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
A man disappeared in the throngs of panic stricken crowd running frantically from St. Paul's after the sound of gunfire. Later police reported through local news stations that a former disgruntled state worker went postal but luckily security personnel were able to contain the disturbed individual though not before he took his own life in one last act of insanity. However, the man who knew better was by then back in his car speeding out of the city as fast as he could but staying just under the speed limit and rigorously following all traffic regulations. He couldn't afford to be stopped now and brought in for questioning. He had wiped the Barret down but he couldn't be sure he hadn't left any trace DNA.
"Okay time to check in," he said, talking to himself helped him control his nerves. He took out his phone and called Mister X. It rang and rang for what he thought was longer than normal finally there was a click like his call was being passed to someone else then there was an answer. "It's done Sir. I've completed my mission Sir Robert has been taken care of."
"And who am I speaking to," said a strange voice on the phone. At first he didn't know what to do or if he hadn't just confessed to murder. "Listen," the voice continued, "I've heard about your work and I'm impressed that you saw it through given though Mister X doesn't work for us anymore. I've got a business proposition for you. How much did Miles promise you on the completion of this job?"
"Well truthfully we never really agreed on a price. I worked for a man who worked for Mister X and that was how I got paid."
"Doesn't sound very profitable and considering all your boss's men were either captured or killed you'll have a hard time collecting that debit. I'm willing to give you say two hundred thousand now. I'll send you the details through a SMS at this number."
"There's a 'but' in there. What is it?" said the man wondering if he should trust this guy or not but he was flat broke and if what this man said was true it would be a long time before he'd see another pay check.
"Now you're catching on to the game. I could tell you were a quick learner. I want you to work for me. We stay like this, you don't know me I don't know you. I'll call you Oscar and you can call me Mr. Smith. I'll give you access to a numbered account in Switzerland where I'll make deposits. You can establish another one either in Switzerland or in the Cayman then transfer the funds out where I can't touch it. I'll pay two hundred and fifty thousand a contract that's a quarter of a million dollars to make my problems go away. Are you interested?"
"I'm still listening go ahead but I'm going to need a start-up allowance to procure the tools that I'll need for my job."
"You know how to drive a hard bargain but I'm glad to see you're thinking ahead. Okay I'll pay the two hundred thousand and I'll anticipate another two hundred and fifty thousand because the truth I have a double contract. I'm sending you two pictures now of people you need to deal with."
"Hold up… Okay I got them," said Oscar as he paused on the line. "Crap I've seen this woman before had I known then I could've already completed half the job."
"Good you already know the target. Both her and the man are supposed to be or soon will be in Kotor, Montenegro. I've taken the liberty of booking you a charter flight out of Gatwick. I'll send you the details along with a passport and incidental currency in addition board you'll find certain tools you'll need. Introduce yourself at the counter as Oscar and tell them that Mr. Smith sent you. They'll give you everything you'll need. Oh and one last thing these contracts are not exclusives so you might run into competitors so I have to warn you to the victor goes the spoils so we're going to need proof of termination."
"And just exactly how do you want that done?" said Oscar not really liking that he had to not only compete but had to beat out his competitors. "What do you want their scalps?"
"See now you're thinking but no nothing so gruesome. We need just about a half a kilo of flesh each so we can run the proper DNA tests for verification. I know that sounds like a lot but it also enables us to do cross checking and follow up testing."
"Say I've got reservations now and I want to back, out what happens then?"
"Oh I don't think you will you're a smart boy," said Mr. Smith. "Let me send you a URL from a TV station. It's a news broadcast. I think you'll understand once you've seen it. I'll be in touch or you can call this number."
The phone call ended and he received a SMS with all the data as Mr. Smith had promised along with an URL from a television station in the UK. He clicked on it and a news broadcast from this morning was played.
'Police have ruled out foul play in the death of note financier and banker Miles Stateford although everyone is baffled as to why this reclusive financier was on a ferry for Lerwick in the Shetlands. There had been rumor of a mental breakdown and substance abuse due to the loss of a large sum of capital but that is just speculation at the moment. At this point in the investigation police are reluctant to say if a formal coroner's inquest will be held or not. More as news develops now back to our top news story puffin reproduction patterns, a bird in the hand may not always be two in the bush.'
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It was finally time for them to leave. C saw to it that Chuck got his tour of Q branch and Christmas came early in the form of spy toys. Chuck thanked the quartermaster with a case of ten year old Macallan but now it was time to go and Sarah wanted to get to Sam desperately. Cole and Carina saw them off at Heathrow and helped with their luggage especially because Chuck was under strict orders by Cs doctor not to do any heavy lifting. He threatened Chuck that if he pulled another stitch he'd put him in a pharmacological coma until he healed.
"Well guys come back anytime you can," said Cole as he hugged Sarah and shook Chuck's hand. "Maybe next time we can go to the pub and just have a beer and throw a few darts."
"Sounds good to me and Carina I promise not to cheat," said Chuck as they laughed. "But joking aside why don't you guys come out sometime to visit us. We can hang on the beach and soak up some rays."
"Really anytime just give me a heads up and we'll make room," said Sarah as she hugged Carina. I know Morgan and Casey would like to see you guys too."
"Somehow I don't really think John is looking forward to seeing me but yeah it would be nice to see the little bearded wonder."
"Do I need to get jealous," said Cole making them all laughed.
"What guys? No faith in the little bearded man and Cole if you don't hurry up Morgan and Alex will beat you guys to the altar. I'm sorry Co-pilot I know I promised but you guys need a little push. Okay I've said my peace I'll shut up now."
"Somehow I doubt that," said Carina as she hugged Chuck. "I'm glad you guys got your problems worked out I was about to do an intervention." The gate opened up as they were talking and a flight attendant started boarding passengers. "You guys need to board or you'll miss your flight. Say hi to my favourite niece."
"We will and thanks for everything I really mean it," said Sarah. "You guys had my back when I really needed it that's something I won't forget. Come and visit us soon."
"Yeah really thanks and you know Burbank is not that bad a place to honeymoon. I know it's not the Fijis but there's Hollywood, Rodeo drive and Disneyland… Oh and Malibu."
"Chuck first you said you wouldn't mention this again and no offense but Burbank is like if a yawn could yawn. Now get on the plane before you miss it." They all laughed then Chuck and Sarah boarded waving goodbye first. Sarah grabbed hold of Chuck's hand when the door closed and they rolled away from the terminal.
"What's the matter? I don't know if I've ever seen you this anxious before," said Chuck as his fingers started to turn blue.
"I'm sorry," said Sarah bring Chuck's hand up to her face so she could kiss it. "I just can't wait to get back to Sam. I really miss her as well as Emma and Molly.
"I know what you mean I really miss her and Mr. Rabbit. I hate to bring this up but have you thought about what you're going to say to Jack?"
"Say to Jack? I don't have anything special to say to him. Jack is Jack once you accept that then he can't do or say anything to hurt you, you're immune."
"You and I both know that's a lie. I'll admit I'm disappointed in him for not coming and seeing you in the hospital. I would've sent a plane for him if he needed transportation. I guess I'm not immune because he really pissed me off."
"Sweetie please," said Sarah as she looked him in the eyes and he understood what she wanted to say and he had to agree.
"I won't make a scene I promise but I do want answers and I think you do deserve some too. However if you tell me to keep quiet I'll try. Good cop, bad cop."
"How about good cop, silent cop, let's just drop it. I mean it's over and let's just move on. All that matters is I've got you and Sam that's enough for me."
"Can I get you something," asked a Flight attendant coming by after they had taken off. "Maybe a drink or a snack?"
"Maybe two sparkling waters with a twist of lemon, is that good for you love?" asked Chuck as he reached back over to take her hand and caressed it.
"Sure that'd be good for me," said Sarah as she got lost in Chuck's eyes and in his smile then leaned over to kiss him. "Thank you for saving me in St. Paul's."
"Thank you for saving me," said Chuck as Sarah looked at him with a puzzled look. "You save me every day we're together. You are my life and my love."
"Here you go," said the Flight attendant, "two sparkling waters with a twist of lemon and I brought you a cushion for your arm."
"Thanks," said Chuck as he noticed the woman wanted ask more but was trying to be polite. "You want to know what happened. It was a hunting accident someone gave the deer guns." They all laughed.
"Well I have to see to my other passengers but if you need anything just press the call button," said the woman as she left.
"You're terrible," said Sarah, "and what is it with you and flight attendants. They all seem to flock to you; do I need to be jealous?"
"Love it's usually because they have pity on me for one reason or another. I'm probably their poster child for the accident prone."
"She probably thinks now I shot you," said Sarah as she sipped on her water. "You know I bag what I shoot at."
"You bagged me," said Chuck as he leaned over and kissed her. "Maybe now we can relax and have some fun. It will be nice to see Margo and Razib right?" Chuck waited for Sarah to make a comment about Margo and if she should be jealous but he realized she had fallen asleep. He reclined her chair then he put the cushion the attendant had given him under her head then got a blanket from the overhead bin and put it on her.
"Stay with me," she mumbled in her sleep.
"Always," he said as he caressed her face then took her hand. They flew non-stop Heathrow to Tivat International airport in Montenegro.
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There was a frantic dash going on in the Gran Casino as Emma was getting Sam and Molly ready for Chuck and Sarah's arrival but Jack was nowhere to be found. Emma had checked his office three times and he wasn't there. She asked some of the help if they had seen Jack but no one seemed to know where he was. She even went to security to ask to look at the video feeds but all she discovered was he had left a couple hours ago and had yet to return.
"Have you found dad," asked Molly looking her finest in a new dress her sister had sent her from Harrods holding Sam by the hand.
"No I haven't but he'll show up bad money always does," said Emma regretting she'd said that in front of Molly. She didn't want to make the same mistakes she'd made with her sister. "Oh I'm sure he's out doing something important," she said as she picked Sam up.
"Important indeed," said Jack as he came walking carrying three bouquets of flowers. "One for you pumpkin, one for you Emma love and this one's for Angel when she gets here."
"Thanks," said Molly as she took her flowers and gave Jack a hug. Emma just passed hers to Molly and gave Jack a look.
"Molly, be a dear. Take these for me and go ask one of the staff to find a vase for them then put them in our room. Razib should be about done with his lessons so you two can come and wait with us." Emma waited until Molly was out of hearing range. "That florist is down the street from here and it doesn't take two hours to get three bouquets of day old flowers. Jack, don't tell me you're up to something again?"
"Me up to something… well yes getting you flowers but I can see that it's not appreciated. You got to believe me I'm on the straight and narrow I'm not up to anything well maybe a little intel gathering for Margo but that's it."
"Intel! You know Margo told you to leave the spy work to her. Jack those people are dangerous and you could get hurt."
"Sugar I've dealt with worse in my day. Marks are all the same; speaking of schnooks shouldn't Chuck be rolling in soon."
"Don't call him that he's bailed your fat out of the fire a few times and if you're here it's because of him. Plus he's the best thing that's happened to our daughter."
"Okay, Jesus, I didn't mean anything by it I like Charlie too. So what's the plan? Nothing has changed Margo is going to pick them up then drop them off here. I booked us all a table in the hotel restaurant for nine-ish then we play it by ear from there. I was going to suggest maybe running to the old city for ice cream and a nightcap."
"Sounds good to me that will give them the afternoon to rest a bit and relax. Oh I don't know if I told you but Chuck had an accident. So he can't do any heavy lifting until he's healed which means..."
"I call a porter when they get here. I hope they've got good life insurance because Chuck sure is one accident-prone schnook…" Jack started to continue but Emma gave him the look of death.
"Here make yourself useful, hold Sam while I call Margo. I want to find out where they are and how long before they get here," Emma passed Sam to Jack as she pulled out her phone and dialled.
"Yack," said Sam looking at Jack as she reached out to caress his face making a loud whack with her heavy hand then giggling.
"Ouch! I thought you said she was over that," said Jack to Emma as she was waiting for Margo to pick up.
"What can I say; maybe she realized you needed a good smack. You know kids learn things quicker these days. Oh Margo I was just calling to see what was going on. … Good they just landed. Tell them we're waiting."
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Their British Airways flight landed on time in Tivat. Sarah was still asleep when the pilot put on the fasten Seat Belt sign and made the announcement that they'd be arriving soon giving them also the current time and local temperature. After almost freezing to death in the Scottish highlands the milder Mediterranean climate would be a much welcomed relief.
"I'm sorry Sir," said the attendant, "but you're going to have to wake your wife and put her chair up right and have her stowaway her tray."
"What time is it," asked Sarah feeling all the commotion around her. "How much longer before we land?"
"Well if you look out your window you can see the pilot is giving use the five cent tour. I guess we're headed for runway fourteen. Enjoy the view of Kotor Bay and the mountains behind it."
"You let me sleep the whole way, but why? You need to get your rest too," said Sarah as she brought her chair up and fastened her seat belt.
"I had the best view on the plane watching you sleep. I don't know if I've told you lately but I love you," he said then leaned over and kissed her.
"I love you too," she said as she caressed his face. They heard the noise of the flaps and the roar of the engines as the plane bucked for a bit. "Oh look there's the marina. You know we need to take everyone there one of these nights while we're in the food was good."
"And they had Rocky Road. Okay."
The plane landed and they all debarked through the terminal. As soon as they got off onto the exit corridor Margo and two agents met then with a wheelchair. The agents took their carryon as Chuck stared at the chair.
"I hope you don't expect me to ride in that thing," said Chuck half amused and half upset. "I might have been wounded but it was in the shoulder I can still walk."
"Sorry I just got the word you were wounded. I guess it was a good thing I didn't bring an ambulance. I did; however, leave everyone at the Gran until I could ascertain damage."
"Spoken like a good Station Chief," said Sarah as she hugged her. "But I need to see my baby so lead the way I want to get out of here."
"Good just follow me I'll drive you guys and my men will handle your luggage. I take it with the wounded wing you're on light duty."
"He's supposed to be on no duty until I say otherwise," said Sarah as they followed Margo through the terminal and around customs as she waved her embassy credentials. "How have things been here for you? Is it better or worse than Rome?"
"Actually up to a few days ago kind of slow and boring but all of a sudden we picked up on a killer's elite meeting. It seems like some of the top hitmen in the world have suddenly decided to vacation Club Med and we don't know why."
"Strange," said Chuck wondering if their being there had anything to do with it. He looked at Sarah and could tell she had the same idea.
"So what was it like before all this bad guy traffic? I mean you got to start up a new office and set the ground work for everyone who will be coming here after you. That must've been exciting?"
"Yes and no, you see Kotor is like an information funnel we get intel from both East and West then process it and send it up the food chain. I've got feelers and contacts embedded everywhere I can plus access to Echelon."
"Sounds all good but I think you're about to add a 'but' to the sentence," said Chuck as they got to her car, a dark blue Volvo S80. She pressed a button on the fob the car alarm switched off and they got in.
"Drop the other shoe," said Sarah as she caught Margo looking at her in the mirror. It didn't take Sarah long to figure out what the problem was. "Does this have something to do with my father?"
"Well I was going to talk about this with Chuck in private," said Margo glancing back at both. "But I think maybe now you both need to hear this."
"There's nothing I wouldn't put past my father so go ahead and tell me."
"Go ahead Margo," said Chuck. "Sarah says she's immune and we don't keep secrets from each other."