Don't own Chuck
LARGE MART PARKING GARAGE
"Boss I just saw Yuan and his girl go into a yoghurt shop off Burbank Boulevard," said Yei talking into his phone. "I've got pictures I'll send them to you as soon as we finish talking. … I think they knew his girlfriend from what I could see. … She used to work at the Buy More. Then it makes sense. What are your orders? Okay I'll see you at the Gala," said Yei as he hung up.
"I'll take those pictures" said a woman who seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"Lady you need to get your own camera."
"We can do this easy way or the hard just I'll like the hard more." Yei went for his gun and got a flying dart in the back of the hand causing him to drop his pistol. "I warned you now for the fun."
Yei threw a series of punches right, left, right left that the woman blocked with ease follow by a sweep that she leaped over with cat like agility.
"Anyone ever teach you not to telegraph," she said as opened him up and delivered a strike to the throat causing him stagger back wheezing trying to catch his breath. Yei tried to deliver a high side thrust which the woman blocked them scooped the leg.
"High kicks need to be fast or this is what happens," she said as she struck his knee cap with her left forearm as she pulled in with her right in a twisting vice motion. Yei's leg made a loud cracking noise from then on he was on one leg and with a sweep he went down to the ground making a thud.
"Too bad, you're never going to be able to apply the lessons I just taught you," she said as she recovered his pistol and camera.
Chuck and Sarah along with Morgan and Alex had just left Orange Orange when they heard the sound of a shoot. Chuck looked at Sarah and she looked back at him while Morgan and Alex were oblivious.
"Morgan take Alex back in Orange Orange and go down in Castle. I want you two to wait there then call Casey have him contact us right now," said Chuck as Sarah pulled her pistol and dropped her purse. "Love we're in the middle of an open parking lot."
"Oh right," she said as she tried to hide the gun down by her side.
"What's the matter?"
"Morgan just do what Chuck said." From the tone and way Sarah talked Morgan realized that she was serious.
"I guess it's no use to tell you to go with them."
"I guess you're right, just can we take this slow and easy the baby is resting on my side. Okay Sweetie use the intersect and tell me where we need to go." Chuck flashed and in his head there were calculations, wind direct, acoustic variables then a line appeared from them to the third level of the Large Mart parking garage.
"Up there," pointed Chuck. "Come on I've got an idea." He led Sarah to a herder and drove them to where the sound of the gun shoot came from.
"Over there," said Sarah pointing out two feet that extended pass the back tires of a black Escalade.
"Crap, not another dead body," said Chuck.
"Sorry, Sweetie if you want you can wait in the car." That was a first he thought he was given an option.
"No we need to see if I flash besides I can hear Casey now, man up Bartowski the perp's the one who ought to be complaining."
"Well someone did ruin his day."
"Love, are you trying to imitate Casey if you are you're doing a good job," Chuck said as they got out of the herder and went over to the body.
"What's going on? I was just about to seal the deal on a beast master deluxe. Crap," said Casey as he looked down at Yei. "Who dotted his eye?"
"I'll bet you've been waiting a long time to use that line Casey," said Chuck.
"Well the perp did take one in the eye. But looking at the dusting he got seems like he went down fighting. Just looking at him I'd say he's got a broken leg."
"No, it's dislocated," said Chuck. "It's a martial arts technique. You should know where you bind the joint and pop it out of place."
"You aren't telling me this has to do with the Jade Dragon," said Sarah.
"Well draw your own conclusions. The man's oriental and he was killed by someone who has expert martial arts skills. What martial arts experts are floating around us right now?"
"The White Lotus," said Casey.
"And the Red. I forgot to tell you I met her or should I say she sent me her calling card last night outside the museum." Chuck said dangling a jade dart he took out of his pocket.
"Why am I only hearing about this now," asked Sarah a little upset that Chuck hadn't told her until now.
"Well considering everything that was thrown at me last night I forgot."
"I didn't throw anything at you but if you want," said Casey.
"It's an inside joke," said Sarah. "But Mr. Bartowski if you keep it up we can try again."
"Yuck, I'm going be sick," said Casey while both Sarah and Chuck laughed. "Why don't you two move along and I'll get a clean-up crew in here. I'll have the body taken back to the morgue."
"Wait let me see the back of his hands," said Chuck as he bent down. "This is so disgusting. See this on the back of his hand. Look," he said as he put the jade part in the wound a perfect match.
"Well we know who the killer was," said Casey.
"Yes but look on his other hand. See these dots between the fingers. He was Triad judging from the fact that some of the dots still have scabs a recent addition."
"Looks like he didn't get very far up the ladder," said Casey as Sarah's phone began to ring.
"It's Ellie," said Sarah as she walked off to talk with her.
"Is everything alright," asked Casey. "How are her headaches?"
"El's going to run tests tomorrow so we can be certain everything is okay or as certain as she can tell us."
"Good, if you two need anything just let me know. I still have my African snake herbs."
"I'll keep that in mind but thanks," said Chuck as Sarah came back putting her phone away.
"Sweetie, Ellie wants to talk to you when we go home. I'm set for tomorrow morning so I'll ride in with her the hospital then I can call you with the results."
"Don't be silly I'm going to take both of you in and stay."
"But you've got work and this is just a routine examination. Besides it's not next week yet."
"Chuck's right Sarah, the human beard and I can take care of the museum tomorrow."
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ECHO PARK
Sarah and Chuck were walking through the courtyard heading to their apartment when they were greeted by Clara who ran up to give Sarah a big hug.
"Wow did you miss me," said Sarah.
"I'm sorry," said Ellie. "Clara's been asking all sorts of questions today about babies and how yours got inside your stomach."
"Oh, oh, I don't well of course I do but," Sarah didn't know what to say. "Hey, I think there's more ice cream in the freezer. Why don't I go have a look and we can all have some together?"
"Ice cream is always a good save," said Ellie. "Back home I've got a freezer full for those awkward moments. See you're getting used to this parent thing already. Clara honey, why don't you go with your aunt and help her, please." Clara nodded her head and took Sarah's hand. Her hand felt so soft and small in hers. Chuck thought he saw tears in Sarah's eyes as she took it. Ellie waited for the two to disappear inside before she turned to Chuck.
"Did Sarah tell you I scheduled her for a brain exam tomorrow?"
"She told me she had an examine tomorrow but not what it was."
"I would've liked to do an MRI but that's not possible while she's pregnant. However, the EEG should give us an idea of what's going on. Chuck, I'm going to have to stimulate Sarah during the test to see what type of reaction she has."
"What type of stimulation are we talking about?" Chuck didn't like the sound of what Ellie was saying.
"Do you still have Quinn's cards?"
"Christ no! I burnt them and hell no, are you going to use them on her. Sister or not Ellie I not going to let this happening. I won't she's been through enough." Ellie couldn't ever remember Chuck acting like this towards her but giving the situation it was understandable.
"I need to stimulate Sarah's brain or we're risking just sitting there for nothing. I don't know any other way."
"So, all you need is an image that stimulates the intersect, right?"
"Yes, that way we can record her brain activity. If there's a change then we know we have something that we need to investigate."
"But whatever else you have to do will have to wait until after the baby is born, right?"
"Yes, everything else would be too invasive and considering how close her due date is could be put off."
"I may have something. Orion, Dad sent me an image on my computer I can't get into the why and the what it was for but it caused me to flash. If it worked on me it should do the same to Sarah if her headaches are tied to the intersect."
"Okay, that should work."
"Let's go see if Sarah has explained the birds and bees to Clara and I'll burn you a copy of that image."
"Sounds good Little Brother."
"What did you tell Clara about the birds and bees. You didn't tell her that stupid story Dad used to tell us about watermelon seeds, did you?"
"No way, it took me five years before I would even look at a watermelon let alone eat one again because I thought I'd get pregnant." They were both laughing when Clara and Sarah came out with dessert.
"What's so funny," asked Sarah as she hand Chuck a bowl.
"Nothing just something our father used to tell us about babies and watermelons," said Chuck as Sarah gave him an odd look. "Mint, thanks but I think Rocky Road has become my favorite."
"Well, don't look at ours, right Clara," said Sarah as Clara who gave a firm nod of agreement.
"Okay, okay, that was just for future reference. Beside," he said as he got close to Sarah and kissed her. "I prefer to taste it on your lips."
"Yuck," said Clara and they all laughed.
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LATER AT THE MUSEUM
Chuck and Sarah picked up Morgan and Alex on their way to the museum. Chuck phoned ahead and talked with Matt Pike to get their stories together. He also asked about this Assistant Curator they were to meet and briefed the team on the way.
"Okay this guy who's a friend of Yuan is named Simone Yin and adjunct professor of Oriental art at the university. He seems what he is. From the background check the university did he seems totally normal. But there has to be something. I've got Casey running him through the CIA database at Castle before he comes. Morgan, Alex I told the Matt to tell the Curator if they meet us to act as if they don't know who we are."
"Alex," said Sarah, "this could get hard for you with Anna being there. She may try to push your buttons but you have to maintain."
"Are trying to tell me the pie I'm serving tonight is humble?"
"Chuck, you don't think Anna is in danger, do you?"
"Little Buddy didn't she mention at one time knowing someone who could take care of Harry Tang for us at a reasonable rate?"
"Yeah and I told her I was impressed with the out of the box solution."
"Right, well I'm more concerned that she's not involved. Morgan keep Alex close and everything will be alright."
"Never abandon your wingman."
"That's right Little Buddy," said Chuck as Sarah put her hand on his leg and he caught the love in her look. "Okay guys, we're here and there they are next to his Ferrari."
"My bike was the same color."
"And the similarity ends there." They pulled up next to Yuan's car and got out. Anna gave Alex the stare of death as they began to exchange greetings.
"I love your dress," said Sarah to Anna trying to draw her attention away from Alex.
"Oh this, I thought it would be more appropriate to dress up like Suzie Wong but now I'm having second thoughts maybe it's a little too stereotype."
"No," said Alex, "it looks lovely on you and I like what you've done with your hair."
"Thank you. It's a part of the look the hairpins are family heirlooms. They've been in my family as long as anyone can remember."
"White Jade," said Chuck.
"Yes, do you like Morgan," asked Anna as she moved close to him and whispered, "does daddy like?"
"The hairpins well I hadn't paid much attention but yes and I'm sure Yuan appreciates them too, right? Yuan what do you think?"
"Actually I told her they were a bite too much with the dress," said Yuan ignoring or oblivious to his girlfriend's advances on Morgan. "Everyone thinks we Orientals bind our women's feet and sit around drinking green tea all day long."
"Well, we certainly don't," said Chuck trying to read Yuan.
"Besides if you tried to bind Anna's she'd kick your butt," said Morgan.
"Depends if I wanted to be tied," there was a pause of awkward silence.
"Well let's go in my guy is waiting and he's doing me a favor." They all went inside and were greeted by a young man in his mid-thirties dressed in a tux.
"Evening Yuan," said the man, "I take it theses are your guests you want shown around?"
"Yes, this Simone Yin, as I told you he's the assistant Curator. Simone you know Anna," said Yuan as he introduced the rest of the group. It was interesting that he introduced Morgan as Chuck's best friend without mentioning any connection to Anna. Chuck and Sarah hung towards the back watching the show unfold, Anna acting jealous of Alex and Yuan obviously feeling the same towards Morgan.
"Sweetie, do you think we're going to get out of here tonight without any bloodletting?"
"I don't know Love but I'm about to shake things up," said Chuck. "Anna is this yours?" Chuck held out the Jade dart. "I thought it might have fallen out of your hair?"
"No, that's not mine," she said.
"Where did you find that?" Asked Yuan obviously a little disturbed by it.
"Over by the entrance, what should I do with it?"
"Probably just a prop for the exhibit," said Simone.
"Yes, that's it, just a prop. Oh Anna Love I forgot I needed to make a phone call. Can I leave you with your friends for a few minutes? Simone, can you come with me I forgot you need to listen in on this call too." The two men disappeared quickly. Sarah pulled Chuck aside.
"What was that all about?"
"I don't know but I'd like to listen in on that conversation. Well it's almost time for the Gala to begin let's see if Casey is around then we can mingle."
"What are you going to do about those three?"
"I don't know but the Cobra is supposed to be in charge."
"You know if you have to be here tomorrow I can ride in with Ellie in their rental. Sweetie, it's no problem."
"No way am I going to let you go to that appointment tomorrow by yourself. I've got eyes on Casey he's over with Matt Pike. Come on I'll introduce you.
They walked across the room passing through the crowd of people who had just entered. Already the room was filling fast as it seemed everyone came at once.
"Well the organizers will be happy," said Chuck to Matt as he came up to him.
"It doesn't make my job any easier. I assume you're his better half," he said to Sarah.
"Sarah and you must be Mike. My husband has told me a lot about you."
"All good I hope, so Chuck have you met our Dr. Yin?"
"Yes, and he seemed to want to get out in hurry after I showed him this." Chuck showed Matt the dart and he looked back perplexed.
"A present from the Red Lotus. They can't just say hi like normal people. What is interesting is that your friend left with a guy I identified as being Triad."
"That doesn't make much sense I vetted him myself and he was squeaky clean."
"Well that's not exactly true", said Casey, "he had a juve record I got unsealed. Seems back in the day he ran with a local gang and guess who else was in the gang. Yep, you got it our other friend Yuan."
"So if Yuan met up with Yin and found out he worked here and had a record he could've blackmail him."
"Reasonable assumption but the truth is the Curator wouldn't have cared about it. He treats Yin like a son."
"Sometimes the threat is enough. If I were you I'd change all my security codes."
"But he didn't have access to any."
"I wouldn't risk it." Matt and Casey went off to do a round together leaving Chuck and Sarah. Chuck just stood there eyeing everyone in the room.
"What is it Sweetie? What are you thinking?"
"Somewhere out there in that crowd are the White and Red Lotus. I'm sure of it."
"Mr. Carmichael, excuse me," Chuck turned around and found the curator standing behind him.
"I'm sorry," said Chuck, "Dr. Spinks this is my wife Sarah; Sarah, Dr. Spinks the Curator."
"Nice to meet you," Sarah said as the shook hand.
"I'm sorry but I was looking for Miss Wu. I just got a phone call from Simone and he said he had to go out of town on an emergency and that Yuan was taking him."
"Do you know Yuan?"
"Oh yes, he and Yin are good friends and sometimes he comes and lends a hand. He helps me with receiving merchandise for the museum. You have no idea what a hassle customs can be sometimes and how obtuse they are. They wouldn't know a Ming vase from an ashtray at the Waldron. I call it the department of Philistines. You don't want to get me started."
"Well, if you want I can tell Anna for you," said Chuck "I think I know where I can find them."
"If you don't mind I need to jot down a couple of ideas I have about our next installation that I need to put to paper before I forget. Never let yourself get old it's a terrible thing. I should've retired years ago but what can I say I love my work and I'm surrounded by beautiful things."
"It sounds like you've got the perfect job."
"Casey's perfect job would involve an armory," said Chuck as Sarah giggled into her Prosecco. "You know you're not supposed to drink that."
"I'm not I'm just smelling it and holding it for you."
"Have I told you that I love you?"
"No I don't believe you have. That's rather remise on your part."
"How can I make it up?"
"A series of kisses would be a good start." Chuck pulled her close and kissed her.
