Don't own Chuck
The three just sat there without saying a word trying to wrap their heads around what Chuck had just read and looking at the tablet. Questions came to mind as to who, why and how but they didn't have enough information to answer those. The only thing they was knew was 'what', and it was the 'what' that terrified them. The only person who seemed unaffected was Sam, no one noticed the little mischievous grin she had on her face as she climbed down off the sofa then walked over to Verbanski with Mr. Rabbit in hand. They thought she wanted to be held but instead she kicked Gertrude in the shin then ran back to Sarah.
"Ouch! What did I do? Yes you better run," said Gertrude feigning to be hurt rubbing her leg. "What Nursery school are you sending her to rug rat commando training?"
"Sorry but you have to admit you did hit me first," said Chuck, "and we Bartowskis, we take care of our own so I guess she was just getting even for me."
"Well folks I hate to rappel down then run but I've got to go. Thanks to you my mission is done here. Enjoy the rest of your vacation," said Gertrude as she snatched the tablet from Chuck and headed back towards the window.
"What do you mean over? You've only begun; don't you want to know who's behind this? Or how they stole the Plutonium? Or even what they're planning on doing with it?"
"NMP Chuck, 'not my problem' I was contracted to bring back proof so your government could address this behind closed doors in the United Nations at the next Security Council meeting. That's what I'm getting paid for nothing else. Chuck it's all about the bottom line, that's something you could learn."
"You realize this place and everyone you meet in the street are at risk. Crap the world could be at risk. Everyone you love and hold dear are at risk then you come out and say it's not my problem, dasvidaniya baby."
"Hey, don't play the KGB card on me, you guys were just as cold hearted. Sure I was one of the KGB's most ruthless spies till the fall but I still had feelings. I still remember Minsk, 1995. I was there for work and was paid well I admit; John called himself a patriot.
"Wow, 1995, I think I told Casey I was still in middle school when he told us this story," said Chuck as Verbanski gave him a look and growled. "Sorry, you were saying."
"Well to make a long story short it ended in an altercation. Come to think of it that's the way most of my relationships end up. I don't know what it is they either die or I leave I don't know why," said Gertrude as Sarah had a strange look. Chuck thought about asking but Sarah just shook her head and motioned him to be quiet. "Anyway I was lucky I got away and John got a Rosewell blade in the shoulder. It made a nasty scar right over one of his scars that happen to be one of my favorites. A bit of bad luck but they say all's fair in love and war but I think I've made it up to him these past few years."
"Gertrude," said Casey as he walked through the door, "what are you doing here? I thought we weren't going to meet until later."
"Plans have changed Johnny and it was fun seeing you at the ball all dressed up and decked out last night. Say hi to Alex and Kathleen for me," said Gertrude as she went to the balcony hooked herself to a rope then leaped off.
"Casey you know how to pick your women. Gertrude really knows how to make exit," said Chuck as he got up to close the balcony door. "I assume you came over because you wanted to tell us something?"
"Right sorry Gertrude has this effect on me," said Casey momentarily zone out. "Oh what I wanted to say was Kathleen and Alex are getting ready for breakfast and wanted to know if you guys wanted to meet us downstairs in ten? But I think I need to know what's going on."
"Chuck please brief John while I make our little tiger and myself presentable," said Sarah as she got up taking Sam with her to change her clothes.
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Philip and Paul met back in the park before dawn the next morning. Philip called him from outside the mansion the night before and organized the meet. Things that had happened were strange and just didn't add up. In his gut he had this feeling of impending disaster and for the first time in his life he was second guessing himself. This second guessing was causing him to have doubts, not only doubts in the mission, but also doubts in the people around him like Paul so when they met he snapped.
"What's going on can you tell me? I need to know you've got everything under control. I've put myself way out on a limb for the cause and I feel I'm alone out there," said Philip as soon as Paul sat down.
"And good morning to you too, what's got you so worked up? The incident at the Governor's last night? I wouldn't worry about it, it seems like nothing was taken but you're right we need to get a look inside that's why I brought you this," said Paul as he passed him a small package.
"What's inside," asked Philip as he looked around then took the package and slipped it quickly into his briefcase.
"Put it close to the safe door and it will find the combination for you then open it. Included is a high resolution spy camera, I want you to take pictures of any documents that we might need to take a closer look at. This needs to be done as soon as possible, any questions?"
"No I'm good to go I'll come up with some excuse and get back in. The idiot wife likes me so it shouldn't be difficult. There is one thing I just don't understand and it keeps bugging me, if those two spies are out to find out our plans why did that guy fight the thief? I just don't understand."
"You're right it seems odd but something we won't have to worry about soon. I've got three guys who are going to take care of them. Don't worry, I told them to make it look like a mugging gone wrong. Whatever their game is it'll end today."
"Good that's one less problem we'll have to deal with but are we sure we're eliminating the right party? Whatever, I just hope these guys are better than the ones you sent on the plane," said Philip as he got up then stopped. "Oh one last thing I want to talk with the Commandant directly. I think I've earned that right by now."
"You know he doesn't like to get his hands dirty that's why he has people like me and you," said Paul but he could see Philip wasn't backing down. "Okay I'll tell him but it's your head you're putting in the guillotine."
"I understand but with great risks go great rewards," said Philip as he walked away heading back to his car then left for the Governor's mansion.
"And an early grave, never forget that mon ami," said Paul as he picked up his phone and dialled a number. "Commandant, this is Paul I just met with Philip and he wants to speak with you. …. I know he's not following the chain. …. You know he's a friend of mine. …. You know where my heart is and if you order me I'll make it happen and yes I remember how to take orders. … Very well as you ordered."
Paul hung up his phone and put it away then sat there for a while watching the sun come up over the horizon and its rays spreading out over the bay. A scene that happened every morning but one he never grew tired of. Men and women were already out running along the beach. There were some people out strolling their dogs in the park. Even the birds were already out calling back and forth as they foraged for food. As he sat there he heard rustling in the bushes closed to him then a large man stepped out.
"Henri what have you got for me," said Paul as the large man handed him a bloody digital camera with a telescopic lens. "Henri I asked you to take the man alive I can't find out who he works for if he's dead."
"Sorry Boss but he didn't want to give me the camera. He fought back and things got out of hand. I'll do better next time, I promise."
"Henri what am I going to do with you? What were you thinking? You'd invite him to have tea and biscuits then he'd just follow you along to home? Your father is laughing at me somewhere. If he hadn't saved my life by giving his up I wouldn't have this debt. I'd almost be worth taking the bullet myself to get out of his debt. Fate is a strange creature mon ami."
"I'm sorry sir, I will learn to be better, like my father."
"Well I wouldn't follow all of his examples, some of those got him killed. Okay I'm being too hard on you at least you eliminated a threat. Come sit down here next to me and admire the view while I look through the camera's memory to see if we have the problem I believe we have."
Henri sat down and remained still as he watched the people wasting their time on the beach of that was his perspective. Already it was beginning to get hot and he was starting the sweat through his shirt as he tried to figure out why he was sitting there. This was just a lot of crap he thought watching the sunrise and walking in the park.
"Come on Henri," said Paul, "we need to go. I need to contact our team they have a lot of work to do today. If they were on a salary I'd have to pay them overtime."
They got up from the bench taking the camera with them then walked to a parking lot where they left their car. Parked in the same lot was a white panel van that seemed to have oil leaking from the undercarriage. As they drove off Paul heard the scream of a passing jogger who discovered that the leak wasn't oil but the blood of the driver inside.
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Chuck took everyone out for lunch, he had gotten the address from the front desk along with directions. If this was supposed to be a vacation, it was time that they treated it like one and this he'd start with a surprise for Sarah. At the front desk they had assured them that the place was close by. However, now that they had been walking for almost an hour without seeing anything that resembled a place to eat and Casey was ready to take it out on Chuck.
"Sweetie we can stop anywhere and grab something to eat then hit the beach or go sightseeing or whatever else you guys want."
"No, no I promised something special and I'm going to deliver. We're almost there I know it. Just a little bit further and we'll be there."
"Chuck you said that a half hour ago and fifteen minutes before that," said Casey, "barring any flash I think you've gotten us lost."
"Oh Ye of little faith Casey," said Chuck as he led them to a park next to the bay, "We're here this is called Palace Vai'ete and in the middle we'll find the Red Bull."
"Does it come in a can? Do we eat it or drink? I could use the energy about now," said Casey as Alex elbowed him to behave.
"Chuck is only trying to do something nice for Sarah," she whispered, "something you and Morgan should learn how to do. I overheard him organize this with the front desk clerk so play along and play nice."
"Funny John, very funny," said Chuck as he led them through the lush park to a very nice restaurant where he took them inside.
"Reservations s'il vous plaît," said the headwaiter as he greeted them at the entrance with menus in hand.
"Carmichael, we called from the Milton earlier," said Chuck as the waiter immediately smiled like he was in on a secret.
"Oh mais oui, follow me this way please," said the man taking them to a table in the back with a nice fresh floral bouquet as a center piece and a high chair already set at the table.
"Chuck you know how I feel about surprises, what did you do? You organized all this, didn't you?" said Sarah as she took Sam and placed her in her chair. Sam banged on the high chair with her rabbit. "I think she's telling you she's hungry and is demanding to be feed."
"Well she won't have to wait long this place specializes in crêpes so I pre-ordered for everyone that's why we had to walk around for so long I had to give them time to prepare. I ordered crêpes cherry jubilee and crepes jambon fromage as starters. Casey, I know you'll want more no problem and for you my love I had them make you something special. Garçon, you can bring it out," said Chuck as the headwaiter who was standing off to the side signaled another waiter to bring in a huge plate of crêpes covered with Rocky Road ice cream."
"Oh you," said Sarah as she kissed Chuck, "What am I going to do with you? I never know what to expect from you Mr. Bartowski."
"Love, love is what you can expect from me, every day for the rest of our lives," said Chuck as Sam banged her rabbit again. "Well I think we need to feed the tiger. Garçon you can bring in the rest."
They sat down and ate and ate and ate. Even Casey was full when they finally finished and by then the afternoon had gave way to evening. As the team was finally enjoying their vacation three men walked in taking a table by the door on the other side of cashier. One man got up and stepped outside while the rest ordered. He walked around behind the restaurant and when he was sure he was alone then he made a phone call.
"They're inside with a group of Americans, probably tourists for their cover. We'll follow them out and whack the whole group if we have to. …. No we won't make any mistakes …. I know no witnesses but there's a kid with them. …. I understand I don't need to be told twice. …. More work, sure no problem. Send me the details. …." said the man but he wasn't prepared for the name and photo he received. "I got it but are you sure? We're whacking our own now. …. Yes, yes, I know. Okay I've got to go."
The man went back in and sat down at the table with his other two friends. They had already eaten when Chuck walked over to pay and to thank the owner for everything.
"Thanks here," said Chuck as he handed the man his credit card, "take out extra for your people too. It was a great surprise for my wife and our friends, everyone really liked it. I'll recommend this place to all my friends."
"Merci beaucoup," said the owner as he swiped Chuck card. They were chatting when Chuck happened to look up and in the mirror behind the till Chuck saw the tattoo on one of the men's forearm. He had the same tattoo as the men on the plane. Chuck flashed.
"Are you feeling okay," asked the owner as he handed Chuck back his card and he helped steady Chuck.
"Yeah, fine maybe we I exaggerated a little with the chardonnay I swear it's as good as Rombauer," said Chuck.
"That's because it is. Our house wine comes from California. French wine costs too much to import here so we get ours from California. It's just as good and costs a third."
"I have to agree," said Chuck. Then he made his way back to his table stopping for a second to admire a framed print of the island. What Chuck was actually doing was watching the men sitting at the table in the reflection. He walked back to the table where he kissed Sarah then Sam.
"Is everything okay," asked Sarah detecting something was off with Chuck.
"Oh John the owner wanted to offer us cigars but I turned him down but on second thought you might like one. He said that they were handmade for Castro," said Chuck ignoring Sarah's question because he didn't want to lie or break their pact.
"And you turned him down? Are you crazy? Come on a Cuban is what this evening out is missing," said Casey as he walked back out with Chuck. But as soon as they were out of sight from the table Chuck pushed him towards the restrooms to be alone.
"I'm sorry but I made up the story about the cigar. I need your back up piece then you need to take everyone back to the hotel."
"Chuck what's going on?" said Casey as he handed him his Colt from his ankle holster. "You know this isn't a toy. I'm going to need an explanation before I hand this over to you."
"There are three men sitting at the table by the door," said Chuck as he checked the weapon. "One of them has the same tattoo as the guys on the plane and they're all ex French Foreign Legion. I'm going to take them outside wait ten minutes then take everyone to the hotel."
"Listen you might have a computer in your head but bullets still make you dead. Those men are trained killers why don't you let me help you; I can even up the odds a bit."
"John if I'm right they don't know about you so you and the others should be safe. They're here for Sarah and me. I need you to promise no matter what you hear outside you won't come looking. You just need to get everyone back to the hotel."
"If they know about you two then why don't you take Sarah?"
"Yes, why don't you take Sarah," said Sarah standing behind them. "You don't think I can't tell when something is wrong and it didn't take me long to flash too." Chuck started to protest but she put a finger up to his lips to be silent. "What would you do if you were me?"
"Okay, I have a plan but for now you need to go back to the table and sit tight while I go stir up a hornet's nest," said Chuck as he explained to them his plan.
"Chuck I don't like it, I ought to come with you to face them down. What happens if they want to get it over with and move on?"
"They could but I don't think so they have their orders. John, just make sure the rest get back to the hotel safely. You know this non-mission is racking up the head count."
Chuck went over to a waiter and ordered four glasses of Courvoisier's cognac. When the waiter came with the tray Chuck took it from him then went over to the men at the table.
"On the house," he said as he put a glass in front of each. "Personally I prefer Scotch but since this is your last drink I thought this should be like a last meal. Boys, I going to walk out that door then go behind this establishment. If you want to live you'll leave and go the opposite direction, if not you take your life in your hands," said Chuck as he downed his drink then looked at the glass. "Like I said I prefer Scotch and I plan on having one afterwards."
"Check to see if his partner is still at the table," said their leader as went to look out the door watching Chuck walk behind the restaurant.
"Yeah she's still there eating and laughing. I did a quick head count and they're all there even that big guy. I don't know it could still be a trap. What do you think?"
"I think he just made our job easier. Let's go, but remember this is supposed to look like a mugging."
