Don't Own Chuck

It was the beginning of the fourth they were loading the horses in the chute. Already Morgan's nerves had his stomach in knots and when some of the horses refused to get into the boxes it made him feel even worse. No amount of antacid was going to put those flames out. He'd need a case of Tums for the tummy and then some. Finally, the horses were in and settled down. Morgan couldn't believe he let Jack talk him in betting his life on a two minute horse race. The trumpet blew then the gates opened up and the race was on.

"Morgan you can look now," said Jack. But Morgan sat there with his eyes closed and both fists clenched. "Come on or you'll miss the race of your life."

"No my life is in the race. Trust the force Luke," repeated Morgan as he looked up to see all the horses were still bunched up going into the first turn but Raging Fury had managed to gain the inside. This was Shorty's race and Raging Fury was showing his stuff as they came into the back stretch. There the pack began to break up but Raging Fury had two other horses beside him to fight off. Sam looked over at Molly who looked back and shrugged her shoulder.

"I don't have a clue," said Molly. Sam made a face at Molly so she made one back. They started a game of who could make the ugliest faces which had the people around them laughing.

"Can you two behave," said Jack as he noticed people were starting to stare at them but it didn't work. Now that they knew Jack didn't want them to do it that made them want to do it all the more.

The horses were all three neck and neck coming into the final turn. Jack knew that Shorty was holding back a little waiting for the final stretch. Both Morgan and Jack were on up now standing. Molly grabbed some of the paper in the box and began making paper airplanes then handed them one at a time to Sam. She launched them down into the other booths.

"Hey stop that," yelled Jack taking the planes away from them just as Security came up with the planes they had picked up from below.

"I don't suppose you know how these ended up there? Aren't you a bit old for this," said the officer as he took the ones in Jack's hand. "Any more trouble buddy and we'll have to ask you two to leave."

"But it wasn't me it was them," said Jack as he tried to explain and keep an eye on the track at the same time. But the officer cut Jack off.

"Whatever, I didn't think you'd be making paper airplanes at least not at your age but you're the responsible adult." This time it was Molly who cut the officer off correcting him.

"No that's Uncle Morgan, he's supposed to be in charge but Jack … well Jack is my Dad." Molly wanted to tell them about Morgan betting all his savings but she didn't really understand how all that worked. Sam gave the simplified version.

"Jack bad, Organ bad," said Sam. The security officers stifled their laughs.

"I think you've summed it up Sweetheart," said the officer as Sam smiled at him enjoying the attention she played bashful.

"Hey Sam we talked about that Morgan, repeat Morgan," said Morgan but she just looked away refusing to speak. She was still mad.

"Remember, any more problems with you guys and it's out of here," said the officers and they meant business then they walked away.

"Morgan, there at the eighth pole and it's still a dead heat," said Jack. Morgan was pale and wasn't looking so good as he collapsed into his seat.

"Please, please concentrate on the Force, use the Force, use the Force," repeated Morgan as a mantra as he got back up. The horses were in the home stretch.

"This has been one hell of a race ladies and gentleman," said the announcer. "It looks like it's going to be a photo finish as they come up down to the wire. White lightning, Raging Fury and Carry's Dream are neck and neck, nose and nose. This race is going to be too close to call."

"Come on Shorty," said Morgan as he clenched the program he had in his hand until his knuckles turned white.

"It's neck and neck, nose and nose as they come to the wire, and it's a photo finish," yelled the announcer.

"Oh my God I don't think my heart can take any more of this," said Morgan as he dropped back down in his seat. Sam felt sorry for him so she got up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Just then his phone rang it was Alex. There was no way he could talk to her in that moment.

"Morgan, go to the betting window and take the girls. I'll go look for my friend as soon as they announce Raging Fury is the winner cash in then let's go. We may still have time to make it to Irvine before they close the Orange County Zoo that is if you two girls can behave for the next half hour. We can go see if they actually have bunnies."

"Bunny," said Sam as she held up Mr. Rabbit. Jack good, Organ good."

"We're going to have to work on that," said Morgan as he headed over to the betting window. When he got there the same old man was waiting.

"Son, you look like a little green around the gills," said the old man as Morgan's phone rang again and again he didn't answer it. "Trying to avoid the old lady, huh? I don't blame you. If I were in your shoes I'd do the same. Here we go the winners are coming in now. Son, look up at the display board."

"I can't open my eyes. Go ahead read the bad news off," said Morgan as he realized how stupid he'd been. "Go ahead then give me a rusty razor."

"Well I think with your earnings you can afford a new one. Son, your horse came in first place, Raging Fury. Now let me see your stubs," said the old Man as Morgan handed him the ones he had.

"I thought you bet more than this, not that this is small but…" Jack came running up with the rest of the ticket stubs in his hand.

"Wait I've got them. Here's the rest I forgot to give them to my son," said Jack as he handed them straight to the only man. "We pooled our money together."

"I see. Hey, this looks like blood," said the man looking at the stubs Jack handed him with disgust then he gave Jack a strange look and so did Morgan.

"I got a bloody nose during the race. Nerves, it happens sometime. Just cash them all in. You can make direct deposits too right from your off-track betting site?"

"Yeah, I don't blame you for not wanting to walk around with this much cash. Just give me your banking details and I'll give you a receipt."

"Morgan, give the man your banking information," said Jack as he looked around making sure no one was coming. "We'll deposit everything into your account."

"But Jack what about the Doctor," said Morgan as the old man went about his business and prepared them a receipt. Morgan noticed that Jack seemed a little skittish.

"There will be plenty of time to make your appointment if we step on it. My son he's got an appointment with a proctologist and he's afraid he'll miss it."

"So that's your problem I should've known something was up. You seem the high strung type. I guess I would be too if I had your problem."

"What problem? Jack…"

"Come along. I know we need to go, kids keep up," said Jack as he grabbed the receipt then pushed Morgan along.

"Jack, can you explain to me what's going on," said Morgan once they got out into the parking lot. "You're acting strange even for you"

"Just drive and we'll talk later right now isn't the time," said Jack as he looked at the kids. "Let's go to Irvine and see if they have bunnies. If we can't find any there I know there are a few in Beverly Hills." Morgan gave Jack a look as they pulled out of the parking lot.

"Let's leave that story for another day," said Morgan.

"Adults," said Molly and Sam shook her head in agreement. Leaving the parking a group of police cars passed them with lights and sirens on.

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Shorty noticed Raging Fury was favoring a leg when they announced him as winner. He walked the horse over to the winner's circle and got their pictures taken. There he looked around but no one showed up to have their photos taken with the horse. Normally the owners, trainers and everyone and their brothers kill to get themselves in these sort of things but there was no one. Which was in itself strange then when Shorty check Raging Fury's hoof he found a crack. These types of injuries happen and need to be treated right away just the crack seemed to originate from some sort of cavity that looked man made.

"Boy, we need to find the Doctor and have him look at that hoof," said Shorty as he patted the horse. He had dealt with a lot of horses in his days. Each seemed to talk to him and Raging Fury was no exception. He walked the horse over to the Paddock when a man came running out of the stables. Shorty didn't know why he noticed him maybe it was just the way he ran by almost bumping into him but something caught his attention.

"Sorry friend," the man said then disappeared into the crowd. Shorty didn't think much of it at the time but when he entered the stable he was shocked. Inside he found the body of Dr. Schultz dead he immediately turned and ran to find help.

The Arcadia Police Department is located across from the track so it was a short trip over for them. The Police Chief wasn't taking any risks; he brought in his senior and most experienced Detectives to run the case. However, as soon as the investigation got started he realized it was best to bring in the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. They had the labs and the experts plus the whole county was their jurisdiction.

"Yeah," I bumped into this guy coming out," said Shorty then he gave the Detectives a description. After taking his statement they talked with security then reviewed CCTV feeds.

"Yeah we had a couple guys in the Club House that were a bit of a pain," said one of the security officers then he described them and what had happened. His partner confirmed everything he said.

"Is this them," the Detectives asked as they showed the officers photos they had taken off the video feeds.

"Yeah that's them." Both officers agreed but one added. "I have to say they didn't seem to be the kind that would do something like this."

"Well I guess it just goes to show you never know."

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The Doctor ducked out leaving Chuck and Sarah but soon he was starting to feel more into it. The Doc told them he'd be right back but he had other patients to check on. Chuck though he went out probably to get a compress to put on his chest where he hit him to shove him off. Sarah sat next to him holding his hand then he had her get up and lay next to him. He convinced her he'd be feeling better quicker if she lay next to him.

"Remind me I need to apologize again to the doctor," said Chuck. "Are you sure I hit him? I don't remember much."

"It was more a shove then a blow but yeah it probably would be a good thing to do. What am I going to do with you? Every time you think I'm in trouble you come for me."

"What can I say it's stronger than I am? I just have to because I love you. Is there something you want to tell me? Have you talked with Jack? Is that it?"

"No I've been waiting to call him. If I found out I was right then I'd just get mad but there's nothing I can do about it so I went with what I don't know. I know it's not a good option especially since the girls are with him."

"But Morgan's with him, I'm sure he'll make sure Sam and Molly are okay," said Chuck as moved her hair back away from her eyes then kissed her.

"Oh and Alex is okay," said Sarah. "I'm going to have to have a talk with her about using my name to call out away teams. Seems she found Nash's hideout but when we got there he was gone and it looks like cleaners came in before us."

"He's dead then," said Chuck as he laid back trying to think about their next move then sighed thinking about Harvey.

"Don't tell me you feel sorry for the guy? He was a traitor and a cheat. Everything he got he deserved and then some."

"Did he? I'm not so sure but one thing for sure he got sex confused with love but being my people, a nerd. I can understand how a pretty woman can turn your head."

"And it better stay looking in my direction," said Sarah as she kissed him. "I'm glad you turned your head in my direction. I wasn't the only girl that was trying to get noticed."

"But the only one I loved," he said as he kissed her.

The Doctor came back into the room without knocking with Chuck's chart in hand. The first thing he noticed when he came in was Sarah lying next to Chuck squeezed together in his hospital bed. He cleared his throat as Sarah quickly got up straightening her clothes. They both laughed as the Doctor turned red.

"Why don't you to get dressed then come to my office. We'll be more comfortable talking there and the chairs aren't as tight.

"Sure Doc," said Chuck, "I don't remember if I apologized but I'm really sorry about shoving you. I was told I wasn't a very good patient."

"Apology accepted and if it makes you feel any better I've had worse patients. But just wait until you get my bill."

"But Doc you work for the agency so there is no bill."

"I know but I like saying it. Get dressed so I can get you out of here."

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Emma was busy at home getting ready to prepare her goulash. The first thing she did was to prepare the egg noodle and for those she needed an egg, some flour, a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon water followed by a lot of elbow grease. It would've been easier back in Montenegro. In the kitchen in the casino they had a pasta machine but here she had to roll out the dough then cut it. But after some work they were ready. She left them on a piece of parchment paper she dusted to dry. Then she got into the heavy lifting. Her phone rang as she was working. She put it on speaker so she could continue to work and not get her phone dirty.

"Emma this is Jack. I'm just calling to find out if everything is okay back there?" Emma stopped and looked at the phone then she realized she had onions that were risking burning. "Emma can you hear me?"

"Jack, yesterday you never called to let me know anything and today that I know where you're supposed to be you call. What's going on?" said Emma as she added paprika to the onions then stirred in the cubed beef.

"Nothing is going on, we're here in Irvine at the Orange County Zoo and the girls are feeding a pig and some goats. We're getting ready to see those long eared animals someone likes. If I mention their name she goes ape and being in the zoo they might put her behind bars."

"Funny Jack, she's not the one that belongs there," said Emma as she stirred making sure nothing was getting stuck. Then she added crushed garlic, ground caraway seeds, some salt and ground black pepper. Afterwards she threw in some bay leaves and poured enough water to cover the content of the pan and let it simmer on low heat. "Jack if you could be here now I have to say the smell is good even if I'm making it."

"I know how good your goulash is Emma. Here someone wants to say something," said Jack as he passed his phone.

"Mom, I just feed miniature goats they are really small about as big as a dog. I was telling Dad when we get back maybe I could get one as a pet. I could ask Razhib for help, he knows how to take care of them."

"I'll get you a goat here," Emma heard Jack say.

"Jack, don't you dare! No, not like you did Sarah with that confounded pony. You remember the one that fertilized the front yard. How are we going to put it on the plane? No Jack, don't you make me the bad guy here."

"Chill out darling, I was talking about buying a stuffed one at the gift shop. I know you can't take one on the plane although there was a horse on our last flight," said Jack as he paused for a moment reflecting. "No if we're going to buy one we'll get it when we get home then we can eat it at Easter."

Emma heard a loud cry of righteous protest as she checked to see how well the goulash was cooking down. She added diced carrots, parsnip and potatoes, celery leaf and a pinch more salt along with a couple cups of warm water.

"You got an ear full on that remark and rightfully so. Jack this call is costing you a fortune I'd better let you go. Don't spoil the girls' appetites by filling them full up on ice cream," said Emma as she heard Sam in the background scream, 'bunnies'.

"Bet you can't guess where we're at now."

"Well, I'm almost about to add the tomato and peppers so you guys have a while before everything is ready. Have fun," said Emma as she hung up. She wished all of her conversations with Jack could be like that one she thought as she stirred and tasted.

"Maybe a little more salt."

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Sarah undid the knot in the back of Chuck's hospital gown. It was more an excuse to hold him from behind and run her hands across his bare skin. She gave him a small bit on his shoulder but almost as soon as she started she suddenly stopped then backed away. He turned around and she turned away walking to the far side of the room.

"What is it," he asked wondering what was going on but she just shook her head.

"Nothing, you need to hurry and get dressed so we can see the Doctor then leave. You'll be happy to know he already told me he was going to sign off on your fit for duty."

"Good, did he say anything about my cough? Did he say what he thought could be causing it?" asked Chuck. He knew something was wrong and like in the game of Battleship he was firing volleys to see which ones hit but so far all his were landing in water. He finished getting dressed then he took her hand and they went down to the office where they knocked then went in.

"Have a seat," said the doctor as he motioned for them to sit down. "First of all I don't know if your wife told you but I'm signing off on your fit for duty so you will be able to go back to work as of right now. I have to admit I was concerned when you told me about your coughing."

"I don't understand you said I was fit for duty. Now you're telling me there's a 'but' that goes along with it? What is it?"

"Well I don't know if I'd call it that. Let me try to explain when you flash your brain, your body requires more oxygen to perform the task required. When you contracted the virus in Chicago one of the organs it attacked were your lungs and as a result left scaring. So when you flash you have or had a reduced lung capacity which resulted in your coughing. You were kind of like my old Plymouth when I was driving in San Francisco visiting a friend's house off 22nd Street. He had to live on one of the steepest streets there."

"Doctor, I think we're getting a little off track here," said Chuck not sure if he liked being compared to a Plymouth nor did he want to know about the Doctor's friend.

"Right… right well I said you had a reduced lung capacity," said the Doctor as he laid out photos. "These were taken in Chicago and these I took here. Your lungs appear to have regenerated. I've never seen anything like this. My only conclusion is this was caused by the intersect. I believe that when it came online it preformed some sort of baseline analysis of your system and is bringing you back to the original state. It's truly amazing and like I said I've never seen anything like it. If you don't mind I'd like to try a little experiment?"

"Sure, as long as it doesn't involve needles," said Chuck as the Doctor looked at him over a folder. "I'm not particularly fond of them."

"No there are no needles," said the Doctor as he laid a photo out. Chuck flashed but instead of coughing he simply felt like he needed to clear his throat.

"Amazing, truly amazing," said the Doctor. "I'd still like to see you in a couple of months and Sarah in that time frame I'd like for you to see your OB/GYN."

Chuck looked over at her but she turned her gaze towards the floor. There it was that was what was wrong with her now he just had to find out why she needed to see her gynecologist.