Chapter Two – The Reunion
Chuck pulled a stool up to the pub, while Casey settled into a booth near the door. Sarah remained in the van as agreed upon and would enter if 'their' prime suspect entered the pub. Chuck hadn't time to shave so his appearance actually fit his role of being a dock worker. He was wearing a black toque along with dark demin shirt with jeans. Casey sat in the booth playing the part as well but his was more military like. Casey and Chuck continued to watch the door – every time the pubs door opened it triggered Chuck's flashes. Most of the 'cliental' were everyday people while a few were not so lucky. If the local police knew who actually was in there the LA County would definitely meet their quota for arrests. As the hours rolled on Chuck was definitely feeling the effects of all the flashes but this time his head was not reaping all the benefits. Whatever his dad put into the watch, it was becoming a life saver. Maybe Sarah was right, Chuck thought – maybe this was an olive branch Bartowski style. Sarah watched Chuck through Casey's eagle pin on his jacket. She truly loved that man. Though her fears were like a storm cloud – hovering over her head just waiting to pounce on her at any moment. She had her secrets. The more she allowed herself be wrapped up in the safe version of this world with Chuck, she knew her fears wouldn't interfere with what she deserved. Sarah tried to compose herself and put her head back into the game and not go with her heart. But watching Chuck made it harder, he was her kryptonite and like Superman it wasn't easily avoidable.
Sarah got up and tried to focus but as she went to stretch her legs a group of men that she recognized walked by the van. Sarah quickly sat down and called into the Chuck and Casey's earpieces.
"Bogee at your nine entering now."
Chuck and Casey both reared their heads to see the three men had entering. Each sitting in a nearby booth to the right of Casey. Chuck continued to sit at the bar. His flashes determined that only one of the men a Caucasian male had connections with the Intel that Beckman had given them. The other two men both Asian decent were clean. Chuck watched as the men ordered drinks and continued small talk while nursing their drinks. Casey moved closer to get an ear on what was being said. Casey managed to drop a receiver bug near the feet of the men. Sarah acknowledged that she was able to pick up their conversation.
Sarah listened to their conversation and relayed the conversation to Chuck and Casey.
"Guys I think that this is it. Looks like they are here to meet a guy named Jared Hastings. From the conversation he is the man behind what we are looking for. Chuck did you flash on the name Jared Hastings."
"No, nothing came up. It might not be anything, or he might have another name who knows."
As Chuck nursed his drink the seat beside him was now occupied.
"Nice night, the bar is full. You, new?"
Chuck turned around to face the voice that had interrupted his conversation with Sarah.
Chuck look up.
"You, new here?"
Chuck tried to not react to the owner of the face he was looking at. He wondered why, the intersect hadn't made the connection between the name that Sarah had just mentioned with the actual person. Chuck knew that he was in the midst of a flash that caught Casey's attention.
"Sarah we have a problem."
"What is it?"
"Chuck is flashing, and I am going with the fact that the person he is flashing on is sitting right in front of him."
"I'm coming in!"
"HOLD ON WALKER!"
"Let's just wait to see what he does with this."
Sarah sat back down on her chair and continued to watch Chuck go further into his flash and come out.
"Hey man you ok?"
Chuck was startled by the guy's comment.
Chuck looked around and had to act quickly.
"Yeah, I'm ok. Must have been the fish." Chuck looked up at the bar tender.
"Good one man."
The lone man grabbed Chuck's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
"So are you new here?"
"Yeah, just rolled in here or better yet the wind blew me here."
"Awe a sense of humor. I like a man who has a sense of humor."
"Good to know." Chuck took a swig of his beer.
"You, going to be here long? I got to go talk to my friends over there." Chuck looked to see where he was pointing and he ended up pointing to the three men in the booth to the right of him.
"You staying?"
"It depends, if the drinks keep coming and the company isn't bad, then I might stay."
"Can't promise you any entertainment but I can guarantee that the drinks will be worth your stay."
Chuck nodded as this Jared Hastings left to go talk to the men in the booth. Casey got up and sat down to the left of Chuck and ordered another. Casey stood facing the other direction while Chuck kept facing the bar.
"You ok!"
"Yeah I guess so. This watch really works. Though the flashes were steady they weren't painful as they once were."
"So what did that little head of yours come up with."
"Jared Hastings, jack of all trades you can say and not the good kind. He is the right hand man for a CEO name Nicholas Tran. I am guessing that he is recruiting a few good men." As Chuck looked over to the men in the booth.
"Chuck, Jared Hastings has a record miles long so whatever he is doing there we need to find out and we need to find out soon."
"Doing my best dear?" Chuck looked up at Casey.
"I mean Sarah."
Casey grunted and grabbed his beer as it had just been placed in front of him.
As Sarah listened to the men, she knew that they were in the right place. All they needed was to get these guys to lead them to the right ship or even the right people for that matter.
Casey motioned to Chuck as he saw Jared Hastings get up and the three men leave the bar. Casey got up.
"I'll go pay those three a visit while you put this one to bed."
"Thanks for the confidence."
"You'll be fine Chuck, I'm just outside."
Chuck smiled as he knew that he was good hands.
Casey exited the bar as Jared returned to his seat.
"Ready for another?"
"Sure." As Chuck turned to face Jared sitting beside him.
"So, what do you do for a living?"
"Charles, and you are?"
"Jared."
"Nice to meet you. Kind of between jobs right now, so I am looking for work."
"Yeah times are tough, I can relate, but when I thought that I was at the end of my rope, I was thrown a new one."
Sarah quickly typed in Jared's name to get a history of this guy to help Chuck keep ahead of this guy.
"He worked for a software company, a few odds jobs, gas attendant, dog walker and most recently working for Tran."
"Yeah I know what you mean. The work is fine when you have it. I mean the odds jobs like maintenance, yard work and fixing computers has been my only means of keeping full time work. But the last place I worked at ended up downsizing so guys like me, the under dogs who kept the company going were let go, so those who already had the huge paycheques could keep getting their huge paycheques."
Jared looked at Chuck. "You know computers?"
"Don't we all?"
"Yeah I guess, but do you really know computers." The look Jared was giving Chuck, he knew that it meant much more."
"This is it Chuck, play it cool."
" Yeah! I have dabbled in a few things here and there, I like the rush."
"You do?"
"Yeah! The ability to be heard and not seen, who wouldn't like that! To be in one place while people think that you're in another and all you're doing is sitting in your living room. "
Jared took a swig of his beer and slid the other in front of Chuck.
"Drink up my dear friend. I think that your luck is about to change for the better."
Chuck swallowed hard and took a quick sip of his beer.
Jared and Chuck sat and nursed another round of beer and pretzels. Sarah could tell on Chuck's voice that he needed an intervention and it had to be quick. As Jared and Chuck continued to talk the bars roar came to complete hush. The bar door open and there walked in the object of Chuck's affections. Sarah walked in and took off her jacket. Chuck's eyes and mouth gaped wide open. Sarah stretched her upper body and flaunted her low rise t shirt that barely covered a thing. Her hair was down and it looked like she had just purposely teased her hair that way. Chuck brought his wrist up to his face and whispered.
"What are you doing, and dressed like that?"
"You needed a distraction and I am your distraction, so follow my lead."
Chuck watched as Sarah flaunted her assets. He was glad that she was his but the fact that every eye was envisioning his girl, made him uneasy . Chuck shook his head. He did not want to think what every man was thinking, even if he himself was thinking the same thing. It was the principle of the thing.
Sarah grabbed a stool at the end of the bar and to the left of Chuck.
The female bartender approached Sarah.
"What would it be Miss?"
Sarah looked up and smiled her infamous smile that would melt ice and the hearts of the most of the males in the room.
"I'll have vodka on ice, make it a double."
"Yes maam." The bartender left and returned shortly with Sarah's drink.
Jared leaned back to get a good look at this sight for his sore eyes. Once he drank her all in and Chuck tried to control himself. Jared returned to the bar.
"Isn't she something."
"Yeah, she definitely is. She's probably taken already."
"Her, I don't think so. It would take a pretty hard ass kind of guy to sync his teeth into her. And if he was ever so lucky – she's probably got him so whipped that he begged her to go out."
Chuck was ready to give this guy a whipping of his own, Bartowski style but he needed to put his feelings aside and focus on the mission. He knew that Sarah could take care of herself.
"So you were saying that you worked with computers? Do you need one fixed?"
Chuck's question startled Jared out of his focussed on Sarah.
"No not me personally, but someone I work for is looking for someone who could do a few odds jobs regarding computers. I'm kind of busy so I don't have the time. And we are always looking for new blood. You interested."
"Sure, need the cash."
Jared got up.
Chuck turned around as he saw Jared heading towards Sarah.
"Hey, where you going?"
"Going to pay someone a visit."
Chuck got up as Sarah noticed Jared walking towards her. Sarah shook her head ever so slightly. Chuck sat back down and watched. That was all he could do.
Jared pulled up a stool beside Sarah and leaned into the railing of the bar top.
"Hey, you look a little thirsty?"
Sarah turned to face Jared. "Does the line actually work?"
Jared sat down. "Well I guess not with you, cause you're the kind of girl, I mean woman who needs to be approached carefully and in high regards."
"And that works too?"
"Indeed, cause you're still talking to me."
Sarah put on a little smile. She knew how to play this game. She was the best at her job and working a mark was one her better qualities along with seduction and knife play.
"So, you alone? And would you like that drink?"
Sarah swallowed what was left of her drink.
"Yes I would but not with you. But thank you."
Jared bowed out gracefully.
"If you changed your mind."
"If I change my mind….."
Sarah gave a wink and turned around on her stool. Jared walked back and sunk back onto the stool beside Chuck.
"Struck out man!"
"Sorry Jared, she seemed to be good for you." Chuck sighed deeply as he was glad that Sarah had turned him down.
"You go try."
"W-h-a-t?"
"You go try, if she turns you down I won't feel so bad."
"You think that she'll turn me down?"
"Yeah, look at you."
"WHAT about me?"
"Your scruffy, you look like a dock worker."
"Maybe she likes that kind of stuff in a man, maybe your wall street clean cut look isn't what she likes."
Jared laughed. "Ok lover boy, you get her to accept your invitations for a drink, I'll…"
"You'll what?"
"I'll pass your name onto my boss."
Chuck looked at Jared.
"How about, if I get her to kiss me before you leave you will not let your boss know cause I know you won't but instead you yourself hire me."
Jared seemed to be a betting man. Chuck knew from experience and being a nerd, when pretty lady was involved and the fact that the pretty lady was his girlfriend he had this bet won as soon as the bet was made. Chuck had to gain Jared's trust quickly as 100's of men, women and children lives could be at stake.
Chuck waited as Jared looked at him then at Sarah.
"You're on! One drink and one kiss. The kiss better be worth my time and a job for you."
Chuck finished his beer and stood up and fixed his pants and shirt. Jared placed his hands on Chuck's shoulder.
"Go get her tiger."
Jared pushed Chuck towards Sarah and sat back down and ordered a whiskey. As Chuck walked towards Sarah, Sarah could see from her peripheral vision that Chuck was walking towards her. Yet being on a mission she still had goose bumps as Chuck walked closer towards her. She closed her eyes and got a whiff of his cologne that played with her senses. Sarah took a few deep breaths and quickly went into agent mode.
"Excuse me miss, is this jacket yours?"
Sarah looked behind her and somehow her jacket had fallen down.
"Yes, thanks."
"No problem, my pleasure."
Chuck looked and walked on then looked back at Jared as he raised his glass towards Chuck.
Chuck walked back towards Sarah.
"Sorry to bother you again, but is this seat taken. Or are your waiting for someone."
"Yes."
"Yes the seat is taken or yes you are waiting for someone."
"Both."
Chuck was not catching on to Sarah's lead.
"You asked me if this seat was taken and I said yes and you asked if I was waiting for someone and I said yes. So the answer to both of your questions is, yes, and that person is you."
Chuck smiled as Sarah reached out to pull the stool out from under the bar. Chuck sat down and looked at Sarah. Her beauty was breath taking. Chuck had a hard time to focus mentally as well as physically. He could easily say to heck with the mission and take Sarah far from this place. But they both needed an 'in' to and whom Jared was working for.
"Would you like a drink?"
Sarah bit her lip and nodded.
"A glass of your finest bottle of wine and I'll have another beer."
The bartender looked at Chuck.
"You don't have wine here."
"We sell Gin, Jack, Johnny Red, Johnny Black and Jose – all my favourite men."
"Okay, uh she'll have a beer, make that two."
The female bartender winked at Chuck and returned with 2 beers.
Sarah gave Chuck a weird possessive look but Chuck returned with his own infamous puppy dog look that had captured Sarah's heart many times before. A look that she knew that Chuck was hers no matter what. Chuck raised his bottle as Sarah tapped hers against his. Chuck and Sarah ran through the small talk just to keep Jared watching. Chuck leaned into Sarah.
"I guess we should take it to the next level."
"What do you have in mind?"
"I usually don't do this kind of thing."
"Well I guess your boyfriend isn't doing his job, if he let you go out tonight by yourself."
"I don't have a boyfriend."
"You don't."
"NO, so I am up for anything." Sarah ran her hand up Chuck's leg. Chuck remembered the last time Sarah had done the same action.
"Well miss, so sorry I didn't get your name."
"Never gave it."
"Hmmm ok then, my name is…."
Sarah placed her fingers on Chuck's lips to silence him from giving out his name."
"No need for names, I like the suspense."
"Ok then mystery woman, what would you like then." Chuck took another drink.
"I would like you to shut up and kiss me."
Chuck tried to swallow his drink but he quickly had to grabbed his sleeve and wipe his mouth.
Chuck shrugged his shoulders and placed his beer down on the bar. He brought his legs around and placed them on either side of Sarah's legs. He reached down and pulled Sarah's stool closer to him that forced Sarah's arms to grabbed Chuck instinctively by his shirt. Chuck brought his face in line with Sarah's left side of her face. He could feel her warm breath on his neck. Sarah grabbed Chuck's shirt a little tighter. Chuck brushed Sarah's face with his lips. Sarah ached for his touch. She had to remember that she was playing a role but this role was one she desperately wanted to act on. Sarah slightly wet her lips in anticipation of Chuck's warm lips. Chuck brought his hands up and placed them on either thigh. Sarah leaned in and as gravity or some natural force brought their lips together. Chuck wanted to deepen the kiss but he had to. He had to do nothing. He removed his hands from Sarah's thighs and reached up behind her back and brought her closer to him. Sarah's arms found their new home around Chuck's neck. It was not planned but human nature human attraction for Chuck and Sarah, the world around them didn't exist. Chuck embraced Sarah as he had done many times before and Sarah wouldn't want it any other way.
Sarah leaned her head onto Chuck's shoulder as Chuck fought the need to nibble a little longer on her neck. Sarah gasped for air as she tried to regain some sense of control on the situation. Sarah squeezed Chuck's shoulders and whispered in Chuck's ear.
'What is Jared doing now?'
Chuck, still blown away from the events, that he had to snap out of his Sarah haze.
'What?"
"What is Jared doing?
Chuck leaned in to make it look like he was giving Sarah a hug.
"He's watching, but he's more like a person in shock. I bet he didn't expect that? I mean when you put your heart and soul into a mission you don't back down."
Sarah trying not to react in a way that she could lose her cover.
"I think that we should cut ties now and you go back to him. But I would rather like to see where this could have gone or could go. I do miss you."
"I miss you too babe, but like you say mission first."
Chuck pulled away and scooted his stool away from Sarah. He looked at her and carefully replaced a strand of hair back around Sarah's ear. He stood up and grabbed her hand and carefully kissed it. Chuck's shear touch sent goose bumps or what she now called them Chuck bumps through Sarah's system. She took a deep breath and turned herself back towards the bar.
Chuck walked back and Jared sat up and applauded. He gave Chuck a drink and Chuck quickly doused it.
Jared slapped Chuck on the back.
"Yee haa – never saw that coming – Man can you pick them. I would have never guessed that she would be into you – man can she kiss – I WONDER WHAT'S SHE LIKE IN THE SACK."
Chuck was about to hit him when Jared quickly got his attention as the two men looked up to see Sarah walking towards them.
"Looks like she wants more Charles, you lucky guy."
Sarah walked over and stood in front of the Chuck and Jared. Chuck turned around to face Sarah and smiled. Sarah walked over to Jared and placed her arm around his neck.
"I hope you're not upset that I didn't choose you. But you know how things are and I do have type. And I like to stick to my type of guy."
"Oh no not at all, you wouldn't happen to have a sister would you?"
"Sorry only child."
Jared looked a little heart broke but as Sarah continued to keep her arm around his neck she attached a small bug to the inside of his collar. Jared was so wrapped up that he never felt a thing. Sarah removed her arm and moved over to Chuck. She took his arm and pulled up his sleeve. She grabbed a pen from the bar and wrote on Chuck's arm 456-8382. Sarah capped the pen and kissed Chuck's cheek.
"See you later stud!" Sarah put her jacket on as the bar rose to their feet. As Sarah closed the door she could her cheers and whistles. She smiled to herself as she headed back to the van.
Chuck stood up and raised his arm in the air to verify the signing of Sarah's mark. Chuck sat back down as congrats continued to be given.
Chuck looked at Jared. "So you said one drink and one kiss, so do I have the job."
Jared looked at Chuck. "Man I'm not sure that the job I have for you is good enough. With what I just saw and experienced, what I had in mind isn't going to cut it. Yeah I give you a job but I will add to your job description. Let me call you tomorrow with more details. Until then you better not waste that number on just any blonde. If you know what I MEAN!" Jared laughing.
Chuck laughed alongside Jared as he got up.
"It's been a pleasure Charles, and it's late. I will call you tomorrow. "
Chuck wrote his alias number on the back of a napkin and handed it to Jared.
"I look forward to your call. I need the work."
"Don't worry, your future is taken care of, trust me."
"Ok."
Jared slapped Chuck on the cheek and headed to the door. Chuck waited till he was gone before making his way back to the van. Sarah watched as Jared walked past the van and headed to a black Lincoln. Sarah jotted down the licence plates as the car drove off. Chuck waited till the car was out of sight before he opened the door of the van. Chuck crawled in and stood behind Sarah. He placed his hands on her shoulders then ran his hands up and down her arms.
"You know if you continue what you're doing….."
Chuck leaned in and kissed Sarah's neck. Sarah reached back and held Chuck's head closer. Sarah just let Chuck do his thing, when a voice came over the surveillance feed.
Sarah let go of Chuck and sat up. Chuck grabbed a chair and pulled up beside Sarah.
"I think it's Jared and he's calling someone."
Chuck and Sarah grabbed a set of ear phones each and listened to the call being dialed.
"Do you know what time it is?"
"Sorry boss, but you did ask to be notified of anything new?"
"Go on!"
"I have recruited 2 more guys as you asked but I also found someone who could possibly do the 'other' job for us. He's a dock worked but dabbles in computers. I will have Lucy do a check on this guy to see if he's legit – I told him that I would call him tomorrow."
"You think that he can do the job – we need it to look…."
"Yes boss, I think that no governmental official will know what hit them. I like what he said – he said that he liked to be heard but not seen."
"Ok I will be in LA Thursday, flight A456J from Miami. Meet me at Shingooses, I'll be hungry by then."
Sarah jotted down the flight number and quickly forwarded it to Casey. Casey texted back.
Sarah looked at her phone.
"Looks like our three men headed to a restaurant called."
"Shingooses."
"Yeah, I think that we are closer than ever." Replying cautiously.
Chuck turned Sarah to face him. Chuck leaned in.
"You got that right."
Chuck slowly kissed Sarah then rested his head on hers as he got up to head back to Castle.
Sarah's Apartment
Laura looked at the clock and sleep was finally going to be an option. Laura walked over to her phone when an alert popped up on the screen. 'Tronfan1985' has left you a message. Laura knew who that message was from. Laura logged on using Sarah's lab top.
'Tronfan1985' We're heading over the pond. Breach D.S. not RIP. Need to let C.B/S.W know ASAP
Laura quickly typed back hoping that Stephen was still online 'urlovedTron' No word on D.S offspring are fine no worries here so far – will wait 4 ur call
Laura logged off and knew that she couldn't do anything till they arrived.
CASTLE
Chuck, Casey and Sarah walked the stairs down to Castle. It was now close to 4 am but they had to report to Beckman. It was almost nine when Chuck clicked on Beckman's direct line.
"Good morning team, don't we look good."
"Well actually General…"
"Chuck." Sarah interrupted. "She's telling us that she has seen better."
"Oh, ok."
"What's the update?"
"We came across a man named Jared Hastings. He has ties to a man named Tran and he was recruiting a few more men which Casey followed to a Chinese Restaurant. We also received intel from a call that Hastings made to an unknown gentleman who is arriving later today at LAX."
"General we also believe that something is going down at the Shingoose restaurant. When I followed the men the restaurant was closed to the public."
"Very well team. Any word on the shipment?"
"No maam." Sarah interjected. " But Chuck did manage to convince this Hastings fellow to give him a job. If Chuck can use his computer skill set – then we can figure out what he is up to and if Hastings and Tran have something to do with the smuggling. Hastings did say that he wanted someone to work on computers for another person – which we think is Tran and if…"
"Tran is the guy on the phone or someone different. He didn't like to be bothered but was very interested in the fact that Hastings had found someone so quickly."
"So Chuck so you're telling me that you'll be able to come up with a way to get intel on them?"
"General I am hoping that whatever they are planning I can make it look like they are in the clear while sending Intel to you?"
"I won't know what they want till he calls and that may not be till later today or even tomorrow."
"Ok team get some sleep and call me as soon as he gets in touch with you. We won't move till we hear from Hastings. Is that understood?
"Yes."
"Good bye for now."
The screen went black as Casey tossed his gun into his bag. "You guys need a ride?" Casey looking up.
"I am guessing that it's too late for Sarah to go home to the hotel now?" Casey smiling.
Sarah grabs Chucks' hand. "I guess you're right."
ECHO PARK
Chuck stood facing the mirror while running the water for Sarah's shower. As he looked into the mirror he grabbed his razor and was about to apply shaving cream to his face when Sarah walked in and took the razor from him. Sarah shook her head. "Not today dear, I kind of like it."
Chuck turned around and placed his face into her neck and mumbled. "You do?"
Sarah reached up and placed her arms around his neck and held him close and whispered. "You know what else I like?"
Sarah pulled back and grabbed Chuck by his towel and followed her into the shower. The steam had engulfed them as the door opened. Sarah leaned up against the cold tile as Chuck resumed his placed. Sarah grabbed the soap and started to lather Chuck's back. After a while the soap wasn't doing the job that it was intended for. Chuck took the soap from Sarah's hand and placed it back on the holder. Chuck brought Sarah close and wrapped her arms around his back. Chuck leaned in, Sarah took all of Chuck.
Chuck opened the door as the cool air hit them. Chuck grabbed a towel and quickly wrapped it around his waist then grabbed another and held it open for Sarah. Sarah rang her finger down his chest and stopped just short of the towel itself. "Well thank you Mr. Bartowski?"
Chuck leaned in and gave her a kiss. He grabbed another towel and placed it on her head and lightly dried her hair. Chuck left Sarah to continue to dry off as he strolled into the bedroom to find some clothes to wear. Sarah walked in shortly after realizing that she had not brought any sleep wear. Chuck liked the idea of her sleeping in the buff but her response wasn't as welcoming. Chuck walked over to his dresser drawers and grabbed a fresh pair of boxers and one of his t shirts. Sarah changed as Chuck sat on the bed. Chuck opened the covers as Sarah climbed in. Chuck pulled the covers over as Sarah settled into her favourite position. Chuck flicked the lights off. The glow of the outside lights shone in the room as they laid there. One last sigh and a kiss good night both succumbed to sleep.
LAX (later that day)
Two flights arrived at the same time flightA456J from Miami and International flight from Sweden. Stephen and Mary stood by the carousal and waited for their luggage. It had been close to 20 years since Mary had been in LA and for Stephen he had lost count on how many years it had been for him. Both stood wondering what would happen once they left the airport. Stephen waited for his bags as a small group of gentlemen walked down the corridor of the airport and outside to an entourage of black sedans. Stephen couldn't help notice that these men then shrugged it off as things had changed here over the years.
Stephens's phone beeped as they headed outside the airport. Mary grabbed the phone as Stephen hailed a cab. Mary opened up the email. 'urlovedTron' No word on D.S offspring are fine no worries here so far – will wait 4 ur call
"Stephen? Laura sent an email." Mary gave Stephen his phone and read the email. A taxi rolled up and they tossed their gear into the trunk and got into the back seat.
"Where to?" Stephen and Mary didn't really had time to figure that out. Stephen looked at Mary.
"Where to?"
"Both places are fine?"
Mary looked at Stephen. Stephen then looked at the driver. "Rural route 34 – just off High River Road. Once we get closer I'll tell you where to go from there."
"Sounds good." The driver put the car into drive and sped off.
"So are you going to call Laura?"
"Yeah, and she can meet us there."
Sarah's Apartment
Laura had gotten a few hours of sleep. She didn't want to fight the need to sleep – once she was up there was no point in going back to bed. Laura grabbed her robe and strolled out to the kitchen. She peaked into Sarah's room and noticed that her bed had not been slept in. She smiled knowing that where she was she was safe. Laura grabbed a few items and started to make some coffee. Laura sat down and waited for the coffee when her phone rang.
She noticed the number and knew who it was. Laura pressed send and was happy to hear the voice on the other end.
"Sure I can meet you there. Do you want me to tell the kids?"
Mary looked at Stephen. "No not yet, we need to find out why Shaw's name came up and if our kids are in danger. Just bring yourself and some American coffee and we will catch ya when you get there."
"Will do, see you soon."
ECHO PARK
Chuck embraced the sun and the angel that was snuggled up beside him. The moment was perfect. No one too interrupt or disturbed this blissful and possible love making session with Sarah. Chuck rolled over to face Sarah and lightly kiss her forehead. He caressed her cheek, which made her break out of her sleep. Sarah yawned and focussed her eyes on Chuck. She loved waking up like this seeing Chuck made it even better. She leaned in kissed his lips. Chuck reached in behind her and brought her close. Sarah moved on top as Chuck ran his hands up and around her back. Sarah then rolled over to allow Chuck to have some fun. Sarah curled her legs just above the back of his knees. "Well good morning Mr. Bartowski."
Chuck mumbles into Sarah's neck. "Good morning."
Sarah smiled and bit her lip as Chuck continued to do things to her that definitely would wake someone up. With one swoop Chuck took off Sarah's shirt or his shirt and tossed it. (He was getting very good at that) Sarah had no complaints on where this was leading to. She just wanted to enjoy the moment. Chuck was settling in and was about to dive in when Sarah's phone rang. Sarah tried to focus on what Chuck was doing to her and looking at the screen on her phone. Both a task and half to accomplish both. Sarah looked at the screen. 'Be at Castle in 30' Casey'
Sarah tossed the phone, Chuck sat up. "Well?"
"You have 10 mins."
Chuck smiled his infamous smile and rolled over.
9.5 minutes later
Chuck grabbed Sarah's hand and pushed her into the shower as he quickly had his. Sarah showered as Chuck tried to brush his teeth. But the image in the mirror tempted him with every blink.
"You know Sarah maybe we should tint the shower windows. The last time I stared into the shower it wasn't so awesome."
"Am I making you nervous?"
"Nervous wouldn't be the word to describe what I am feeling. More like your kryptonite and I am superman but for some reason this (twirling his finger) isn't so deadly."
Sarah smiled because she too felt the same way towards him. "And that makes it better."
"Well you could be a praying Mantis sometimes, if the female is hungry and the male doesn't fly off quick enough after mating, the female will eat him. Research on the praying mantis has shown that the female eating the male is actually far less likely than the two insects parting amicably after the mating process (which can take hours) is complete."
"Chuck your spiralling. But I love you anyways."
"Lumbs you too." His face is full of toothpaste.
BARTOWSKI CABIN – LOCATION OFF OF THE BEATEN PATH
The taxi drove up to the lone road as Stephen paid the driver and waited for him to take off before they entered the narrow road towards the cabin. As they walked they both remembered when they bought the cabin. Chuck was two and Ellie was seven. They would meet up with the Burtons and make every weekend a long weekend if they could. Chuck and Sarah would bunk in the play pen, as the adults would talk out on the porch and Ellie would be glued to the game Operation, trying not to have the buzzer go off. Both Stephen and Mary knew that Ellie would end up becoming some type of doctor after that. Stephen also knew that the cabin would hold all his secrets till he died. Stephen opened the doors after several locks had been unlocked and his security had been shut down. Though his security wasn't up to par with the latest gadgets it worked for him. His booby traps did their jobs.
Mary walked in and the placed looked like a furniture graveyard. White sheets had covered most of the furniture and with a few cobwebs and years of dust. The place looked as it did the last time they were there. Mary pulled of a few sheets and hung them outside. Stephen placed the bags in the only bedroom and went to start a fire. As the fire was a blazed he walked over to the sconce on the wall and twisted it counter clockwise then clockwise then half ways again. He then pushed the sconce upward till he heard a click. The wall panel opened up to expose the mysteries behind the wall. Stephen backed up as the wall converted to a special ops work station. Posted near the left side was the last family picture of the four of them when Chuck was six and Ellie was eleven. Stephen picked up the picture as Mary noticed. Mary walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Remember we did it for them."
Stephen nodded as he heard a car coming up the road. He quickly leaned into the counter and brought up the one of the road cameras. He scanned the road to saw that it was Laura. Stephen put the pictures down and headed to the door to welcome his friend.
Mary and Laura greeted each other, for it had been several months since they had seen each other. Stephen came out and hugged Laura. Stephen unloaded groceries and made some that Laura had brought them. They sat outside enjoying each other's company.
After a while Stephen got up and returned with the intel he received that stated that Shaw was alive. Laura took the intel and read through it. She was surprised yet very curious to why his name came up when she saw Chuck shoot him. Laura made sure that he was dead so why was this man's ghost talking now.
"You saw our son shoot him?"
"I did and I made sure he was dead when Interpol came to take the body. I don't get it. Plus why would your system pick up his name and only his name?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, but we need to find out where he is and if this is a real threat to our children."
"So what do you have in mind?"
"Not sure because I know that we are still wanted by the CIA. And once they have word that we are here, we will never be free and our kids will be running for the rest of their lives."
"But the prophesy was solved?"
Stephen looked at Mary then at Laura. "What happened in Sweden was just the beginning and you know that there is way more to this."
Laura didn't want to admit that Stephen was right. Franco Kovac was still MIA and they both knew that he wouldn't rest till his wife's killer and his son's killer had justice done to them.
"We need to talk to Diane, she'll…"
"Beckman! Laura she is the last person that we need to have back on our side…."
Stephen got up and walked over to the window.
"Mary, Stephen, Diane is very much on our side. I am re-instated. And she was very supportive in getting Chuck and Sarah back together. She wasn't surprised that they ended up together."
Stephen turned around. "You talked to her?"
"Yes when we were in Laos. She met with us via tele conference when Sarah was taken by Shaw."
"Stephen, you know she knows more than what she has told Chuck and Sarah. Remember she was new to the CIA the same time we were. She had her job and we had ours, even though she wasn't too pleased that you had Bryce take the files when she asked you to trust her."
"Trust is a two way street. I asked her to help me with Mary and she didn't." Stephen walking back and grabbing Mary's hand.
"I asked her to be lenient with Mary after she left and when Diane told me that Mary had broken protocol I had to do something. Which we all know destroyed our family."
"You went after your wife to protect your family, as much as I left to protect Lisa and Jack. Diane was just doing her job as we were doing ours. The only difference was she did it by the book and we didn't. That is the only reason and you know it. So if Diane can help us then I think that we should allow her to do that. Now that our kids are very much engulfed with the CIA – we need all the right help we can get. If Kovac has members of the CIA in his back pocket there are not many people with Diane's pull that we can trust. The RING, FULCRUM were only the beginning."
"Honey, Laura is right. We need to talk to Diane. If Shaw is alive heaven's forbid. Kovac won't stop and with Diane on our side we can find out who is true CIA is and who is not. Who knows what else Kovac has gotten himself into."
Mary walked over to Stephen's make shift station and pulled out the phone. Mary picked up the receiver and dialed Diane.
CASTLE
Chuck and Sarah walked down the stairs holding hands as they approached Casey, cleaning his gun. Casey looked at his watch. "2 minutes to spare, not bad."
Sarah looked at Chuck and smiled. "Well hello to you too Casey. So what's the emergency?"
"Glad you asked. Hastings didn't go home last night. He ended up going to Shingooses early then he headed to the docks where he hooked up with this woman." Casey brought his picture up on the screen.
Chuck looked up and as Sarah commented. "Isn't that Smooth Lau?" Remembering her last dance with her.
"Yeah, I was shocked as well. I did a search and she did time but her rich lawyer got her out on a technicality."
"Figures."
"So what's her connection?"
"So far I am guessing bed buddies because only the two of them entered a portable office near the docks and they didn't leave for hours."
"You mean you stayed and watched, Casey."
"No moron, the footage told me."
"So if Lau and Hastings are an item then who is this guy that they are meeting?"
"I would like to know that too, team?"
"General?"
"So what do we have and has Hastings called yet?"
"No maam, nothing from Hastings but we know that Hastings and Smooth Lau are an item."
"Wasn't she the leader of the triad?"
"Yes?"
"Well then, pull up all and everything you have on the triad since your last meeting with her and cross reference their ties with known smuggling gangs in China. This might be our link."
"General do we want to bring in Lau?"
"No not yet, we need her to lead us to this mysterious caller. We will stick to the plan and wait for Hastings and …."
Just then Beckman's phone rang. She saw the encrypted number and knew who it was. Beckman resorted her eyes to the phone. Chuck, Sarah and Casey watched as her eyes left the screen. The team waited.
Beckman looked back to the screen. Her whole body's demeanor changed. "Sorry team, I need to take this call. Let me know what Hastings says?"
The screen went blank as the three of them looked at each other. "Well you heard her let's get to work." Casey stampered off.
"Well personally I thought that was rude."
"Chuck?"
"No seriously when has she ever dissed us based on a call?"
"Chuck she isn't ours, she has other duties."
Chuck still not convinced let it go and headed to the computers with Sarah.
WASHINGTON DC/CABIN
Diane pressed the secure line and picked up the receiver.
"Beckman here."
Mary switched the phone to her other ear to look at Stephen and Laura.
"Diane, its' Mary." She paused. "With Stephen and Laura."
"Haven't seen this number in awhile."
"Yes it has been a while, how are things?"
"Fine, and you?"
"It depends on how you would like this conversation to go?"
"Mary, you wouldn't have called if it wasn't important so….Your back…."
"We need to meet."
"And Stephen, how is he with this?"
"You know, he's still kind of holding a grudge."
"I did what I had to."
"And we did what we had to do as well."
"Yes I know that now, but I didn't back then. You should have trusted me when you left."
"We can talk more about this when we meet."
Mary continued informing Diane of the latest. They agreed to meet in DC in a few days and try to figure out where Kovac was and whether Shaw was alive.
CASTLE
Casey had slipped out to get some coffee and supper as the team didn't want to stop working to long. Chuck sat nearby Sarah as he watched her work. Chuck was running a search and was waiting for the results when he couldn't help stop and look at Sarah. Sarah knew that he was watching her, so she wanted to have a little fun. Sarah started to sway her hips very so slightly, while continuing to type at her computer. Then she purposely dropped her pen and seductively bent down to pick it up. Chuck leaned over to his right to see Sarah on all fours. Chuck sat up when he saw her crawling up to him. Sarah moved in between his legs and sat up onto her knees. Chuck bent down and kissed her.
"You know the floor is awfully dirty, let me help you up."
Chuck slowly lifted Sarah up as she purposely drew out the lift. Sarah lifted her skirt so she could straddle and face Chuck. She bent down to kiss his chest that was exposed. Chuck reached behind her and pulled her forward. Chuck leaned back as they kissed. Chuck and Sarah embraced the few moments they had till déjà vu arrived in fashionable style once again. Sarah was enjoying Chucks lips and where his hands where going when she was stopped by a slight vibration of Chuck's phone. Sarah sat up as Chuck tried to reach for his phone. Chuck leaned forward as Sarah lost her hold on him and started to fall back. Chuck had one hand in his pocket while the other hand was trying to hold onto Sarah. Chuck tried to help Sarah stand but it looked more like he was holding her sideways. Chuck reached for his phone as Sarah managed to stand up. As Sarah stood up Casey walked in unsure of what had transpired.
"Chuck one day that phone of yours will be…."
Chuck looked at the phone. "It's Hastings."
Chuck pressed send "Hello?"
"Charles, you're in."