Next day…

Burton House

It felt like it had been long time since she was had been home, at least as Sarah and not as a spy. Last time she was there, she carried a baby in her arms and pleaded with her own mother to make sure that the babywould have the life her mother had wished for her. She was standing right at the front door, and yet she hesitated.

It was the first time that I felt like I´m doing something that matters. Not for my country, not for an agency, just for myself…

Her eyes closed. She had been at the house with Casey and five other people. They were decorating the interior for a mission.

"Walker, don't get too excited." said Casey as he placed some pictures in order.

"Our cover has to be solid and you know that." She rolled her eyes while trying to clean up the table.

Casey grunted, "You were spending hours on computer just to make these pictures look 'solid.' You could try to behave like this the next time you have actual relationship."

The memory ended. She found herself wishing that she could be that strong, and independent, woman, but for now she couldn't. Everything she knew, everything she used to know, was her spy training which was useless to her now, and very nearly helped her throw everything she had out the window.

Mom why do you did this for me? She thought.

"Are you going to stand there, or are you going to knock?" Startled, Sarah turned around. The five year old girl just stood there smiling at her. Then, in a split second, she was all over her. Sarah just stood there hugging her awkwardly until; finally, she was released by the energetic little girl.

"I missed my bigger sister." the girl whispered.

"Hey, I´m not that big you know…" Sarah was laughing from her heart and she wanted to enjoy this moment.

The door opened a crack and Emma peeked out. She was happy that she had her daughter back. Sarah was playing with her sister Molly and having fun. Yet Emma knew more than she had let on. When Chuck didn´t answer her phone calls two days ago she got worried. On ninth time he answered. He told her how things were between the two of them. At first she couldn´t comprehend what she was hearing. She refused believe that something like this could even happen. But then, what she could comprehend was Chuck´s grief. She also knew how stubborn Sarah could be if she thought she had no options and no control. Emma gave Chuck a suggestion and, after giving it careful consideration, he accepted. Now it was time for her to do her part. Taking a deep breath, she opened door completely.

"Molly, give Sarah some breathing room honey, she is our guest here, not a teddy bear." Molly gave her mommy that most innocent look that only a kid can do.

Kid, or a trained spy. Sarah thought to herself as she stood up.

"It´s fine, it´s nice to get different point of view." She smiled then gasped as the memory hit her.

They were returning home. Molly and her mother were safe with Morgan and Alex. She could not describe the relief when she saw them. Chuck and Casey all of them were happy for her. Chuck was on the floor playing with Molly…

"Sarah, are you ok?" her younger sister asked.

"Yes, I´m fine." She answered softly.

"You better be, mommy is calling us for lunch…"

Meanwhile, not far away…

Rented apartment

Chuck watched all that happened outside of the house on his laptop. Cameras were securing the perimeter as a part of his agreement. The other part wasn´t as great as the first, but at least he could sleep better. He was sitting behind a table desperately trying not give into the urge to run and help Sarah. He knew that he should be beside her but he can't be, not yet.

"Remind me which universe we are again?" Morgan returned from his shopping spree with some Chinese food.

Chuck´s eyebrows went sky high: "Another mysterious talk from Morgan Grimes?"

"Yeah, I'll write a book someday. So Chuck… chips or sandwich?" Morgan was persisted.

"Sandwich sounds good. What´s going on with this universe thing of yours?"

"Chuck, can you imagine an alternative reality where you are the badass agent protecting an asset? That's where we are right now." Morgan gave him the sandwich.

"Everything is the exact opposite of where we started, that's what it looks like."

"Like the mirror don´t you think Chuck?"

"Yeah buddy, like the mirror."

The two best friends spent the rest of the day up playing some board games, and brushing up on their Halo Reach strategies. Meanwhile, the Burton´s were in the city until late that night. Morgan left Chuck's rented apartment around 9 pm with a promise to visit his friend the next morning. Later that night Chuck got it text from Emma telling him that Sarah bought some new clothes, visited a theatre, it she was happy and she was sleeping soundly. Chuck knew that until his sister and Beckman found a way to help Sarah get rid of the Intersect, she would be a mark for anyone. He had his tracker on her but he didn´t want to dishonor the deal he had with Emma. She would be trying to help Sarah with her memories, and in exchange, Chuck would provide them protection.

At least I can sleep well, knowing she is safe. Chuck thought when he fell asleep.

At the same time - somewhere in Mexico…

Underground complex – holding cell 4

Walter Curry was a professional. He was a freelancer couple years back but still a professional. He was now working for the Red Sun drug cartel. He didn´t want to think of himself as a thug. No, assassin and interrogator suited him better. He was carrying a bottle of water. When he unlocked the door he came straight in.

"Tell me mister Burton." he asked with a deceptively calm expression. "Where can I find the money you stole…?"