Sarah talking to someone but Chuck couldn't see who it was. The smaller door opened and the two of them walk in. Chuck snuck under the window and slipped inside the same door coming to a set of stairs. Choosing to stay on the ground floor Chuck followed the voices. The voices got louder as Chuck overhears Sarah being harassed. He was surprised that she hasn't done anything. Like punch the person or something. After a few more insults, Chuck has to do something, so being Chuck; he stepped in trying to calm the situation. Sarah totally shocked and totally ticked, and the look on Casey's face was indescribable. Chuck didn't know that Casey was the guy and why he hadn't done anything to help Sarah out. The insults continued when Chuck recognized the one voice as the creep who spoke last night. Trying not to flash, as it would have solve the issue, it turned bad very quickly. Sarah shook her head slightly at Casey not to go for his gun. Casey nodded and watched as the guy who was way out of Chuck's league approach Chuck. But Chuck fails to realize that there was an obvious reason why they haven't done anything. Chuck walks up to the broader looking man and let's him know who's boss and not to disrespect women. Chuck takes a few hits, but doesn't give up as he feels that he should protect Sarah's honour. Getting in a few good hits himself, which shakes up the other man and which surprises Casey, get back up hitting Chucks a few more times, this time its Chuck that falls to the floor. Sarah looks down at Chuck, yells at him to go home, and tells him he had no right.

Chuck gets up and walks past Sarah and Casey. Sarah walks up to the man that Chuck just hit and tries to explain the situation. "I'm so sorry." Being as apologetic as she could, and inwardly very proud of Chuck for sticking up for her. "So sorry my boyfriend, can get a bit jealous and when you said those things, he….." "He needs to be on a leash."

"Totally, but he's not part of this. He's just a schmuck, he's my schmuck."

The man looks at her. "Ok, but if he comes back, he's dead."

"Understood, and thanks. We will talk tomorrow?"

"Bring the plates, or your dad." Sarah swallowed hard.

"You didn't think we knew did ya?"

"Yeah well Mr. Javier and your dad go way back. And because my boss needs him alive, I will show you some courtesy this time." Wiping his lip, he exited upstairs.

Chuck heads home to suck his wounds. Casey brings Sarah home. Casey wanted to know why she didn't give them a piece of her mind. She said she couldn't cause she needs to keep them alive.

"And Chuck?"

"I have no idea how he found out."

"Well, he did pretty a good job despite."

"Yeah I guess."

Casey pulls up to the hotel as Sarah jumps out. "See you tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow."

Casey drove off as Sarah headed up to her room. Rounding the corner she notices Chuck sitting on the floor leaning against the wall. Sarah silently walks into her room leaving the door open. After a while, Chuck walks in. Grabbing the first aid kit, she has him sit down on her bed. Tending to his wounds, she doesn't say anything. Turning his face a bit hard, she checks him out to see if anything else needs attention. Noticing his shirt, she motions for him to take it off so she could add some club soda to it. As Chuck pulls his shirt over his head, Sarah finally sees him, really sees him. In the year and half that she and him have worked together, she had not seen his natural beauty, since Casey grew a conscience and took the feed out of his room.

Sarah comes back with a small bottle of club soda. Taking his shirt, she pours a liberal amount on the blood spots. Laying the shirt in the sink, she comes back to check the bandages. Sliding her thumb over the strips, Chuck closes his eyes as her touch does something to him. Sarah feels it too. Chuck looks at her, grabs his jacket, and walks to the door. Facing the door. "Sarah I know that you have secrets. And there will be things that I may never really understand."

Sarah walked up behind him and reached for his jacket, tossing it on the chair. "Why not keep another one."

Chuck feels her hand caress his bare back then her forehead leaning again his spine. Sliding her hand up she, cups his shoulder turning him around. Chuck faces Sarah as their lips meet. The kiss was identical to the kiss they shared a week ago. Sarah walked him back towards her bed. Chuck wrapped his arms around her lower back and brought her close. Reaching up from behind, he pulls her shirt over her head as he falls with her onto her bed. Stopping briefly to take their shoes off and other clothing, Sarah rolls Chuck onto his back. She looks at him with deep feelings, with complete trust. Chuck picks up on the way she looks at him and reaches to unclasp her bra. Months of wondering, or even admitting was no more. Chuck held Sarah close as they caressed their bodies with a mix of soft kisses to intense make out kisses. Chuck rolled her over, stretching her arms up and over her head as he laid kisses all over her body. As he adored her, he took his time making love to her. With complete trust and love, they both let their guard down.

Chuck woke to the slight movement of his sleeping beauty in his arms. It wasn't a dream. Chuck got up and grabbed his clothes hoping to get back home before his whereabouts were questioned; plus they had a 9:00 meeting with Beckman at Casey's before they went to day jobs. Leaving his watch at his place last night, he didn't think that it would be a life saver the next morning.

Chuck just has time to shower and change. Casey and Sarah wait as Beckman and Graham wait to debrief.

"Where is Mr. Bartowski? Should we start without him?" Casey and Sarah didn't know what to say as Chuck was never late. Sarah worried that something might have happened to him. So Casey just blurted something out.

"He suffers from a spastic colon."

Graham, replies. "There's no record of him suffering from…"

Just then, Chuck walks in.

"Sorry I'm late. Traffic."

Graham replies. "You live next door."

"Oh, right."

Chuck looks at Sarah as she tries to keep a straight face but the last nights events run through her mind. Bringing her hand to her mouth. She hides her emotions.

Beckman sees Chucks face and wants answers.

Casey makes up a story and she seemed to accept it.

"Okay team, the reason I wanted to meet with you before you all went to your 'other' jobs. Is I need an update on your last mission before I go into meetings with my superiors. Any word on the whereabouts of Collette Bradwell? And what did you find out?"

Sarah looked at Beckman, then at Chuck and Casey. "Nothing new, since we arrived home. All our Intel shows that she was home at the time of the murders. We have no connection with the intel that we were given."

"Nothing of her husband's involvement with the tampering of the jurors and the missing juror?"

The team shook their heads. "We have local police looking into those complaints and they are advised to let us know if anything changes."

"Okay, I'm a bit disappointed that you don't have more to tell me."

"We will General. Once we have something to share."

They are say goodbye and head out. Chuck heads off as Sarah catches up to him.

"You want to car pool."

Casey walks past as he chooses to go on his own. Disliking the high school chatter they seem to partake in, plus he knew that Sarah was probably going to give him a piece of her mind from last night. Sarah waited until Casey drove off then grabbed Chuck's arm slipping into a corner spot that she knows isn't in view of the cameras.

Looking at her, he places his forehead against hers. "We shouldn't."

"Its just you didn't give me a …..just kiss me."

Chuck obliged wanting to take it further. They had to go to work.