The Bartowski's are getting a Divorce

by mssupertigz

After the fall out at Meadow Branch. Sarah wants to make things right. But her choices are clouded by her feelings for Chuck. Her decisions are only made worse when Chuck flashes on an old mission of Sarah's that forces the team to join forces whether they want to or not.

3. Chapter 3

The Bartowski's are Getting a Divorce. I own nothing pure entertainment and creativity. Please review.

CHAPTER III

"Run through it again?"

"Come on Casey how many times do I need to tell you what I know and what you already heard me tell you."

"When you can tell me with out thinking of?"

"Well it's a little hard not to when it involves her and us." Then Chuck looked at Casey. It wasn't the fact that Casey wasn't getting it, it was the fact that Chuck needed to remind himself that what he knew was life and death and any slight change could be devastating to the team. Casey wasn't stupid not to see that there was something between Sarah and him, but the less he knew in that department the safer it would be if any one came around asking.

"Okay, from the beginning. I went to check my email and was in the process of deleting a few, when one caught my eye. I opened the file and along with flashing and decrypting the information on the email – it showed Sarah's Paris mission, the location of Castle, your rank and serial number, and info on an unknown asset which I assumed was me. Then more flashes occurred after I heard that voice which we now know belongs to Maria del Rosario, the wife of Rafael del Rosario and Francesco Javier his body guard, who was supposedly died that night as well. And with further investigation we know that they are looking for Sarah. Thus, why we are on this plane."

"Well I didn't hear anything from my contacts about a CIA agent down here, but my sources did say that there was a mission that involved a man named Sergio Manuel."

Chuck flashed with intel and photos of less pleasing circumstances that Sergio Manuel was associated it.

"Sergio Manuel is not the boy next door."

"No, but it's looks like the DEA are near by wanting to get their claws on this mission."

"So, your telling me that Sarah is here to fix this?"

"Like I said yesterday. Either she is here just because or she is here to clean up this mess. Either way the DEA gets their turn."

"Well Sarah won't let that happen."

"No, she won't but she has another problem and if we don't find her first it won't be what's in front of her that's the problem it will be the unexpected."

Chuck sat back in his seat knowing in a few minutes they would land, and reality would kick in again. Casey kept talking but Chuck had already stopped listening. Casey crossed the parking lot of the airport shaking hands with someone Chuck assumed was one of his contacts. The stranger knew Casey and greeted him so, the Major returned the greeting with a firm handshake. The stranger walked Casey to a small truck. The man then pulled up a tarp showing Casey something. In minutes Casey returned with two huge bags. Chuck grabbed their bags and headed to another vehicle, where Casey dropped the bags he was carrying and walked towards the gas tank pulling out a set of keys. Slipping to the back Casey opened the trunk, motioning to Chuck to bring their gear. Chuck tossed their bags next to the huge bags and closed the truck. Casey jumped into the driver's side as Chuck slipped into the passenger's side. Chuck had never been to Mexico, but this wasn't the Mexico he wanted to see. Casey drove into the darkness to the city of Puebla. His contacts gave him the name of this place hoping it was the right one. Casey pulled up to a small apartment as Chuck opened his eyes. "You can sleep more once we are inside."

Chuck yawned and nodded. It was way too early for him, but Casey was used to the long hours. Chuck grabbed their gear and headed to the back of the apartment. Casey slipped away then returned with the key. Opening the doors, Chuck could sense that Casey knew this place. Chuck placed their bags at the end of the couch. The room was sparse, but it had a full kitchen, table and a couch and a few chairs near the window. Chuck walked around, one bath and only one room. Chuck came back into the main part of the room. Casey had some how created a surveillance room in less than 10 minutes.

Casey looked up. Seeing the look on Chuck's face. "Remember to always be prepared."

"For what?"

"Anything."

"And this stuff?" As Chuck walked closer.

"This was an old safe house that the NSA had used years ago. I spent many years in South America and we always had a house, or an apartment set up. Most of these places were by name only, only to be shared when needed or if you needed a place to hide. I made a call and they got us set up."

Chuck couldn't believe what he was hearing. Surprised to say the least, he still had a long way to go to understand how the CIA and the NSA worked. Casey set up a grid and surveillance. "Bartowski get some sleep. You take the room upstairs and we will get at it later. Chuck got up and grabbed his bag and headed up stairs. Chuck walked up the stairs and entered the small room. At least the bedding looked clean. Opting on not taking any chances he crashed on the top grabbing his jacket as his blanket.

Hours later the smell of coffee woke Chuck up. Managing to get some sleep he headed downstairs. Casey looked refreshed but who knows if he got any sleep. Chuck grabbed a cup and poured himself a cup. The warmth was what he needed. Grabbing something to eat, he sat down next to Casey. Casey had made a list of places to look at and places that his contacts suggested might be of interest. With the combined list they had 14 places to look at. Hoping that Sarah would be at one of them.

Chuck followed Casey as they headed down the stairs to their car trying to blend in. With Chuck's height and Casey's solider look it was a bit hard to blend in. Opting for sunglasses and tossing the jacket, the t- shirt look helped a bit. Casey unfolded the list and one by one he crossed off places that were dead ends or not helpful. By the end of the day they had covered 6 of the 14 places. Chuck sat at a café waiting for Casey to return. He walked across the street to use the pay phone. Chuck watched as Casey returned and sat down, grabbing his pen. We just got another location, but they aren't welcoming of strangers. We will stake them out tonight and return in a few days. It might be getting to hot right now.

"Yeah Mexico is quite warm."

"Not that hot. Word gets around when people outsiders are poking around. And by the looks of these people, they will talk for the right price."

Chuck grabbed his iced coffee and walked down the sidewalk.

EAST SIDE PUEBLA

Sarah and Juan arrived at Ramon's estate and were escorted to pool side. Sarah stood over looking the pool and the beauty of the grounds. Ramon could be heard before Sarah and Juan could see him. Ramon walked up to the two of them sharing pleasantries and gesturing them to have a seat by the pool. After a few drinks and small talk, Ramon didn't waste anytime. Worrying Sarah and Juan for a moment, Sarah knew that he had looked into her past. "So, I hear that your good at waste management."

Sarah knew Beckman had taken care of her back story, but she wanted to hear from the horse's mouth on what he had found out.

"Like I said last night, I dabble in many things."

"Yes, you do. But you missed one thing."

"And that was?"

"Your name?"

"But you already know my name."

Ramon sat up and smiled. "Yes, I do but its nice to hear it directly from its owner."

Sarah uncrossed her legs and sat forward. Looking at Juan then back towards Ramon. "Victoria Cross."

Sarah watched Ramon, hoping that Beckman went with that alias. Next to her European alias's Victoria Cross was the only American one with the sketchiest back story. Ramon took a sip of his drink then sat back.

Seconds went by like hours. Ramon returned his drink to the table.

"So, do you go by Victoria or Vicky"

"Vic. I go by Vic."

"Why Vic?"

"Cause if I went by Victoria or Vicky people would assume that I was weak, but Vic gives me an upper hand. I do the job, they are pleased then when I get paid they see that Vic is not a man but a…"

"Beautiful, attractive, smart….."

Sarah grabbed her drink and took sip.

"And your friend?"

"Just Juan. You Juan a need a someone on your side that you can trust.

"Beautiful, attractive, smart and funny."

"I try."

"So where did you you two meet, are you two you know?"

Juan looked at Sarah. Sarah needed Juan to show Ramon what he had to offer to this meeting. Sarah turned her eyes towards the hired help motioning for another drink. Juan looked at Ramon.

"We met in Texas, about a year ago. I was given the name Vic Cross and I was to meet him at a lounge on the south side, exchange info for money. Arriving early, I sat down at the bar. The bar maybe had 10 people in it. Very quiet. I noticed a woman at the bar."

"Victoria."

"Yeah, but it never crossed my mind that she was the one that I needed to meet. I needed to meet a someone with the name Vic. Give him the info on a drug deal take the cash and leave. Easy money. So, when I called the number that I was given the woman at the bar looked up and at the same time the doors flew open and SWAT had somehow been tipped off. I didn't want to get caught so looking over to the woman at the bar, she motioned for me to follow her. I guess when we slipped out of the back, SWAT was actually there for someone else. Thanking her we headed up the alley. She stopped and fixed her dress, I asked her if she knew of a Vic. And she said your looking at her. From there we just clicked."

"What about the other question?"

Sarah leaned over and grabbed his hand then got up and sat on his lap. Placing his hand strategically in the right place, gave Ramon his answer. Juan was a pro he picked up as if they had been a couple for years. Sarah knew how to make people believe whatever they wanted and if Ramon wanted to think that they were a couple so be it. Belief is one thing but trust to her meant more. Momentary remembering that she had told Chuck that. Not to believe her but to trust her.

Focusing on the present situation Sarah turned and hopped of Juan's lap resuming her spot. "So, Ramon, tell us about you?"

Ramon wasn't quite slurring his words, but Sarah knew that if he had a few more drinks he would be. "Born here in Puebla, lived with my mother and two sisters. Dabbled in a few things, oil, and few others things."

Sarah looked at Juan. Juan asked him a question. "So those other interests, do you have an openings or interest in advancing?"

"Go on?"

"Some of my contacts back Texas are looking to invest, that is one of the reasons why we are here that other is that this lady." Pointing to Sarah. "This lady hasn't had a holiday in years."

"Well I can't do much about the holiday part, but you do need to check out the eastern coast while you are here. The other thing I can see what I can do and get back to you."

Sarah looked at her watch. Getting up. "Love to stay but I wanted to check out some of the shops before it gets too hot. I will leave you my number and when you hear something let us know."

The three said their goodbyes and Sarah and Juan slipped out the front door. Sarah tossed her hair back to put her sun glasses and slid into her seat and Juan drove off. When they got around the corner Juan parked the car and set up the transmitter. "I don't think he suspected that you were planting a bug while I was on your lap."

"I know, I wasn't sure if they would have checked us for weapons so making the bug to look like a button, would be easy to conceal and slip under the table."

Juan adjusted the volume as the two listened.

"Sergio, Ramon."

"How did it go?"

Sarah looked at Juan. "They know each other?"

They continued to listen.

"I think we have found our person, so this Vic is he any good?"

Ramon laughed. "You won't believe this, but Vic is a woman and a fine one at that."

"A woman? And she's a hitman?"

"I wouldn't say hitman but she seems to know how to get the job done. I looked into her past and she is quite wealthy and only a few people have heard of her which is what we need. Someone that the feds won't question or come looking for."

"And you mentioned that she wasn't alone?"

"No, she has a boyfriend. From what I can tell they are pretty close, they seem to work off each other. I think he does the business side and she does the heavy lifting."

"Sounds good, I will get back to later today. I have to head to the warehouse."

"You need me to come?"

"No, not now its better you stay seen and not heard. I have to get the cargo ready to be shipped out by soon and if I can and with the festivities around the corner, it might be harder to do that."

"You still want to have the party?"

"Of course. Day of the dead celebrations is the perfect time to move, with all the people, shipping the cargo out will be easy, guns and all."

Sarah looked at Juan, "We got to move."

Sarah sat back rethinking her choice of marks. But Ramon seemed to be the one to keep Sergio calm, and Sergio seemed to rely on Ramon's opinions. She needed more intel. Maybe the warehouse had the answers.

Later that afternoon Sarah's phone rang. Seeing that it was Ramon's number, she picked it up. Ramon made arrangements to meet him on the out skirts of town. It didn't give them much time to set up surveillance or anything, so she stashed a gun in behind her shirt and had Juan drive her out there. At least there would be two of them. Driving down a few dirt roads, they approached a drop of that overlooked the city. Getting out they walked over to Ramon and a few other men that swarmed them. Seeing that they were approaching, Sarah spoke. "I have a gun and if you plan on taking it you'll have to go through me."

Ramon raised his hand. The men stopped.

"Welcome."

Sarah walked closer, keeping her hands in the open but close enough to her gun. Juan walked along side the two cars parked parallel to the hill. "I am glad that you were able to make it. I spoke to my superiors and they want some verification that your who you say you are."

"Like what?"

"My superiors want some odd and ends taken care off."

A man closest to the car next to Juan walked over and opened the trunk. There laid a man who was obvious scared, gagged and looking up tried to scream. The trunk door closed. Sarah turned to Ramon.

"So how are we going to do this?"

Sarah's quick response surprised Juan. He didn't want to kill anyone, especially today.

Ramon lit a cigar. "My superiors want him dead but not until we get something out of him. If he talks, he lives. If he doesn't he dies."

"And who decides if what he tells us prevent him form being killed."

"Its up to you."

Ramon continued to talk giving Sarah the intel she needed. Ramon was just the messenger, Sergio was the man she needed. But she had to keep Ramon safe till she could get to Sergio. And from the conversation Sergio was not working for himself. Someone else was pulling the strings.

Ramon tossed the keys to Juan and the small entourage left leaving Sarah and Juan alone with the man in the trunk. Sarah opened the trunk and the man looked up screaming. They had to make it look like they killed him but at the same time keeping him alive for now.

"Drive him back and bring him in from the back, but first we need to make it look like we did the job."

Sarah opened the trunk. Aimed her gun and fired three shots. The shots rang out. Ramon rolled up his window and motioned for the driver to continue down the hill. Juan drove the car and parked in the back as Sarah headed inside. The body was dead weight thanks to Sarah's quick thinking and administering a small doze knocking him out. Sarah's shots missed the body going right through the interior of the car being buried deep in the ground below.

Juan laid the man on the nearest cot and waited. When the man awoke and after calming down he spoke. He gave Sarah and the team enough intel to silent Ramon and help the CIA with their mission. He also agreed to play the part of a dead man. Agents dressed the man with blood packets, bullet proof vest and a convincing gun shot to the head. Laying in the trunk one more time Sarah fired two more shots, to release the blood packs. Agents took the man into custody and Sarah dialed Ramon's number.

Meeting again, she tossed Ramon the photos. Ramon opened the file showing proof that he indeed was dead. "So he didn't talk?"

Sarah walked around the room. "No, he talked but I didn't like his look so I got rid of him."

Sarah watched as Ramon tried to show that he was pleased but it wasn't him. It was another piece of intel that proved that the DEA were not interested in a guy like him, but having the CIA still around they couldn't move in quite yet.

On the other side of town

Casey and Chuck drove around town and parked surveilling the address that Casey got but after a few hours, it seemed like another dead end. Casey and Chuck snuck inside and the looks of things it showed that someone was there but when they left it was hard to say. Heading back out they looked at the list and crossed it off. They still had 6 places to look at. The next few days they covered the east side of Puebla.

Sarah passed another test and was brought to another warehouse. The next few days, she was included in the dealings, trying to stay neutral, she had to get to Sergio but keep Ramon alive and try to stay in her role.

Chuck and Casey drove to the two places that surprising where blocks apart. Parking so they could see both they waited. Up to now it was a wild goose chase, that proved uneventful and with no signs of Sarah. They had been in Mexico way too long not to have something to go on. After the third day Chuck returned from relieving himself in an alley near by and tried to get cozy for another long stake out. But as the afternoon progressed Chuck knew that Casey had found the right building. The building got really busy with trucks with decals of Day of the Dead Celebrations on the side. Casey snapped photos and wrote down times, describing those who entered and exited. Chuck tired to keep up with the flashes but nothing connected him to Sarah. Casey reached back for a file in the back when Chuck noticed the same car that had driven by several times within the last hour. When Casey sat forward again, Chuck mentioned the car. Casey jotted down their license and started the car. Leaving their spot, they knew that if they didn't go now, there would be trouble. The car followed them for a while and when they figured that they had lost them they grabbed their stuff and swapped or as Chuck put it stole a truck and headed back. Parking at the top of the hill looking down at the warehouse. Casey got out and headed down the hill to get a better look. Making sure that Chuck stayed in the car. Chuck watched the building and after awhile everyone started to look the same except for one person that caught his eye, the one person that made his heart skip a beat and the only reason he was down here in first place, but in an instant she was gone. But Chuck followed his hunch leaving the car and leaving Casey with little hesitation whether to follow him or not. Chuck knew he had seen Sarah walk inside hours before but had not come out. The building was hard to describe as to whether it was a warehouse or something more. Chuck followed a small crowd that had arrived and not seeing Casey he went inside. Slipping in unnoticed and clearing the first set of cameras, he was safe for now. Casey was heading back when he saw Chuck. Shaking his head and adjusting his gun, he joined him, save the job of killing him later. Chuck crouched down as Casey came in from behind. Giving him a dirty look, all Chuck could do is say "Sarah."

Chuck and Casey headed down the hall and as Chuck turned the corner six men came across his path blocking his way forward. Casey came in from behind. Chuck shook his head. He didn't want them to know that Casey was there. A voice called him from the group of men to turn around. Chuck slowly turned around, seeing that he was out numbered. The men ranged in height and strength and the weapons didn't help either. All Casey could do was watch, yes he could have paled them all with bullets but Chuck's life was more important. Chuck knew he had to act fast before more people came. As the men approached Chuck, he flashed. The men charged him but as the men flew and Chuck continued to flash giving him the strength to out maneuver them with skilled martial arts, they weren't standing long. Chuck landed on his feet turning slightly to see what had transpired. Casey aimed his gun fearing the worse. Seeing that Chuck was the only one still standing he gave a sigh of relief. Chuck took a deep breath and moved on. Walking the halls, they split up Chuck taking the left and Casey taking the left knowing that the hall would meet up at the other end. Chuck checked the doors opening the random doors looking for Sarah. Passed a stairwell making note of it and letting Casey know when they met. As Chuck turned the corner he felt something cold touch his temple. The force of the tip pressed into his skull. It was a gun, he froze and knew that flashing wouldn't solve this one. The man pressed the end of the gun again forcing Chuck to move. The man escorted him to the set of stairs that he had just saw and headed downstairs. The stairs led to a dark damp hallway with cables hung on the ceiling hosting the small light bulbs that marked the hallway. Chuck felt the gun dig into his ribs as he was pushed into a small room. Two more men grabbed him and tied him to a chair. The first man left then returned talking to someone as he entered.

Sarah only had a few seconds to compose herself. Seeing Chuck sitting there tied up and possibly drugged. He was able to catch her eye as he came to. Those brown eyes that instantly warmed her heart was quickly frozen to portray a cold blooded killer. Her role she did not like to be connected with anymore. Taking a few moments and calming the impatience of the men who had brought him in. She started asking herself those questions. "Why was he here? Where was Casey?"

Sarah looked at the men. "He gave us the slip earlier. He knocked out six of our men, but we got him snooping around upstairs."

"What did you give him?"

The men looked at each other. "Just a sedative."

Sarah quickly did the math. He should be groggier but he seemed to be coming out of it. The men watched the seasoned vixen preying her prey. Walking around enticing the new prey. Reminding herself that she had to stay in character, but every step pained her. Chuck lifted his head again hearing the men cheer Sarah on wanting her to hit him. Chuck tilted his head slightly – he knew that he had to allow her to go through with it otherwise it wouldn't be believable. Sarah shook her head slightly but Chuck determination to get this over with gave her no choice. Chuck spoke "Do what you have to."

Sarah knew that if she didn't continue to play the part they'll both be dead. She knew that they would be returning soon, and they probably have been listening. No sooner than her thought left her mind they came back. Chuck looked once more into Sarah's eyes giving her permission. Sarah stepped into Chuck followed by a punch making contact just below his left eye. Chuck shot back into his chair. The force made him sit wrong on the chair forcing the chair to fall sideways. Chuck let his body go and as his head hit the floor the pain shot through his head worse than any flash he had ever flashed on. The men cheered, Sarah yelled for them to stop and to pick him up. Sarah approached him. "Who are you?"

Chuck stayed stoic. Knowing that eyes were on her, she asked again. Still nothing. Sarah was pleased that their training finally was paying off – recalling all the times Chuck would flub up his lines during their scenarios. Sarah threw another punch directly into his gut. Allowing her to get close enough to him. Sarah whispered. "I'm so sorry but why are you here?"

"I flashed, you're in danger."

Sarah knew that Chuck wouldn't just come all this way if it wasn't true. She had not seen him since Meadow Branch. Questioning him some more – she turned to the men in the room. "He knows nothing."

Then there was a knock at the door. The man closest to the door opened it then approached Sarah. Sarah left begrudgingly. When she returned Chuck had been hit a few more times.

The men approached Chuck's shoulders as another man came in with a syringe. Sarah knew that Chuck couldn't handle another needle let alone the first. Sarah saw the fear in his eyes. She had to act fast and Chuck could see in her eye that there wasn't much they could do. The men went straight to Chuck holding him down. Sarah yelled. "He's mine."

The men backed off. Sarah walked up to Chuck again and grabbed his hair with some force to make it look like she meant business the next part pained her to even think of doing what they both knew she had to do. It was either a few bruises and cuts or their lives. Bruises healed but to lose one or both of their lives would be devastating. Sarah leaned in. Whispering "Sorry." Whispering back Chuck said I know. Taking a deep breath Sarah made another right cross punch. The second and third punch he felt warm blood flow down his face. Sarah continued till the eyes watching her were pleased. Chuck felt in his seat with his arms tied and his wrist bound showing visible cuts. "There, no need to drug him again. He's not talking." As, they untied him one lone wolf thought that he would take a shot. As they stood Chuck up the man punch Chuck into his side causing Chuck to gasp for breath. Sarah died inside but couldn't react. That's what they wanted. They wanted her reaction. With all the strength she could muster her reaction kept them safe. The men dropped him hard as he fell to the cold concrete once again. Sarah walked to the door composing herself then turning around. Let me know when he awakes. Sarah left the room and leaned against the wall. Chuck's words you're in danger rang through her head.

She had to stay loyal but, she was also loyal to Chuck. She didn't leave on good terms and seeing him now she ached for him.

Sarah wanted to head back inside desperately wanting to touch him.

Hours later after listening to the men recall her actions and laughing she was glad to hear that he was awake. Chuck struggled to sit up but ended up slouching against the old wall. He tried to open his eyes, but the swelling was too much. Sarah could see the damage she had done killing her even more. She had to act fast. Reaching into her back pocket she grabbed the small blade. Placing it carefully into the palm of Chucks left hand. Whispering "Cut yourself loose head to the right and leave through the back door. Go to this address and I will meet you there. I can't stay, and you need to go."

Sarah slipped the address into Chucks pocket of his jacket. Standing up she wanted to tell him everything. Knowing that the men where outside and Sarah faked another punch. Turning as she saw the door open. "You will talk."

Ramon entered then walked back out with Sarah. Escorting Ramon and the other men out she took one last look. Closing the door. Chuck started the painful task of cutting his ropes. The angle and position made it tough as he tried to cut himself loose. As the ropes fell Chuck tried to stand up. Falling back, he tried again. Grabbing his side, he made it to the door. Reaching the doorknob, he turned it slightly opening just enough to see down the hall. Trying to remember what Sarah said. 'Did she say left or right'. Trying to remember he heard a noise closing the door slightly as the two men walked past the door turning left. "Right. She said right."

Chuck turned right and reached the door. Opening to the smell of fresh air. Chuck walked up the back stairs into the night. Deciding that he was far enough away from the building. Chuck reached into his pocket finding the note. Trying to focus on her writing he tried to figure out where the address was. He needed to get in touch with Casey. Reaching the street, he found a pay phone struggling with the numbers. His head pounded like a herd of buffalo running through a field. Dialing the appropriate numbers. A gruff voice answered. "This better be you moron. "

"It is need help."

Chuck told Casey where he was then passed out. Casey finally reached Chuck as he fell into his arms from exhaustion. Casey carried him to the truck. Seeing the piece of paper inside his hand. Casey drove to the secret address. Carrying Chuck inside he looked around seeing that it was Sarah's hotel room. Very private and set up for any kind of intrusion placing the unconscious Chuck on the bed. Seeing his face, he wanted to know who did the damage. Cause whom ever it was they did a good job. Even if it was to be convincing. Chuck must have found Sarah. Casey wondered how she could let Chuck get beat up this badly. But then realized he could have flashed but because he didn't this was the result. Maybe Sarah allowed this to happen to protect the both of them. So many questions but the answers would have to wait. Casey headed back to where Chuck was to get some answers. If Sarah was there someone had to keep an eye on the place. And looking at Chuck, he wasn't going anywhere soon.

Meanwhile

Sarah stuck around for a bit as they searched the grounds for the man that was there. Getting little info on the man and after the beating he still didn't talk he didn't seem to be a threat. Hoping to keep it that way Sarah would buy them some time which would allow her to leave. Back tracking and taking the necessary precautions she reached her room. Unlocking the door, she made her way to into room. Seeing that the bed empty she looked up to hear the water running. Walking around to the bathroom his image in the mirror caught her eye. He turned, Sarah carefully wrapped her arms around him. The moment got the best of him as well as he too turned wrapping his arms carefully around her holding her close. They stood for what seemed like forever and even then, it wasn't long enough. Sarah pulled back and being inches away from his lips she wanted to kiss him. Show him that she still cared. Chuck looked down at her lips then up at her eyes breaking their hold. Chuck leaned on the vanity trying to stay up right. Turning his eyes towards his shirt he tried to make his fingers work. Sarah turned and placed her hands over his hands as she over took the task. Unbuttoning, she finally reached the last button guiding her fingers up to his shoulders releasing the damp, bloody shirt. Her touch was gentle as she finally saw her damage. Sarah caressed his bruised chest as Chuck tried to catch his breath. Seeing what her touches were doing to both of them, she sped up the process. "Just making sure that there's nothing broken."

Chuck took a deep breath that made him shudder. "No but obviously a lot of bruises." Sarah looked up then walked away. Chuck wondered for a moment but when she returned with a first aid it made sense. "Sit."

Chuck sat down on the toilet seat as Sarah opened the kit grabbing antiseptic and gauze. Cleaning the area around is eye she placed a medi strip above his eye closing the gash that happened when he hit the floor. Sarah grabbed a clean cotton swab and cleaned away the blood from the open cut she made when she hit him. Blowing slightly as it stung among Chucks face cringe. Placing another medi – strip below his eye. Sarah rubbed some numbing cream over the other bruises like boxers would receive during a boxing match. Chuck placed his hands over hers then stood up. "Thanks, you've done enough."

Those words stung a bit but were very true. Sarah backed off cleaning up the wrappers and gauze. Chuck brushed by her walking back into the main part of the room. Just then Casey entered the room as Sarah quickly drew her gun. Casey dropped Chucks bag near Chuck. "Brought you your bag." Chuck walked over holding his ribs. "Thanks". Turning to Sarah "Can I use your shower?"

Sarah nodded. Chuck walked past her closing the door behind him.

Sarah put her gun back behind her. Instantly attacking Casey.

"Why did you bring Chuck?"

"He flashed, we are here and let's go home."

"Home!"

"I can't go home."

"Well you might change your mind once we tell you the why "

Casey looked around for something to drink but Sarah's small kitchen was bare. Deciding on coffee he'd go out later for provisions. Casey waited as Sarah paced the floor. Chuck finally came out with his shirt loosely buttoned and his hair still wet and curly. He opted on putting socks on as it hurt to bend. Reaching the bed, he then made it to the kitchen table. Where Casey and Sarah were waiting. Chuck sat down grabbing some aspirin. The shower helped but he wasn't sure whether it was the physical pain he was still feeling or being there with Sarah. Sarah wanted answers as the interrogation started.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

Sarah turned to face Chuck. "Being here. Getting yourself almost killed?"

"By them or you."

Casey's questions were now being answered.

"If they knew who you were and what I could do. I did flash and I took out the first bunch but I didn't second time cause he had a gun pointed at my head which put me in the room that you walked into."

"But why are you here!"

"A few days ago, someone walked into the Buy More I flashed on their voice. I saw images of redacted files and faces of people I didn't know. I didn't see their faces. I ran and told Casey. We looked at the feeds and we got a visual which then I flashed again on one Maria del Rosario the wife of Rafael del Rosario and Francisco Javier who was his body guard. She and Francisco came back checking out Orange Orange obviously looking for you. When we ran her face through the NSA and CIA data bases we came across the name Rafael del Rosario which was the man you came across in Paris. And your alias was Elana Truffaut. This woman is after you and her contact I believe is the man your down here looking for. Whatever you did in Paris has now bit you in the butt. "

Casey spoke up. "Someone you know has it out for you. Made you come here - making you an open target."

"Only Beckman knows that I am here."

"Who sent you to Paris!" Casey chiming.

"Langston Graham. He gave me the assignment."

Sarah got up. Then turned. "He also made approved the changes?"

Casey sat up. "The changes!"

"Yeah. I was supposed to observe and get some intel but that afternoon of the consulate dinner I was told that the group that I was going to sit with were assassins. I had to get rid of them before they killed the French diplomats. I had to work fast, I couldn't take in a weapon in, so I managed to get my hands on some rat poison tablets. I placed one in each of their glasses of wine. There were 10 of us."

Chuck remembered what he read in the autopsy. "You said that there were 10. But I read the autopsy and only 8 were admitted."

Sarah looked at her watched. Turning towards Chuck, Casey took the hint and headed out for a cigar. Sarah reached for Chucks hand. Chuck pushed his chair back and struggled getting up. Walking to the kitchen he took some more aspirin and headed towards the bed. Sarah met him half way. Placing her hands on his chest. "I got to go."

"Do what you have to."

Sarah leaned closer resting her head now on his chest. Chuck moved causing Sarah to stand upright. Reaching the bed, he turned. "Be safe."

"I'm sorry."

Chuck never responded. Sarah opened the door walking towards the stairs where Casey was leaning over the rails.

"You did that."

"Not all of it, but he gave me no choice."

"I know."

Sarah was surprised by his answer.

"He was doing what we taught him. I fact that you did it to him is probably going to take some time to forgive."

Sarah smiled slightly. Heading down the stairs, call me if anything changes.

Casey stood up.

"Walker what happened between the two of you at Meadow Branch? You were here then you left?"

"I needed a change?"

In all honestly, she wanted to tell him that it was complicated but that would prove that there was something between the two of them. And she wasn't ready to disclose that to him quite yet.