A/N: Welcome to Chapter 6. Still lots of infighting amongst our favorites, not to mention the kidnapping is getting weirder and weirder. But there will probably be some time for some Charah in here somewhere. Can't seem to go too long without getting our kids together for some sweet time. Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for continuing to read this and all the comments. Got some good advice the past couple of days and that is always good. as a reminder, italics indicate a character's thoughts. The timeline is all in the present in this chapter, with the events in California and Africa going on more or less at the same time. Don't try to work out what time it is here or there as it will break your head (as it did mine!). Just go with the flow.

As always, no copyright violations intended. In addition to Chuck, I do not own Dean Martin or Return to Me.

VI. Disagreements

Scene 20: January 25, 2013
The Present
Swinbitia, Africa

"Now, we are going to step out for ten minutes. There are no surveillance cameras or microphones in this room. Please know you may speak freely without fear of being overheard. We need your honest responses to these four points and realize you need to be able to talk openly. Ten minutes … no more."

Casey looked at Gertrude with a sneer on his lips and eyes wide while she stared back with the exact same look. As soon as the door closed behind their captors they both uttered simultaneously, "What the hell was that?"

Gertrude knew it was almost impossible to catch John off guard like this and she was feeling the same. "It's crazy! They are interviewing us for a job … or jobs. Do they expect us to tell them just how stupid those statements are or are we suppose to tell them if we are interested in participating in some way with their crazy plans … whatever they may be?"

They sat in silence for a few minutes, staring at their hands. For all their combined experience, this was completely outside the realm of reality. Who were these people? Was there really a plan or were they just shooting in the dark? Were they really being offered a job? Too many questions … absolutely no answers.

Finally Casey spoke up: "So let's see, Gert, there was the security protection and systems, the work with various governments' agencies, and their need for organization and training."

"All very flattering, and it makes it impossible to deny most of what they've said. They know too much about us. But what's it all mean? Do they want our systems, or how to break them? Do they expect us to give them information to subvert other governments or burn their agents? And we all know there are plenty of terrorist groups with good training programs. Why don't they just get some of their buddies there to help them? It just doesn't make sense."

"It really worries me that they know about the government work. No one is supposed to know all that. Beckman assured us it was all cloaked and/or redacted. Damn! That means there is a mole somewhere. Or, maybe this is all a big fishing expedition, hoping we will spill the beans. Surely, with the apparent respect they have for our work, they don't expect us to crack, do they?"

"Everyone talks eventually, Casey. You know that." As she looked at him all he could do was nod and curl his lip into a sneer. "Listen, when they come back in, let me talk to points one and two. Okay, John?"

"Roger that. Now, two was all about us having insider information on government agencies. I think that ties into number one. Son. Of. A. Bitch! They just know way too much."

"I agree. Can you take the third and fourth points?"

They both looked at each other with worry coming to their eyes. So far they had avoided mentioning 'point four' … Sarah. What did they want with their partner and friend?

'Huummmph. Fine." After another pause, Casey looked down at his hands, then around the room. He spoke in a quiet, sad voice, "What about Sarah? What was it they called her? Infamous?"

"Yeah. Sounded like they didn't expect to find you on this trip, but once they were aware of you, it opened up a whole new area for them to include her. What do they want with her … what's their beef with her? Capture and torture? Kill her? Something else entirely?"

"Well, I seriously doubt they want to date her. She must have seriously pissed off someone in their organization."

"But we've all pissed off people through the years. Why here? Why now?"

"I don't know all that much about her past missions but she was Graham's wildcard enforcer and I can tell you, there is no one more lethal than that girl. You haven't seen her in action as much as I have and I take my hat off to her." That was high praise, indeed, coming from Casey. Gertrude knew he didn't bestow that kind of respect on just anyone.

They were both quiet for several more moments, deep in their own thoughts. Neither had ever been in a situation like this, despite their long careers in clandestine work. They were also quite alarmed at the calm, business-like manner in which they had been talked to, contrasted with being threatened with immediate execution. They both knew they had to come up with a way to respond to these maniacs, while keeping each other safe. There was, also, the inbred desire to find a way to escape. No doubt, they were definitely between that ever popular rock and hard place.

They heard voices outside the door and knew their time was up.

Scene 21: January 25, 2013
The Present
Carmichael Industries

The elevator opened directly into the spacious reception hall of Carmichael Industries, striking visitors immediately with an amazing integration of modern design and old world stateliness. The entire left wall were windows overlooking one of LA's largest parks. The far wall was all windows as well, along with two, all glass-walled offices, set three steps above the main floor. The one on the right was Morgan's office, while the other could be used by visitors or even a small conference room. The other two walls were a rich mahogany with polished brass fixtures. Indirect lighting gave the impression of warmth and opulence. Highly polished marble flooring, along with plush, leather wing chairs, sofas, and low tables completed the room. A large, semicircular, reception desk, about one third of the way into the room, along the right wall, could seat three receptionists.

Behind the reception desk was a doorway with triple French doors that opened to a hallway and the suite offices. Chuck and Sarah's offices opened to the left of this hallway and had floor to ceiling windows like the reception hall. The exterior windows throughout this floor were made of smart glass that could be adjusted from transparent to opaque and any stage in between. Another hallway ran to the right, separating the five additional offices and two large conference rooms on the left and The Great Hall, on the right. All the offices and hallways in this section had the same walnut finished walls but the floors in this area were inlaid wood. All the fixtures, as in the reception hall, were understated but elegant. In the Great Hall, completely invisible to the naked eye, was the ability, in a truly amazing and unique manner, to open the common wall with the main reception hall, creating a beautiful dining and entertaining facility.

Visitors were always overwhelmed by the entire suite. Alex and her team, with final touches by Sarah, had done an incredible job creating the sense of richly appointed comfort mixed with tradition. The blending of old world style and today's world of technology was ever so subtle. They wanted their clients to first feel awestruck, followed immediately by welcome, and finally, confidence in those who worked in these offices. The second and fourth floors were off limits to visitors.

Music was playing softly when Morgan came into the suite. Alex, having started her Master's Degree, had a class that would run until 9:30 pm, so he had decided to stop by CI in case there were any new developments. He cautiously walked through the reception area to the office hallway: he did not want to walk in on Chuck and Sarah, just in case they were … well … you know. Passing by Sarah's office, whose door was closed, he peeked around the open door frame of Chuck's office. He found them there on the sofa, sitting side by side with arms and legs tangled, sleeping peacefully. Morgan couldn't help smiling: love spewed forth from this incredible couple even when sleeping! He remembered the instant chemistry between these two back in the Buy More six years ago (Wow, six years!) and how quickly he had realized they were each smitten with the other. He hoped and prayed he and Alex would be so happy … hopefully without quite all the drama his two friends had had to survive.

As he started to back out he saw Chuck stir and wave him in. Trying not to wake Sarah, Chuck gently untangled himself and tried to stand but his left leg just didn't want to work. Morgan quickly moved to the sofa and helped his best friend to his feet. They quietly left the office and settled into two plush chairs in the reception area.

Chuck was filling Morgan in on what they had found that afternoon when they heard a shriek: "Chuck? Chuck! Where are you?" Sarah came running out of the office and right into Chuck's arms, practically knocking him down. "Oh my God, Chuck! I woke up and you were gone. Don't do that to me!" She had thrown her arms around his neck and pressed herself into him.

"It's alright, baby. I'm right here ... just talking to Morgan."

"Oh, hi, Morgan. Did you get any rest today?"

"Hi, Sarah and yes I did. Thanks for asking."

"So anyway, I was telling Morgan about finding the satellite pics of the SUV's and Beckman wanting you to go check it out. Morgan, I think she should go … and I want to go with her."

"NOOOOOO! No, no, no, no! Absolutely not. No way. Not going to happen. You two are staying right here where I can keep an eye on you. Just forget it!" Morgan was flailing his arms around and almost jumping out of his shoes as he practically yelled at his friends.

Both Chuck and Sarah were taken aback by Morgan's outburst. "Gee, Morgan, where were you this afternoon when I needed you?" Sarah said while smiling up at her husband and hugging him lightly. All Chuck could do was look back and forth between his lovely bride and his best friend with his mouth wide open in amazement.

Scene 22: January 25, 2013
The Present
Swinbitia, Africa

The four men returned and walked quickly back to their table. They were followed, once again, by the girl, who looked to be about 16 but undernourished, carrying a large tray with food and beverages. Mr. A indicated they should partake of the food. Casey and Gertrude looked at each other and nodded slightly. Although they would have liked to refuse, just as they had with Senor Montez the first night, they had not eaten in over eight hours now and who knew when they would be offered more. First rule in the business: eat and sleep whenever possible. It was mostly local vegetables and fruits and Casey mumbled something about girlie food, but they both ate and drank their fill.

"We would like to continue now if you please. Do not hesitate to continue eating. You need to keep your strength up for the job ahead." Each of the captors were munching casually as well, although not to the extent of Verbanski and Casey.

"We would like you to speak to your work as security specialists."

Verbanski spoke right up, "I don't know what you think we can tell you. We will not divulge any information regarding any of our clients. That's a violation of their privacy."

"Ms. Verbanski, please understand, we do not really care about their privacy. We know who you've worked for and the type of services rendered. We know the dates and places where you provided security … bodyguards, if you will…. We know of your unblemished record. Are you willing to provide the same service to our employers?"

"So let me get this straight: you kill several associates and a United Nations ambassador, kidnap us, drive us all over Africa, hold us here in the middle of nowhere, and then you ask us to work for you? Unbelievable!

"We would prefer you work WITH us, Ms. Verbanski." The inference of something more distasteful was very clear.

"We now have offices around the world with regular office hours. Try calling for an appointment."

"Be that as it may, you are here now. What about security system installations?"

"We have a reputation to uphold so we would need to know who your clients are and what services they desire. We do not accept every offer that comes our way. That is how we have built the impressive record of which you speak. We always reserve the right to decline or terminate services at our discretion.

Mr. B spoke next: "We will return to this question. Let us move on to number two: you have worked with and/or for many governmental agencies. Tell us about that."

"No."

"Now, now. Let's not be rude. Especially if you wish to continue your relationship with Colonel Casey."

"That's MR. Casey to you, bub. I'm retired."

Reaching out to touch his arm, Gertrude stopped Casey from going any further. "Mr. B, I have nothing to say regarding any work we may have been contracted for by any governmental organization. With all that you seem to know about us, it should seem apparent that IF we ever did any work like that, it would be impossible for us to talk about it."

"We are well aware of the work you did about seven months ago in Thailand. With a very small team you completely neutralized three of our units and stole a very important asset from us. This was a significant setback for us and brought you to our attention. Surely you can not continue to deny these actions?"

As Gertrude was starting to shake her head Mr. A said: "Name your price."

"There is no price. Just as with your 'point one', we can not … will not … betray any confidences we may have established with a client."

"That is unfortunate, Ms. Verbanski. I assure you, you need to reassess your position."

Before she could respond, Mr. C took over the meeting: "Then let us talk to number three. Our clients need organization and training. Your organization is renowned for this."

"We are flattered by your assessment of Verbanski Corp. What do you want from us?"

"Mr. Casey, are you for hire to provide these services?"

"For whom and where?"

"You are a man of few words, just as our research has shown. I ask again, are you available to work for us?"

"Not until we know more of the particulars and we reserve the right to refuse or terminate service at any time."

Mr. A stood up quickly, knocking his chair over backwards. "You two have obviously rehearsed this and spout the party line well. However, you are going to regret being so obstinate." After glaring at Casey and Verbanski, he continued, "Mr. D, let's move to your point."

"Yes, sir. Now, Colonel … sorry ... Mr. Casey ... we wish to procure the spy Sarah Walker. We know she is … was … your partner." Verbanski and Casey both picked up on the slight errors made by Mr. D in addressing them. This was the weak link they needed. Now they just had to come up with a way to exploit that weakness.

"If you are asking me to give her up to you then you can go to hell." The words were no more than out of his mouth when Mr. B took out his gun and shot Casey in the left arm. "Hey, asshole, what was that?" It was barely a graze and stung less than a bee sting. But the precision and speed of the shot definitely got Casey's attention.

Verbanski jumped to her feet before the echo of the shot died away. "Stop that! If you think we are going to cooperate when you are shooting at us you've got another think coming. Do that again and we will see just who are the best operatives in this room!"

"We will take a break while you reconsider your situation. Remember: there is an alternative to you joining us voluntarily." With that the four men walked out.

Verbanski grabbed a bottle of water and rushed over to Casey who was already pulling his jacket off. There was a little blood but nothing to get excited about. He'd been hurt more working on his beloved Crown Victoria over the years. 'You okay?"

"Ungh. Yeah, sure. Baby stuff. Did you see how fast that shot came? That could be a problem if he's that accurate all the time."

"I noticed. Nothing serious there. John, we've got to give them something as a stalling tactic."

"And how were they able to identify us from that mission to Thailand?"

"Yet another mystery. You've picked up on Mr. D being the weak link, right."

"Yeah. But he only talks about Sarah and I'm not giving her up to anyone, anytime."

"Agreed. We'd better get some rest. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a long day."

"Ungh!"

Scene 23: January 25, 2013
The Present
Carmichael Industries

"Morgan, it's Casey! Your friend, mentor, and father of your girlfriend. How can you not want us to go find him?" The debate between Chuck and Morgan had gone on for several minutes.

"Look. I know you two. Chuck, you can't send Sarah out alone. Sarah, you can't stand to be away from Chuck. But Chuck is still healing physically and Sarah is still healing her memories. Can you protect each other enough to get the job done out there? What if one of you doesn't return? I've seen you both without the other and it isn't a pretty sight. No, you both belong together ... RIGHT. HERE!"

"What would Alex say if she knew we refused to go after her father." Morgan could only let his head hang down, holding it with both hands, while shaking it from side to side.

"Go home, Morgan. Be with Alex and let her know we do have a lead. But we have to let it play out before anyone can act. Thank you ... for being our friend." Sarah had knelt down and taken Morgan's hands in hers. When he lifted his eyes to hers, he could see the deep emotional stress she was under, but also the deep friendship they had developed. He nodded, stood, and left quietly.

"That was a wonderful thing you just did for him, Sarah. Once again, you've shown the compassion that I always knew you had, and fell in love with." As they embraced, Chuck continued, "Do you want to go home or should we bunk down here tonight?"

After a moment her reply came in a soft and gentle voice, "Let's just stay here."

The entire suite was ultra-high tech in every way, all designed by Chuck. The other major contribution he made in the design was the addition of a safe room. Only he, Sarah, Morgan and Alex knew of it's existence, just off Chuck's office. It was so well disguised that it would take a thorough inspection and measurement of the suite to tell it was there. It was large enough to hold ten people comfortably, had a kitchenette, restroom with shower, a large table with matching chairs, two queen size beds (each enclosed by curtains) and three sleeper sofas. Chuck rigged the security so a small icon would appear on the computers in Morgan's, Sarah's and his offices as well as on their iPhones. The computer system inside was completely separate from the rest of the suite so they could continue to have outside contact without anyone in the office knowing it.

Several times Chuck and Sarah had used this room when they had stayed too late to make the trip home worthwhile. Of course, they had taken the time to properly christened the room as only they could. Tonight they could stay here, sleep (or at least rest), and be ready the instant anything broke in the case.

As they entered the room Sarah turned to her right and went to the stereo system. She looked through the iPod briefly and then set it to play. "Chuck, will you dance with me? Please?"

As he turned to her, with a smile on his face, Dean Martin's Return to Me began to play. They were in each other's arms in seconds and moved gentled and smoothly to the music.

Return to me
 Please come back bella mia
 Hurry back, hurry home to my arms
 To my lips and my heart

About half way through Chuck sighed, "Sarah, I love you with all my heart and soul. How is it, the most beautiful girl in the world, is here in my arms?"

Equally quiet came her reply, whispered into his ear: "Mmmmm ... because she only wants to be in the arms of the most special guy in the whole world. Love me, Chuck … love me now." The music continued as Chuck moved Sarah into a dip, just as he did at their wedding.

Their kiss started gently but quickly changed in intensity. Pulling her back upright, Chuck deepened the kiss and pulled her tightly up against him. Sarah, in turn, gripped his shirt with one hand while moving the other into his hair, feeling the texture between her fingers. Moaning, he ran his hands down her flanks as she gently moved her other hand to the back of his neck, and wrapping herself completely around him. They began to move once again to the sounds of the music while continuing their caresses and kisses. Their dancing soon led them to the bed and Chuck gently laid Sarah down. He stood for a moment looking down at his beautiful wife until, with a ravishing smile, she reached out, took his hand, and pulled him down to her. As the music continued to wash over them, they were completely lost in one another.

Scene 24: January 26, 2013
The Present
Swinbitia, Africa

It was still dark out but Casey was instantly awake when the door opened. They had not been disturbed in their sleep as yet and it caught him, despite his spy skills, a little off guard. The next he knew, a bucket of cold water was thrown on both him and Gertrude. Just as quickly as their entrance, the perpetrators departed. Turning on the light, Casey growled and Verbanski ran to the door and threw it open. The two regular guards were there looking like nothing had happened. She slammed the door and went to the table while staring at Casey.

"This seems to be along the lines of your interrogation techniques Gertie. Didn't the KGB love to disrupt their prisoners mentally and physically, usually at night?"

"Well, I didn't teach them this. Don't get mad at me!"

"Ungh! More importantly, what do we do now?"

They were both silent for some both jumped up when the door again opened. "Hello, again, Ms. Verbanski, Mr. Casey." Montez was leering at them, well, at Verbanski and her wet T-shirt. "I'm really sorry things have escalated to this point but you two just aren't very cooperative. It's really too bad. We would have made this whole process easy, painless, and quite lucrative. Might I add you certainly are a fine looking woman. You should show off those assets more often."

Casey was out of his seat like a shot but Verbanski stopped him: "Go to hell, you bastard. You ask me to violate everything I hold dear and you say it's my fault. Bring it on. We're ready for whatever you want to do to us."

"I guarantee you, if you touch her, I will come after you and put an end to your desire for women." Montez just laughed, but backed away, quickly drawing his handgun once again.

The door slammed open and Mr. A spoke to her, "Are you two ready to end this nonsense?"

"Whatever you're going to do, just do it and stop yapping about it. If you think this is going to break either one of us, you might as well just kill us."

"That is certainly still an option." Both men turned and walked out.

Scene 25: January 26, 2013
The Present
Echo Park

Morgan's phone buzzed twice just as he entered the courtyard at home. When he looked at the screen he saw the special icon Chuck had programmed in to alert him that the panic room was in use. He tapped in a special code and the icon blinked twice and went off. That told him that it was not an emergency. He smiled. Chuck and Sarah. They are really something.

At that moment Alex opened the door and stood there staring at him. "Hey, Alex, I didn't think you would still be up."

"Morgan. No more messing around. Get in here and talk to me." It was obvious she was mad and he knew there would be hell to pay if he tried to hide anything from her. Once they sat down on the sofa she continued, "I need to know what's going on with my dad. We haven't heard from him, Chuck and Sarah either don't return my calls or beg off answering my questions. Now spill!"

"Alex, you know I can't…." Alex cut him off with a glare and then pointed her finger at him menacingly. "Okay, okay, I give. But don't kill the messenger." He took a deep breath, took her hands in his and laid out the entire situation as he knew it.

"So you're telling me no one is out looking for him and Chuck and Sarah refuse to go?" She was shouting now, something she rarely did.

"No, no, no. Lots of people are looking … and Chuck found their first clue just today. We have to wait to see if the locals find anything from that clue. And look, you know Chuck and Sarah's situation. Do you really want those two, as vulnerable as they are, going out into the field again?"

"Morgan, it's my dad…."