I do not own Chuck or any of the characters ... yada yada ... you know the drill.

--Chuck Vs the Force--

A young LAPD Officer needs help cracking a case so guess who she turns too.

Authors Notes:

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the reviews so far, you guys are aces. Hope you like the next couple of chapters (it was meant to be one but I got carried away and had to split it over two.). Also I just wanted to point out this is not a Dexter/Chuck crossover (I'm just stealing a few idea's from another great show) so don't hate me when our favourite serial killer doesn't make an appearance (because he won't). That said, Vincent Tang will definitely be turning up in later chapters. Not Beta'd so mistakes are me.

Last, important details: Take place about3-4 months after the end of season two. Italics are flashbacks or Deb's thought bubbles.

CAUTION – RATED FOR STRONG LANGUAGE

Chapter 7 – Only Coffee?

One of the fringe benefits of her assignment to homicide was being able to dress in something other than uniform or the 'sex suit' get up she used for undercover work in vice. Understandably Deb's was quite looking forward to a day that didn't involve regularly extricating a g-string from her ass.

Lt Rodriguez had her spending the day checking witness statements. It was dull and largely pointless since most of the work had already been done at the scene. All she'd be doing was revisiting the witness's to see if they had thought of anything new since they gave their statement. It probably wouldn't get them anything but it was standard procedure so someone had to do it. Deb's wasn't in the least bit surprised when Rodriguez's gave her that particular chore of an assignment. The Lt had made no secret of the fact that she didn't want Deb's involved in 'her' case and had done everything possible to squeeze her out of the investigation.

Not going to happen bitch. I've still got something you don't ... Chuck

Which brought her back to her current predicament, what to wear. It hadn't gone unnoticed to her that since she was going to be out all day anyway there wasn't anything stopping her dropping by a certain computer company. She also had a perfectly valid excuse, seeing as he'd been the source of their only hot lead. And I do mean hot. Plus she had an instinctive feeling that he could bring more to the table than a bit of computer wizardry.

Her final selection made she admired herself in the mirror. She'd gone for a light grey pants suit, which she thought looked professional yet pleasingly form fitting, along with a pink blouse. The top was new, a recent attempt to add some more feminine clothing to a wardrobe otherwise overrun with sports casuals and hooker costumes. She took a moment to scan through her rather impressive selection of mini skirts. Wonder what Chuck would say if I turned up in one of those..

Dismissing the idea she picked up her badge and hung it around her neck and collected her keys from the table.

As expected the witness's hadn't added anything new to their statements, although a couple had asked what she was doing after work. She had thanked them before politely turning them down. After all she hadn't spent all that time getting ready for them. She had someone else in mind and he was her next stop.

Stepping through the entrance of Orion Computer Services she was immediately struck by how much had changed. No longer an empty shell, a frosted glass partition wall had been erected to create a reception area at the front of the office. With comfortable chairs and tasteful furnishing it exuded professionalism and class. Wow Chuck, I'm impressed.

As the reception was empty she pushed against the frosted glass door to go into the main part of the office, noting with some surprise just how thick the glass wall was. The rest of the office had equally undergone a transformation. All the desks were now erected and arranged into pods of four along both walls. Each desk now had a computer along with several monitors on swing arms. In addition there were smart-boards and large plasma screens mounted in several locations. In total Deb's guest there was enough seating for thirty or so employees. Looks like they will be doing some recruiting.

Whoever had furnished the room clearly had green fingers, the generous corridor running down the centre of the room was lined with large plant pots and each desk had a small bonsai tree on it. The abundance of greenery helped to offset all the technology and gave the room a far more human feel. Deb's wonder absently if this was the influence of Chuck's girlfriend Sarah.

Wouldn't want to forget about her now would we

Shaking away that unhappy thought Deb's looked up as the door at the back of the room opened and a large serious looking man in a suit entered.

"Can I help you" he said gruffly. Deb's recognised his voice as belonging to Chuck's partner John Casey.

"Officer McClain, You must be Mr Casey, we spoke on the phone."

Chuck's partner gave her a once over before saying "Figures" and adding "What do you want? Chuck's not here."

"Oh, do you know when he's going to be back?" She said trying, and failing, to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

The suited man looked at her for a second and grunted. "Nerdboys off playing patter cake with his girlfriend" he said with an evil smirk.

How does Chuck put up with this asshole?

Clearly the big man was enjoying Deb's discomfort and continued. "Knowing them they probably stopped off for a quick roll in the hay. They could be hours."

Bastard, I don't want to hear this, SHUT UP!

Fortunately Deb's didn't get to say anything she'd regret because the glass door behind her opened and in walked a tired looking Chuck. Deb's tried not to smile as she noticed he was alone.

Speak of the devil

"Hey Casey, We ran in to Ellie so Sarah's going to be awhile. Their having one of 'those talks'."

Casey grunted, he was clearly in the know as to what 'those talks' were and nodded in her direction.

"Oh, Hi Deb's, what brings you here, another laptop?

"Actually no, I was wondering if I could pick your brains. Ask a few questions; see if you had any ideas"

That elicited another grunt from Casey but Chuck ignored him and said

"Oh ok, but I've got a conference call in like forty minutes so can we combine it with a walk to the coffee shop on the corner? I'm over due for my fix."

"Sure coffee sounds great. "

This is perfect

"Casey, tell Sarah I've just popped out. I'm only going for coffee so I won't be long. Do you want your usual? "

The big mans face was expressionless but he nodded before turning away quickly.

Chuck put down his rucksack and opened the door for her.

"Come on, they do the best cappuccino's."

Next up Chapter 8 - 'Trouble in paradise'