A/N: Sorry for the wait on this one. Real life got in the way. Between rehabbing my knee and my 10 month old daughter getting the whole house sick, this should have been up last week. so i apologize. A few matters of business. First things to my amazing beta Bdadddyl. He pust up with my constant im's and emails over changing things and adding them. Second to Armyscifi, and Seajay28. You guys are the best and thanks for the help. To Michael66 thanks for pushing me to get this out and for helping me with my what i was struggling on. Thereisanother you made some valid points so im going to leave what i do next up to you all the readers. but more on that in second. I also need to thank everyone who has reviewed, favorite, and put on watch this story. Without you guys this would not be done. And finally to NickyR, not only for her great reviews but for giving me the kick in the pants i needed when i was down in the dumps with my rehab. just to let you know i hit my goal that the doctors and my pt didn't think i could meet 135 ROM. (well they just said thats the max to get but i should settle and be happy with 125). Now to my poll. it seems a few readers have problems with Sarah in this story. so wold it b better if i just do 1 chapter of Chuck, then the next a seperate for Sarah? or should i leave it the way it is. i am envisioning 4 or 5 chapters before they are in the same time frame. so its up to you the reader. is it to confusing the way it is now or shoud i leave it? thanks for all your support and please review.


Chuck

September 15, 2001 outside Temple, Texas

It had been 2 days since they had left New York, and it had also been two days since Devon or Morgan heard a word coming from them. All he did was sit and stare outside the passenger side window.

They had spent the night in Kentucky, taking their time driving back to L.A. They had just entered Texas as Devon glanced over at his brother. Well soon to be brother in law anyway, but he already considered him to be his brother. Chuck just stared straight out of the window with his head against the glass.

As Devon drove he looked around the car and saw that Morgan and Chuck were both asleep. He picked up his phone and pressed the first speed dial button on it.

"Hello?"

"Hey Devon, how's it going?"

"Hey babe" Devon ran his hand thru his hair and took a deep breathe.

"It's going as well as could be expected"

"How has he been any change in Chuck?"

"No, we threw out our clothes that we used when working at the site. , He will sleep, and he will eat, but that's it. He doesn't respond to either one of us"

"How are you guys holding up back there?"

"Well his Landlord will let him out of his lease, with no repercussions. The school will not just give him his degree, but the Dean said the work he has done will automatically get him a B in one class, but the other he will have to test out of the other class to graduate. They will give him three years to make that happen."

"That's great babe now we just need to convince him to do it."

"Devon I know you told me last night what it was like there, but do you honestly believe that he will recover from this?"

"I don't know Ell. But we will help him every step of the way. We may all need help after this; maybe a psychiatrist can help him."

There was a pause in the conversation.

Let's just get you back and we can worry about that later, I love you Devon."

"Love you to El."

"You know I'm not going crazy." Devon's head swiveled quickly as Chuck's voice appeared from no where. "I have just been sorting my life out. Where I fit in, and where I belong now that I've lost the only person aside from you guys who mattered to me."

Devon continued to stare at Chuck. After a minute or two Chuck spoke again. "Devon can I ask you a question?"

"Sure Chuck, what is it?'

"How long would it take you to get me into shape?"

"Now you want to get into shape?"

"Devon I am being serious, how long would it take you to come up with a training regimen to get me in top physical shape?"

Devon took a deep breath and looked up, thinking, when he asked Chuck another question. "Well are you going for body builder or for soldier?"

"Let's just say soldier for now." Chuck didn't want to let too much of his plan out yet.

"Well honestly I know exactly what kind of regimen I'd do."

In week one I would start of with a little running and some more walking, then some stomach exercises. For Monday and Wednesday I would also work to tone your arm muscles, with a bit of chest exercises. On Friday I would increase the cardio.

Than every week after that I would increase the distance, and start sprinting after week 5. In 4 months I think I could have you sprinting/ running 2 miles, plus a lot of push ups and sit ups.

"Wow Devon, you have really given this some thought haven't you?"

"Chuck" Devon said trying not to crack a smile this just wasn't the time. "I have been waiting for the day that you would ask me to help you get in shape. I know Ka…" Devon almost slipped up and put his foot in his mouth.

"Devon, it's ok. We are not going to pretend that she didn't exist."

Devon sighed and continued. "I know that she liked you the way you are. At the end of the day bro, there is honestly nothing wrong with your body. Although… There is so much potential."

"Well we are going to tap that. You will have six months to get me in shape, can you do it?"

After thinking a bit more Devon nodded his head "If you follow my regimen devotedly, then yes we might be able to. Why? What is in six months?"

"Now your regimen was only cardio and endurance, what about strength and conditioning?" Chuck asked.

"That will come we need to get your cardio up, and get your body in shape to be able to handle what we are going to do to it. The strength will be easy once that's achieved."

"Chuck, why are we even talking about this?"

Chuck glanced back to make sure Morgan was still asleep and ran a hand thru his hair.

In shaky breath Chuck began to speak. "Devon, I've…I've decided to join the police academy. I am going to be a cop."

"Whoa Chuck, listen man, this is the grief talking."

"No Devon, in all honesty it's always been a lingering thought in the back of my mind. We sit here and complain about all the crime and that no one does anything. We moan that the city and the police department can't protect everyone, like they want to."

"Then when something horrible happens, we just complain. Everyone complains. But, and I know this will sound stupid. What if even just one man getting off the couch can make a difference?"

"Chuck listen man, Ellie went to the Dean. All you need to do is test out of one class. Just take the test and you can have your degree and have a safe smart future."

"NO!"

"Chuck, you need to talk to Ellie about this."

"NO! I will not and neither will you until I'm ready to make the announcement."

"Chuck I'm marrying her, I will not lie to her."

"Devon just listen and hear me out ok."

Devon nodded for Chuck to continue.

Chuck ran his hand thru his hair again and started "Look, I like helping people, I always have, you know that. I want to make the streets and world safer for well, my nieces and nephews, and their children's, children. The only way to do that is by helping, not sitting on the couch yelling at the TV and being scared. Look Devon, in all honesty I can be shot walking into a convenience store, or getting on a bus. I could get killed just getting into a cab. Wouldn't it be better to be killed protecting someone, or just to help them. If I can make a difference in just one life, then an entire career however long or short it could be, would be worth it."

"Chuck what about your children? Someday…"

"No Devon, I thought that was in the cards once but not now. I will, however, settle for being a half way descent uncle."

"The best" Devon said patting Chuck on the shoulder. Chuck was gazing out of the car window when something caught his eye.

"Devon, turn right!"

"What Chuck?"

"Turn right now" Chuck leaned over and grabbed the wheel jerking it hard.

Morgan's head slammed against the side of the car "Owwww"

"What the hell is going on?'

"Chuck's gone crazy" Devon replied as he slammed on the breaks.

"Now, why did you want to do that?"

"Look" Chuck pointed at the sign. Skydiving Just Ahead.

"YOU want to go skydiving?" Devon asked. "The man who has refused me at every turn to do anything like this."

"Not anymore, I need something to make me feel alive again. Let's see what it can do?"

Devon knew this was crazy but he drove to the airfield. He wasn't even sure if the FAA had allowed flights to recommence over the United States yet, let alone a skydiving plane.

Morgan sat back and rubbed his eyes while his mind was still reeling from what he just heard. "Chuck, you who are afraid of heights, you want to go skydiving?"

Chuck turned back around and looked at Morgan. "Buddy, all I know is that I am empty inside." Pounding on his chest "I feel nothing and I need to feel something, or why else should i continue to live?"

Devon slammed on the breaks to the car once again and swiveled around to face Chuck. "Dude don't let me hear you talk like that again. It would destroy your sister if she heard you talk like that" Devon broke in.

"Yeah, and you know that Kayla would kill you if she ever heard you talk like that" Morgan winced after he realized what he said. Chuck bowed his head and rubbed his eyes.

"Great job Morgan." Devon muttered under his breath.

Just as Morgan was about to apologize again, Devon pulled into the Caddo Mills airport and followed the signs towards the North Texas Skydiving Center. A few moments later they were there.

After they pulled up Chuck got out and stretched and took in the warm air and looked out at the airfield. He saw a plane loading up with eight skydivers getting ready for takeoff.

Devon walked around to Chuck and asked one final time "Are you sure that you want to do this? I won't think any less of you if you decide not to do it."

Chuck shrugged off his jacket and started towards the doors to the flight center. "You coming?"

"Hey Morgan are you coming?" Devon turned and asked him?"

Morgan looked at Devon and then his eyes led a quick trail to his feet. "Devon, I will do anything for Chuck, but jumping out of a perfectly good airplane is something that I just cannot do."

"No problem little buddy. Hey can you hold the car keys and my cell for me?"

"Sure no problem, I'll be watching you guys from here."

Chuck and Devon walked into the hanger and were greeted by one of the flight instructors.

One hour later, after having gone thru the safety lectures and training sessions on the ground, Devon and Chuck were boarding the plane with five other jumpers and the instructors. Chuck was going to have to go tandem since it was his first jump, while Devon, a veteran of 4 previous jumps, was going solo for the first flight.

Chuck's instructor went over last minute instructions to Chuck. He reminds him that the red light over the bay doors will go green once they hit 14,000ft and the pilot deems it safe for them to drop. Chuck nods his head and chucks his gear one more time before adjusting his goggles.

Then the moment arrived. Chuck, because he is the only tandem jump on this flight, was going last. Devon gave Chuck a high five, and dove out of the plane. Chuck and the instructor step up to the door.

Once they start to lean out the door, Chuck felt the wind on his face. That's when the instructor pushes them off. At first the feeling of weightlessness overtakes Chuck. That is until Chuck opens his eyes. He sees the clouds and the other sky divers performing stunts throughout the air. The instructor pulls Chucks arms back and they increase speed and glide over to the other divers. Chuck gives Devon a thumb's up. His adrenaline is increasing every second; the rate of their fall is rapidly increasing the closer they come to the earth. The instructor tugs on Chucks arm and points to the altimeter on his wrist. He then puts up the number four in fingers meaning that they will pull the shoot in 400 ft. They had just hit 3400 feet. During Chucks class he learned that 2600 feet was the absolute latest to pull the cord.

Across the sky Devon just can't stop smiling. While he is enjoying the dive, it is Chuck that is keeping the smile plastered to his face. Chuck looked like a different person. There was a light in his eye, as well as an expression that was just Chuck; the Chuck that disappeared on 911.

Ten seconds later Chuck felt the pull of the chute opening and their descent slowing as the chute fully deploys and they are pulled up as the air fills the chute. Once the chute is fully deployed Chuck watched the instructors hand movements on the toggles as he directed them towards the big X marked on the ground. The whole flight down was only taking around a total of ten minutes. In those ten minutes Chuck had felt more alive than he had in days. He made up his mind that he needed one more jump to kick start his heart again.

A few moments later they touched down. Morgan was running out to them and Devon was already pulling in his chute and came over to Chuck who was unlatching himself from his instructor.

Devon reached Chuck first and they clasped hands together. "So how did you like it bro?"

"Devon, it was like nothing I ever imagined it was amazing. God the adrenaline rush you get once you get away from the plane my god I want to go once more by myself."

"Well you have to wait at least a half hour, to get your balance back, but we can grab some water and get ready for the next jump. We also need to recheck our gear."

Forty five minutes later Devon and Chuck were boarding the plane again while Morgan stayed behind with the car.

Morgan had borrowed a pair of binoculars and was following the plane as Devon's cell phone went off.

Without even looking at the number on the screen and ignoring the fact that it wasn't even his phone, Morgan answered it.

"Hello"

"Morgan, why are you answering Devon's phone?"

"Umm well, Devon is a little preoccupied at the moment."

"Preoccupied with what? Morgan where are you guys?"

Morgan was about to respond when he saw Chuck and Devon dive out of the plane. Morgan placed the phone down and picked the binoculars back up.

"Morgan! Morga! Pick the phone back up Morgan!"

Morgan saw Chuck and Devon doing a tandem like performance. They were free falling in the air and spinning around grabbing one another by the ankles and floating into different positions when Devon signaled to Chuck that it was almost time to pull his chute.

"Morgan! Pick up the damn phone NOW!"

Morgan was brought back out of his reverie and picked the phone up. "Hey, sorry Ellie."

"Morgan, where are my fiancé and brother?"

"Well you see…. There was this sign, and Chuck wanted to stop"

"Morgan, stop the babbling and tell me what's going on"

"Skydiving" Morgan replied meekly slapping a hand over his mouth.

"Skydiving? Morgan you better give me a better explanation then that."

Morgan noticed something different about Chuck's descent, so he had to quickly get off the phone.

"Uh Ellie, I will have them call you back when they land. I got to go."

"Moragn wai….click"

Morgan was watching as Devon opened up his chute and he was watching Chuck when Chuck angled his body down and stream lined himself like a bullet. He had just passed 2900 feet and was still falling.

Devon shouted "Chuck pull your chute, pull it now" but over the roar of the wind it was almost impossible to hear him. He counted the feet as he was watching Chuck fall faster and faster to the earth.

Chuck was enjoying the rush and wanted the feeling to last a little longer when he glanced at his altimeter and saw that it was approaching 2500 feet, he pulled his chute and felt it deploy jerking his body back up into the air.

Chuck grabbed the toggles and glided himself down. His landing a little rough, but he got up quickly and was dusting himself off when he heard Devon coming to him yelling at him.

"Chuck, if you ever do that again, we are never going up again. Do you hear me?" Devon yelled at him as one of the instructors was just shaking his head at him.

"Devon, I'm sorry but did you see me, it was amazing. Man I felt like a bird it was great."

Just as Devon was about to respond, Morgan came jogging up to them.

"Hey guys, did you enjoy that? You know Chuck, you scared the hell out of me" Morgan asked.

"Morgan, man next time you need to come with us. If Bryce were here I know he would have. Let me tell you, that was completely fing amazing."

"Dude. man, when did you become so fearless? Even I won't do that?" Devon replied.

"Devon, when you have lost everything in your life, there just isn't much you won't do or try anymore. Come on, let's get back to the car; we can still get some driving in before this afternoon. I'd like to stay somewhere over night."

Morgan started looking around making sure not to make eye contact with either of his two companions. "Uhh, speaking things you won't do anymore, Ellie wants you to call her back."

"Morgan, what did you tell her?"

"Uhh well" Morgan replied as he now found his shoe laces fascinating.

"Morgan!" Chuck's voice was starting to get higher and angrier. "What did you tell Ellie?"

"All I said was just that you made us stop abruptly when you saw a sign, and then you and Devon went….."

"Dammit Morgan, why can't you just keep your mouth shut."

"Look, Chuck I'm worried about you, we all are, this isn't you man."

"This isn't me; Morgan the Chuck you knew died 3 days ago. This is the new and improved Chuck, either deal with it, or find a new way home. Devon let's get out of here."

Devon took the keys from the roof and glanced back at Morgan. He was looking into the distance, not focusing at all; looking like his dog had just died. Devon muttered under his breath, "Not awesome."

Morgan climbed into the back seat and just stayed quiet.

Chuck knew he had been hard on him, but he didn't need Ellie coming down on him right now.

45 minutes later Devon's phone started ringing again and it kept ringing till it went to voicemail. Devon glanced down at the caller id and saw that it was Ellie.

"Chuck man we can't keep dodging her calls."

Chuck rolled the window down reached over and picked up the phone and chucked it out the window. "Problem solved."

"Damn it, that was my phone Chuck."

"I'll get you a new one, when we get back. Look we just got into the New Mexico leg of this trip and we still have Arizona before we get back into California. Let's get a motel for the night and we can finish the drive tomorrow." Chuck threw out there.

"Alright Chuck, I need to call Ellie back anyway." Devon responded.

"You ok with that little buddy?" Devon asked Morgan.

Morgan nodded his head, but kept silent.

Roughly twenty minutes later they pulled up into a Red Roof Inn and got a room for the night. While Devon went to the gym to work out and Morgan was getting some ice, Chuck grabbed a small backpack out of his duffle and threw a few pieces of clothing and some essentials and placed it inside his jacket.

Just as Morgan came back into the room Chuck grabbed him by the shoulders. "Listen little buddy, I am sorry I yelled at you earlier, I just don't want Ellie worrying about me."

"Hey it's ok, these are stressful times.'

"No, it's not ok. You didn't have to come with me. You are losing money not working, and this is a debt I'll never be able to repay."

"Chuck, hey we are brothers, always have been, always will be."

The two men hugged and the Morgan jumped on the bed and flipped on the TV. "Chuck, Dune is on the sci fi channel. It's the extended David Lynch cut."

"Cool Morgan, we will watch it when I get back; just need to get some air."

"Ok" Morgan replied popping open the can of grape soda he got from the vending machine.

Chuck grabbed his jacket and bag and headed out the door. He took the elevator knowing Devon would use the stairs for the extra workout. Once outside the hotel Chuck backtracked his way 2 miles towards the way they came in. On the drive in he saw what looked like a Ducati S4R for sale on the side of the road. He stopped at a Bank that was just getting ready to close up, and got the money that he would need to make the offer for the bike.

Close to an hour later Chuck arrived at a Spanish style Adobe rancher. Its red clay roof highlighted by the fading rays of the sun. Chuck walked up to the man's doorstep and knocked on the door.

"May I help you?" A grey haired, slightly frail looking woman answered the door. When he looked at her, he envisioned what other peoples grandparents must look like.

"Yes Ma'am I was curious to inquire about the bike that you have for sale?"

"Certainly young man let me get my husband, would you mind waiting outside?"

"No, Ma'am, not at all, please take your time."

Chuck could hear the woman from behind the door yelling for her husband. "Saul can you come to the door, there is a young man at the door inquiring about the motorcycle."

"Be right there Martha"

Chuck rocked back and forth on his heels with his hands in his pockets blowing out a puff of air as the door creaked open.

A Burly man of 6'6 who stood just a shade taller than Chuck walked out wiping his hands on a rag and tucked it into his back pocket. He then extended his calloused, knarled hand with a grip like a vice towards Chuck.

"Saul Matthews, nice to meet you." He said while shaking Chuck's hand.

"Charles Bartowski Sir, nice to meet you."

"So what can I do for you Charles?"

Chuck raised his hand and simply replied "My friends call me Chuck."

"Ok Chuck, what can I do for you?'

"I am truly sorry for bothering you, but I just drove into town a while ago and I saw the bike for sale. I was wondering if I might take a look at it."

Saul rubbed his hand across the back of his neck and looked Chuck up and down. He shifted the toothpick in his mouth to the other side and spoke up. "Son, please don't take this the wrong way, but have you ever ridden a bike before?"

"Yeah a few times right before I got into college, but I got in an accident, and my sister wouldn't let me ride anymore."

Saul stepped off the porch and walked across the yard to the bike in question.

"This bike belonged to my son. He died six months ago out in Baja during an off road race. He was riding ATV's with his friends, and as he came over a hill he slammed into a cart car. He flew off the bike into the cart dying instantly. This bike reminds my wife of him every day, so that's why it's for sale."

"I am sorry for your loss sir." Chuck replied as he ran a finger over the classic lines of the bike.

"It's been modified, and is probably worth at least eight to ten grand."

Chuck ran his hand under his chin and looked up into the sky.

Saul looked at the young man and saw a little of his son in him. He just looked like a man at the end of one story, and the beginning of another.

"What's your story? Obviously you have a ride if you drove past here. Why the interest of the bike?"

Chuck swung his leg over the bike and straddled it. It was a perfect fit. He gripped the handle bars and squeezed the brakes.

He took a deep breath and spoke softly. "Three days ago, the love of my life died. She died in a needless and cowardly way. These sons of bitches took over a plane and flew it into the building she was doing business in."

Saul took a step towards Chuck and placed a fatherly hand on his shoulder. He now knew what he saw in Chuck. A kindred spirit of his dearly departed son.

Chuck looked up and into the man's eyes. He could see pain and sadness and tried to shift the focus back on the bike.

"So…. Umm about the bike? I have taken all of my savings, minus the amount to get back home; I can offer $3800 for it." Chuck pulled a wad of Cash out from his pockets. Saul raised his hand to Chuck to stop but Chuck kept rambling anyway. "I know it's far below what it is worth, but I figured I'd give it a shot."

"Son, just stop. I'll accept $2000 for it, but you have to make me a promise, and than answer a question for the agreement to be official."

Chuck just stood there and nodded as his eyes got wide. Chuck took a deep breath and forced himself not to speak in order to listen to the older gentle man in front of him.

Saul saw the pain emanating from Chuck's eyes and went ahead with the disturbing question he just had to ask. "You're not trying to kill yourself are you?"

"Excuse me?" Chuck asked shocked.

"You won't take this bike and drive it off a cliff, or run it into another vehicle, to get you back to your lost loved one will you?"

"Sir, I promise you that I will not try to end my life prematurely. I have a plan for what I am going to do, and the best way to go about it. Right now though I just need to get away for a few days and get my head and my heart together. A few solitary days in the desert should do just that."

"Then I have two promises that I need you to make."

"Ok, shoot

"First let your party know the basics of what you are doing, and then either promise to stay in touch with them or me and my wife until you get home and yes I know you seem like a stable person, going thru the tragedy that you have 'm just making sure that you are thinking straight."

"And two?" Chuck asked.

Saul took a deep breath and his gaze slowly landed on Chuck "You promise to allow love back into your life when the time is right."

"Saul, the first one is easy; I can and will do that. Number two, well that may never happen, but if it does, I will do my best."

"Fair enough, come inside, I will get you the registration and let's talk with my wife for a few minutes."

Chuck followed the man inside.

Two hours later Chuck straddled the black Ducati S4r and started her up. The engine roared to life and Chuck took off back down the street to the Hotel. He pulled in and went to the front desk.

As he was walking towards the front desk Chuck noticed the woman sitting behind it. Not much more then 19, maybe still in college. She was a cute girl, short blond hair, pale features and grey eyes, any other time he would have thought she was attractive, but now he just needed some help. "Excuse me miss?"

"Yes sir, how can I help you?"

"Can I bother you for a pen and a piece of paper?"

"Of course, here you go"

"Thank you" Chuck replied and he started to leave a message for Morgan and Devon.

Morgan and Devon,

Thanks for everything you have done for me. I know sneaking away is going to make you guys mad, but I just need some alone time by myself before I return to Stanford and I guess Burbank. Please don't let Ellie worry too much; I will be home in a few days. I have purchased my own transportation and I will call if I need anything. Guys take care and thank you again.

Chuck

Chuck folded the paper up and asked the desk attendant for one more favor.

"Excuse me miss, but can I bother you for just a moment more?"

"Of course how can I help you?"

"Can you please leave this message for room 515 and in about an hour notify them that they have a message."

"Certainly sir, anything else?"

"No ma'am. Have a good night."

Chuck walked back out to his bike and started her up. He put on his helmet and drove off towards the desert in Arizona.


SARAH

November 1999 somewhere in the Sudan

For the last two months Special Agent Jennifer Burton had worked her way in to the servant's work force for Sheik Alhaw Dvrivut. Before arriving for this mission Jenny had to work on her accent and transform her slightly tanned skin and bright sapphire eyes to that of someone from the region. Jenny went to the CIA costume shop and got her hair dyed jet black to better blend in with the locals. She had her skin tanned to make her of a more Middle Eastern descent and had color contacts to change her eyes to a dark seductive brown.

Once Jenny had infiltrated the servants quarters she tried to remain in the background observing and learning the patterns in which the harem women are treated and how the guards and security men went about their day. Her mission was to get into the sheiks personal safe in his room and get the data disks out.

On her second week inside the palace, Jenny found out that a new Harem girl had been brought in when the sheik had returned from his most recent trip from Las Vegas, Nevada.

The servants were not permitted to speak with anyone on the staff or the harem unless they were approached first and asked a direct question. For the next several days Jenny watched Courtney Lockhart's behavior. She had found out from the other servants that Ms Lockhart had been brought here about six months ago. At first she seemed into the whole harem deal, but over the last few weeks she had started trying to separate herself from everyone else. That had brought some punishment from the Sheik and an opportunity for Jenny

Courtney had been staying away from the other women of the harem, so Jenny took it upon herself to ask her if she needed any water.

Jenny walked up and bowed and simply asked "Any water miss?"

Courtney barely looked up and slowly nodded before looking back down and tending to her wrist. Jenny noticed that there were rope burns on both of her wrists, and offered a clean wet piece of cloth for the burns.

"Ttthhhank you" Courtney took the cloth with slow tentative grasp.

"The guards started their way over to them and looked on curiously. Jenny bowed politely and went to grab some more water to offer to the other guests of the Sheik.

A few moments later the guards came over and grabbed Jenny roughly by the arm and took her to the Sheiks office.

They roughly threw her to the ground and as Jennie looked around and scrambled to her knees and bowed her head she caught the fact that the Sheik was getting up from his desk and that there were four other men in the room with guns.

"You girl what is your name?"

Jenny took a few moments and that slowness earned her a back handed slap across the cheek from the Sheik.

"Cow I asked you a question what is your name?"

Slowly getting back to her knees and rubbing her cheek and letting a few tear drops fall Jenny responded "I I am sorry your majesty. My name is Ellia Ruv Catwarns." Jenny bowed her head to make sure the Sheik saw that she was sorry.

"Get up"

"Now the woman that asked for your help tending to her bruises early is one of my wives. She has asked that you be her personal servant."

"Do you understand what that entails?"

Jenny just shook her head no.

The Sheik shook his head and looked to the other men "Where do we find these people."

"It means that if my wife wants to go to the store, you will accompany her and carry her bags. If she wants a snack at anytime day or night you will tend to her. When she needs a bath you will make sure everything is handled appropriately. Do we have an understanding?"

"Jenny bowed her head and merely nodded yes careful not to make eye contact with the Sheik.

The Sheik dismissed her with a wave of his hand and the guards dragged her back out of the chambers. However she did take notice of where all the paintings were on the walls in case that's where the safe was hidden.

For the next few weeks Jenny did everything asked of her and waited to find her moment to see if she could convince the wife to help her. One afternoon, while in the dress shops Jenny was sent to find a different color for a dress size. When she came back to the dressing rooms, Courtney was on the floor crying.

"Oh, I am sorry..." Sniff "I didn't want anyone to see me like this."

Jenny lowered her eyes, and preformed a slight bow, "its ok madam. Is there anything I can do?"

"Not unless you have a time machine and can send me back to Nevada before all this crazy mess got started."

"Pardon?"

"I'm sorry; when I came here I had no idea about this harem. I just thought this rich handsome business man wanted to show me around and have me with him for a few weeks." Courtney leaned back, closed her eyes and tilted her face to the ceiling. "Pretty dumb huh?"

"No madam, not dumb, you were just thinking with your heart. We all find ourselves doing things we regret after we do them, but can we learn from them?" Jenny replied.

"Well I am sorry for burdening you; please don't tell anyone about this."

"No worries madam, it shall remain between us." Jenny leaned in close and whispered "If you are serious about getting out, I can help. Just let me know." And with that, the seed was planted.

One excruciating long week later, on their next shopping excursion, Courtney handed Jenny some clothes to put back, and as Jenny did that she found a crumpled up note inside one of the shirts.

If you were serious, I want to go home. I'll do anything.

Got ya. Jenny thought to herself.

Jenny went back into the stall and with a fresh set of clothes for Courtney to try on, and that's when she made her pitch to Courtney.

They agreed to help each other. Courtney was surprised to learn that Jenny was really American as well, but she knew there was more that Jenny had not told her. Although, she meant it she would do anything.

Together they came up with a plan. When the Sheik had a wife in his room, the only people aloud in there are the servants assigned to the wife and one body guard; the rest waited outside.

Courtney told Jenny that the body guard tasted everything served to the Sheik first.

So that night when preparing the food for the Sheik and Courtney, Jenny made sure to place the ketamine , if it can put a horse to sleep, it will put this pig to sleep, in the center of the steak and potatoes. Than the body guard to was steered to where Jenny wanted the guard to take a bite of the food from.

As soon as the guard tasted the food and he certified it as good, the Sheik dismissed him, and told Jenny to wait outside the room with the body guard in the ante room.

Jennifer did as she was told, and went out and took her place near the guard. After about 15 minutes a sound came from the Sheiks inner sanctum. The guard motioned for Jennie to wait there while he went in to check.

Jenny went into her boot and pulled out a mini tranq dart.

As the guard came into the room Courtney came running up to him holding her dress up saying, "The Sheik. He collapsed"

As the guard rushed in, Jenny came in right behind him and used a straw to blow the tranq dart into his neck. She tossed the straw aside and went to check both their vitals. Courtney went over to the wall, and slid the painting back revealing the safe.

Jenny rushed over and grabbed the small zipped case that was hidden among Courtney's things. She then dragged the Sheik over and opened his eye for the retina scanner and placed his palm on the residual screen. The lock popped open.

She grabbed the data discs and replaced them with blanks. Jenny knew she only had two tranq darts left so she grabbed a crescent shaped dagger off the guard and took his gun and magazines.

She gave the gun to Courtney with the safety on and told her to only use if she gave the ok. She didn't want to have to use it and bring undue attention to them with it.

They quietly slipped down the hall. Jenny peered around the corner and saw another guard. She slid the dagger up her sleeve and motioned for Courtney to stay put. She then sauntered over to the guard. While stroking his cheek she motioned for him to follow her around the corner out of the line of the cameras. Once around the corner she took the tranq cartridge and jammed it into his neck.

Once she saw the camera move to a different angle she motioned for Courtney to follow here down the hall. They were almost to the servants entrance/exit when one of the body guards came out of no were and confronted her.

In one swift motion Jennifer slid the dagger out from her sleeve and sliced up the guy's right arm severing his muscles and arteries right away. She then made a swift swipe across his neck and blood spurted all over her. But she didn't have time to clean herself up, there was a limited window and they had to go now. She threw the robes off and grabbed the man's gun, and gave it to Courtney who was now paralyzed in a state of shock.

Jennifer grabbed her arm and rushed out the doors and climbed into a jeep that was sitting out front. Just as Jennifer preyed the wiring cover off, the alarm started sounding. Noticing Courtney's state Jenny slapped her across the face to wake her up.

"Stay with me. Get down on the floor and hand me a gun when I ask. I will get us out of here." They took off across the desert for the lives.

Special Agent Jennifer Burton was on her way back to her extraction point with her asset. She had gotten the data disks from the wall safe of Sheik Alhaw Dvrivut

Agent Burton never asked what was on the disks, all she knew was that it had something to do with a new terrorist organization known as Al Queda, and that her bosses had tasked her to get the information. The bullet riddled jeep she was riding in was courtesy of Dvrivut's men. Jenny got here cell out and hit a button. 'Burton secure"

"What's your ETA Agent?"

"10 minutes. But have hostels on my ass. Need suppression fire."

"You got it pretty lady. We still on for drinks later?"

"Depends on how good your shooting is"

Jennifer Burton knew that at times like these it wasn't the best time to flirt. However with all the missions she has been on, there had been a slight attraction to only one man. Sgt William Kemper. He had been attached to her extraction missions before, and they had a witty repartee between them.

"Well if you are finally saying yes to that drink then I'm pretty sure I can bring down the rain on them."

"How far away are you?" Jenny asked.

Jenny looked at the floor in front of her and saw Courtney rolled into a ball covering her ears and trying to stay in one piece, as the jeep went flying over the next dune. She then returned her attention to the evasive driving at hand.

"Bout a mile out. I'm coming in fast."

"I am out of ammo so I am gunning the engine for everything it has left in it. That is about three dunes away. I should be there in five."

Jenny jerked the wheel hard to the left. She was trying to stay out of the line of fire of the gattling gun on the two humvees that were pursuing her. As she skidded to the right this time she went flying over the second to last dune. However, she didn't adjust her angle and the jeep she was in flopped down to the steep angle drop of the dune she just flew over. Her head hit the steering wheel as she kept both hands on the wheel and heard gun fire hitting the rear of the jeep again.

"Oh shit!"

"Reaper, Reaper, come in. Where are you"

"Have no fear pretty lady, the Calvary is here." Just then as she was crossing to the last dune the chopper flew over her and she immediately heard the hell fire gun strafing the pursuing humvees.

Within seconds the humvees had canon sized holes in them with steam and fluids leaking all over.

"Commander, make one more pass, let's show these bastards that it's not polite to shoot at a lady."

The chopper turned around again and the hell fire started up. Igniting the first jeep and blowing up the second one. They then returned and came in for a landing and picked up the parcel and their mystery guest.

"Echo 1 to Base."

"Base to Echo 1 over."

"We have the parcel and are en route to the drop site."

"Congratulations! Tell the parcel to contact her boss immediately."

"Sgt Kemper slid over to Jenny, as the medic tended to her head wound."

"Agent Burton, you have been requested to get on the horn to your boss ASAP"

"Just one second." Jenny walked over to Courtney, and pulled her to the side.

"How are you holding up?"

Courtney, with a blanket around her, was trying to keep the shock of everything that happened to a minor panic. "As well as can be expected I guess. Will I ever see you again?"

"Probably not. Look, I will make sure that you are taken care of with the diplomats"

"How will I ever repay you?"

"I was just doing my job, but and this is against the rules, but I will call you once your settled in back in Vegas. Just to make sure that you are doing ok."

"How will you call me? I don't even have a number yet that will work."

"Don't worry; I am Secret Agent remember." With that Jenny winked at her and went back to the Sgt and asked for the phone.

He handed Jenny the SAT phone gave her some space.

"Burton secure"

"Graham secure. Agent Burton did you get the disks?"

"Yes sir, everything is accounted for."

"How are you Jenny?"

"Sir I am fine. The field medic wants me to stay at the base over night just to ensure that I don't have a concussion. I have a scratch on my head, that's it."

"Ok, see to it that you have someone watch over you tonight."

Jenny looked over at Sgt Kemper and knew that wouldn't be a problem.

"There will be a transport to bring you back to DC scheduled to leave at twelve tomorrow. From there, you will bring the disks to Langley, and then you will have the docs check you out. You have a month of downtime, which I assuming you would like to spend Christmas with your family?"

"Yes sir"

'Good then, when you get back I will have a new assignment for you."

"Very good sir, I will see you when I get back."

Jenny tossed the phone back to the Sgt. "So the drinks are out but do you think you can keep me company tonight and make sure I don't die from my concussion?"

The Sgt smiled and started to blush just a bit. "Yes, Ma'am."

"Sgt what is that look in your eye? Now you know I'm only inviting you over to talk and to play some cards. I am not looking for a fling. However, I just need someone to stay by me and remind me that I'm still a human being. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes Ma'am."

After making sure that Courtney was going to get back to the states Jenny and Sgt Kemper made their way back to her billet for some coffee and cards.

Jenny never slept with Sgt Kemper, but it felt good for one night to sleep with someone and have them hold her and just make her feel safe. It also held off the nightmares for one more night.

The next morning she was on the transport back to D.C.