Howdy, Folks! Sorry, it has been a bit longer than I anticipated, but, here we are.
I anticipate that Part II of the overall story will last 3 chapters. (Though, I'm probably going to write a 4th chapter that'll be a joke addendum.)
Thanks to my wife for her brilliant editing, especially for keeping my POV's mostly consistent. She had a few objections to the finished product but accepted my insistence that those items stay put.
Also thanks to Anon4utu for beta editing as well!
Disclaimer: I STILL don't own Chuck or any of these characters. However, if I owned Vincent, I think I'd make him a regular in Season 3. The guy rocks.
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"Hell-oooo! We're home!"
Chuck Bartowski and Sarah Walker had barely crossed the threshold of the former's residence, when they were almost bowled over by a squealing E.R. physician.
Ellie Woodcomb had rarely spent so much time away from her brother, and her welcome was intense to say the least. Though his bruises had mostly healed, Chuck's neck was still slightly tender, so he grimaced a little, thinking that his sister's hug possessed some elements of a head lock.
A grinning Captain Awesome shortly entered the room, stopping only long enough to put down a box he was carrying, before pleasantly greeting his brother-in-law with a firm handshake and a hug.
While the Woodcombs were transferring their very physical welcomes to Sarah, Chuck had a chance to notice the apartment.
The couch was gone. So was the television. So were most of the pictures. He might have concluded that the place had been robbed, if he had not then seen the boxes on the floor, some visibly packed with dishes.
"Uh, Ellie?"
Chuck's sister looked up and immediately realized that Chuck had caught on.
She slapped her hands together, smiling, but nervous all the same. She wasn't sure how he was going to take it.
"Oh, um, Charles, we were going to tell you before you got back, but you didn't leave a phone number, or a mailing address, or any kind of itinerary. Which you should really do, by the way." She wagged a finger at him, but her expression was good-natured.
Then she shrugged. "We got a house!"
Chuck gasped, while Sarah smiled radiantly. Her grin was infectious, and besides, he was very happy for his sister and Awesome. "That's- That's incredible!" He immediately pulled both Woodcombs into a warm hug. "How'd you manage it? Hey, have you been planning this behind my back?" Now it was his turn to express mock annoyance.
Ellie shook he head. "Nope, swear to God. This has come on as much of a surprise to us as you. Actually, Dad bought it for us." She wrinkled her forehead at that, implying that she was still having a hard time coming to terms with that, herself.
Chuck and Sarah quickly exchanged glances, and then looked back at Ellie and Devon. "Dad?" Chuck felt confused. "How could he afford...?"
Devon chipped in, "You'll really be asking yourself that question when you see the place and the neighborhood. This is high end, Bro."
Ellie added, "It is. He tells me that he was saving all of his money while living in that trailer in Barstow. I didn't ask what kind of work he was doing to make that much. The only comforting thought is that Dad doesn't strike me as the organized crime or even the drug dealer type."
Chuck looked around his very altered home, and said, "So, when do we get to see this place?" Then to himself, he thought, And what happens to me?
All three seemed to guess exactly what was going through Chuck's mind. Sarah offered to start showing Awesome the cleverly Photoshopped pictures of the happy couple in Barcelona while Chuck and his sister spent a little time catching up.
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Vincent Smith did not make a sound as he slipped through the parking lot into the hotel room where Jill Roberts was waiting for him. Though it was late afternoon, he had surveyed the area to ensure that nobody would be aware of his passing. While he could not have eyes everywhere at once, his instincts had served him in good stead. And when those sometimes failed to keep him alive, he had other means.
Dr. Roberts had obtained the keys as he requested. It wasn't that Vincent particularly liked to put the woman in harms way, but she was simply easier to disguise. A wig, colored contacts, and a change in clothing style made her virtually unrecognizable. Vincent's appearance was fairly unremarkable, so there was little that could be done to make adjustments. A toupee or hat would stand out on him. Moreover, his face had been numbed after years of injected and ingested poisons, and various kinds of reconstructive surgeries. Even had he the inclination to smile more, he would find it difficult to do so beyond a very small amount. So, the Doctor had to be the one to act.
Vincent had no problem with leaving her alone. The reality was that she could leave at any time. He wasn't keeping her, but he knew she wasn't going anywhere. Her profile showed her to be a sheep, searching for a dog to herd her. Vincent knew of many dishonorable men and women in his profession - both in the accepted and non-accepted branches of the government - and he imagined that Dr. Roberts had been taken advantage of by her superiors more than once. He also imagined that she had become used to it, and even expected it. So it came as no surprise to him that she had offered herself on the second night. It may have been a pleasant surprise to her that he had no interest, but that wasn't why she was sticking around.
Closing the door behind him, Vincent quickly inspected the inventories of supplies and weaponry that had been laid out behind the bed away from the doorway. While sifting through the inventory, Jill said, "Catch me up. Anything on the radar?"
Vincent shook his head. "Pursuit appears shaken for now. 4th car switch gave us a small lead. We'll take advantage of it. Sleep as soon as you're done here. We'll leave no later than 2200. Wear your vest in case they come."
Jill shook her head. "I've told you. I have problems sleeping in the vest."
Vincent didn't look up at her, but responded, "You'll sleep well enough when the bullets tear through your torso. Get used to discomfort. You'll have much of it before this ends."
Annoyed, Jill began cleaning the equipment. "Are you going to let me know where we're going yet? If I were Ring, I'd have had a few chances to kill you by now. I think you can trust me."
Vincent barely cracked a smile and said, "I'm glad you think that."
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After getting everybody set up with coffee and cookies, Ellie pulled Chuck into the kitchen.
"Sooooo... Europe, huh? Just like you always wanted! And with Sarah too!" She looked like the cat that swallowed the canary, and Chuck grinned, albeit feeling a bit sheepish that he hadn't actually been to Barcelona. Sarah and he had reviewed the "events" of their vacation, including some particulars of Spain and its attractions, so that he could effectively make a report should he be cornered without Sarah.
Ellie didn't seem in the immediate mood to ask about Europe, the place, though. Instead, she said with a hint of disappointment. "I notice she isn't wearing any new jewelry on her fingers."
Chuck rolled his eyes a bit and said. "Ellie, I couldn't possibly propose to Sarah without your guidance on how to do it, the procedures, the ring, etc., etc.," He waved his hands at the last for emphasis.
Ellie grinned. "Oh, you'll do fine without me. I understand that you gave Devon some advice when it came to proposing to me."
Chuck thought, Yeah, and that didn't have ANY problems. He changed the subject back to his immediate concern. "So, this move?"
Ellie blushed. "It's a big life change. It's exciting, but it's freaking me out a little too."
Chuck shook his head. "Don't freak out. You'll be fine."
Ellie said, "You're wondering what's going to happen to you, aren't you?"
Chuck said, "Uhhhhh… Yeah, kinda."
Ellie grabbed his hand and said, "Y'wanna come with us? There are a few rooms there, and we're not having kids yet. Plus, I didn't tell you this, but Dad's going to be living there!"
Chuck was surprised. "Really! Well, that's... Wow!"
Ellie said, "In a separated cottage in the back. Big turn around, huh? Honestly, I don't know what to do with him. Feels like he's trying to make up for all the years missed, and I'm not going to let him get away with that, but," she smiled wistfully, "it will be nice to have him around. Anyway," she looked at Chuck fondly, "You know you always have a home with us."
Chuck nodded, and smiled a little. "I appreciate that Ellie, I really do. But I think, it's time that Sarah and I moved in together."
In the other room, Devon and Sarah turned their heads suddenly as Ellie shrieked and Chuck yelled in pain. Sarah was about to get up, when she heard Chuck shout, "It's OK! Don't worry; I'm just partially deaf is all."
Back in the kitchen, Ellie's hands were clasped in front of her face, and she was bouncing in her chair. Since her legs were under the table, she was bouncing the table as well. Then she stopped, and her expression turned serious. And deadly.
"I swear to God, if this is another tease and you're going to change your mind, or are going to switch this around and move in with Morgan, I will flay you!"
Chuck wondered briefly why the women in his life had a thing for sharp objects. He put up his hands in a calming gesture and said, "Morgan is in Hawaii, so no danger there. I assure you, I am serious. And Sarah is on board with the idea. Please don't scream again, though."
Ellie, made a zipping gesture with her mouth, but her joy couldn't be contained. She was bouncing again.
Chuck smiled. "Now we just gotta figure out where we're going to live. No offense, but even if you had enough rooms, I think I'd like a place for just her and me. I'm not as sharing as you and your hubbie."
Ellie said, "Hey, no offense taken, as long as we still see you both all the time. Y'know, you could always just take over the rental agreement here."
Chuck looked around. "Well, it wouldn't really be the same without you and Devon, would it? And frankly, I don't have a job yet, so I'm not sure if I could afford it."
Ellie replied, "It's a better idea for you to take over this place then while you're searching. That way, you don't have to worry about first and last or deposit, and Devon and I can help you out while you're looking. Dad could even help you with the rent."
Chuck snickered. "He'd better, considering what he gave you. When's he gonna buy me a house?"
Ellie grinned. "I'm older. I get all the cool stuff, first."
Chuck considered. Everything Ellie said made sense, at least for now. Furthermore, staying here would mean that Casey wouldn't have to relocate. That would look pretty strange if they moved, and then Casey moved right next door to them. As it was, they were going to have to figure out how all three of them would look working at the same place, whatever that ended up being.
Chuck said, "Assuming Sarah's cool with it, I think you've got yourself a deal, especially if Dad is the one paying."
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"How's our cash situation?" asked Jill.
Vincent grabbed a brown grocery bag, and turned it over. A few bundles of bills spilled out. He grabbed a stack and tossed it to her. "I've had some storage areas in place for this type of scenario. I emptied one right before I picked up you up. The money will go fast enough. It was fortunate that the third car had some savings in the truck. Some people are foolish."
He shook his head. He could never understand such lapses in logic.
Jill casually shuffled the $20's in her hands. She spoke under her breath. "Interesting place I've wound up in my life."
"Hm?"
Vincent wasn't particularly interested in the Doctor's life, but keeping her talking might help distract her from her fears. He needed her to be effective.
Jill answered, "Oh, just never thought I'd be stealing cars."
Vincent shrugged. "You'll be doing much more than stealing cars. Shooting people, for instance."
Jill said, "Well, I've already done that."
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Chuck and Ellie rejoined their respective romantic partners, and passed on the news, receiving a loud "Congratulations," from Devon in the process. "Awesome, Sarah! You managed to tie the Chuckster down!"
Sarah rearranged herself so she was facing the others, while leaning her head against Chuck's shoulder. "I did. He helped, though, and stayed nice and still while I did it." She gave a little peck to the side of Chuck's chin. He rewarded her with the wide eyed smile she adored.
Ellie said, "So, don't feel like you have to take over this apartment. It's only a suggestion, and if you have something else you'd prefer..."
Sarah's eyes slowly wandered Casa Bartowski. "Y'know, I really like the idea of living here. This place feels like it's been my real home for the past couple of years."
Devon said, "It'll be even more real when you move into the master bedroom."
Sarah looked at Chuck and said, "We could do that, but I like your room. We've had some good times in that room."
Chuck flushed, thinking, Here's hoping for even better times in that room. Instead, he said, "Does this mean we're redecorating my room?" He saw Ellie mouthing, "Yes!" He pointed at her, and exclaimed, "Tron STAYS!"
Ellie crossed her arms, and said, "I don't decide that. Sarah decides that."
Sarah gave an apologetic look to Ellie and said, "I can't say no to the man. Tron stays. And anything else that you want to keep in that room."
Ellie cried out, "Sarah, you've got the power! Use it!"
Sarah shot back, "Hey, I'm just using this as leverage so I can do to the rest of the place what I please!"
Chuck shrugged. "I have no problem with that."
Somewhat mollified, Ellie said, "Well, at least put a lock on the Morgan door."
"HE'S IN HAWAII!" Chuck yelled throwing up his hands.
"He could come back," Ellie replied. "Besides, other people have come in through that window. We even caught John Casey doing that the day before the first wedding. By the way, that was weird."
Chuck, Sarah, and Awesome exchanged quick glances. Ellie didn't notice.
Devon said, "I'll help you install the lock, Bro."
Chuck sighed, but agreed.
After that, Ellie decided to make a grocery run for dinner makings, Devon accompanying her. He winked at Chuck and Sarah as they walked out the door.
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Inventory was finished. Dr. Roberts was having a meal of tortilla chips, multicolored candies, and a canned beverage from the vending machines. Vincent knew that he was going to have to get her something more substantial soon; otherwise, even more sleep wasn't going to keep her functional.
For himself, Vincent could go quite awhile without food as long as he had a little water periodically to sustain him. Rather than weaken him, brief bouts of fasting seemed to invigorate. Besides, it had been some time since he'd been able to fully appreciate smells and tastes.
After placing a loaded weapon in the Doctor's hand, Vincent decided to bathe. He might not have had his suits available to him at the moment, but he took some pride in cleanliness. Furthermore, a ripe smell could alert the enemy. He did not bother undressing away from the woman. The first time he had removed his clothes in front of her was when she had made her mistaken assumption. Since then, she had appeared to have gotten used to it. He showered with the curtain open, never closing his eyes as the soap dripped down his face.
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Chuck turned to Sarah, whose expression seemed thoughtful, almost concerned.
Chuck frowned. "You all right? This was a good idea, right? I mean, we do have to move in together."
Sarah replied, "No, that's fine. I meant what I said about loving it here. I'm more concerned that your sister not find anything she shouldn't when she moves. Like all the bugs we have here. I didn't ask Devon if he found anything."
Chuck said, "If he had, I'm guessing he would have mentioned it to you while you were going through the photos. Probably best that he didn't find anything though. Even knowing the truth, bugs would have freaked him out. Or, I suppose he'd think they were awesome and want to keep them."
Sarah raised her eyebrows, imagining that. "Well, we'd better do a sweep, and collect them. We can always re-install them later."
Chuck wished that didn't have to be the case. The surveillance would not exactly do wonders for their romantic life, but that was the way it was. He stood up.
"I'll start with my room. I know where they all are there. You get started out here, and I'll catch up with you."
"Hey, Chuck?"
He turned to her.
She smiled, and said, "It's our room, now."
Chuck's grin was back. She seemed genuinely excited about this. Their chances might just be getting better. He turned around to go about his task.
Half-an-hour later they met again in the living room. Ellie and Awesome would be back any moment.
Chuck seemed confused. "I couldn't find the bugs. Any of them."
Sarah frowned. "Me neither. And I was the one who installed and replaced some of them. Some of them were very well hidden. Awesome wouldn't have been able to find them all."
Chuck added, "And if Ellie had found any, she would have called the cops. We would have heard about that, first thing."
They then heard the footsteps approaching. Sarah softly said, "Later," before Devon and Ellie reentered the apartment.
Chuck nodded and they readjusted their expressions.
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Dr. Roberts was asleep by the time Vincent had dried off. She lay across the bed with her pistol clutched to her chest. She was wearing her vest. Vincent nodded, satisfied.
He pulled a chair back to the side wall away from the door and the windows. (These he had kept fully shaded, of course.) The woman had told him that the way he slept was exactly like the main character from a film called, "The Professional". It was the closest that Vincent had come to a full smile since the two met.
Professional. To be professional was one of the very few things that Vincent Smith remotely cared about. Professionalism and respect. Vincent had long respected the views of Fulcrum, and its Elders. They, in turn, had respected his values and took his opinions to heart in how to best utilize him. Now, Fulcrum was dead. Their war with the government had gone poorly against them.
To fail against such enemies as Fulcrum had: that was honorable. To be summarily brushed away, to not be given an opportunity for redemption: was not honorable in the least.
Vincent had never been told of this Ring. Only the Elders had apparently been aware of it. Vincent accepted that in his position, he simply did not have to know. Had the Ring chosen to restructure or reorganize Fulcrum into a new organization, that might better attack its enemies, Vincent would have accepted that, even if part of the restructuring meant his death. But instead, the Ring would have Fulcrum just disappear - to not even be a memory. Hundreds of warriors sacrificed in such a manner. It was a waste. It was disrespectful. It was unprofessional.
Well, they could try to kill him. Many had attempted it. They had yet to succeed.
Vincent had no doubt that he would be truly dead by the end of this. But in the meantime, he would do what he could to demonstrate the Ring's folly.
To do that, Vincent would need assistance. He could not do it alone. Thus, his rescue of the Doctor. A sheep she might be, but she was canny and skilled. Additionally, she had ties to the one who he needed most of all.
The enemy that he could respect.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ So, first chapter of Part 2 down. My wife loved Vincent, but not quite for the reason I intended. I wanted Vincent to be threatening. Intimidating. She thought Vincent was hilarious. Well, he