Don't own Chuck
Beckman sat at her desk reviewing the itinerary that State had forwarded over to her. The directory of the Secret Service was a little ticked off that clandestine operations was being included in the dog and pony show but the White house had overruled him. But that didn't stop him from shoving a stick in the General's bicycle spokes every chance he got.
"What's up with this guy," said Beckman as she reviewed the list of attendees for the gala. "He knows we're supposed to be there yet he leaves our people off the list of guests.
"We could go back to him and have him put them back on," said the Major. The list was just out and the invitations are still in the mail."
"Yes, and an addition now from us, him or State will look like what it is… agents being adding to the list. If the wrong people figure that out their covers will be blown before we even start which is exactly what that butthole wants to happen."
"I don't understand why would he want that? His people are still guarding the Queen so what's the problem."
"Are you kidding? Of course he wants to blow their covers so they'll be effectively sidelined for the rest of the mission and his people will have to run point. That means when budget review time comes he can point this out and try to steal a hunk of our funding."
"He'd do that just to get a few more dollars next year in his budget? It's seems a little petty if you ask me."
"We're playing for keeps here Major and never forget that. We'll have to get our people in as restaurant staff. Find out who the caterer is and make the arrangements."
"I want to know about these new players. Who are they and where did they come from," said Beckman as she opened a folder marked Top Secret Director's Eyes Only.
"We don't have much intel on them other than they go by 'the Sons of 1776' and they're looking to make a scene during the Queen's visit."
"I guess we're lucky the event isn't in Boston or they'd be trying to dump tea in the harbor," said Beckman as she looked through the folder.
"You joke but the Coast Guard is beefing up patrols on the Ohio and its tributaries. Just in case these nut jobs try something like that."
"Why do events like this bring all the looney toons out of the wood work? We need to keep our eyes open and make sure these idiots aren't part of a larger circle of crazies. Make sure the Carmichaels get briefed on this."
"Yes ma'am I'll have a copy of this sent Montenegro right away. My understanding is they're leaving tomorrow on their plane for Wright Patterson. Then driving down from Cincinnati and staying in Lexington."
"Good I want to talk to them in Kotor then fly to Wright Patterson and meet them there for another pre-mission briefing. But first I want to contact the Colonel and find out from him what's going on in London."
"The last time I tried to contact the Colonel I was told he was in the field. We could call MI6 and get the brief from their Chief."
"I'd prefer to get my intel from our own people. It's not that I don't trust him it's just I don't need it candy coated."
"Yes ma'am, I'll keep trying to get through to him," said the Major as he took down notes. "Is there anything else you'd like?"
"No, I think that's it for now," said the General but there was a knock on her door. Then Connie stuck her head it.
"Ma'am I have the Director of the Secret Service on line one for you. Do you want me to patch him in to you?"
"Let him stew in his own juices for a couple of minutes first," said Beckman. "Major, you know what I want so go take care of it. Connie as soon as Roan sticks his head in you can send him in and can you get me some coffee I'm not wired enough yet. Now pass that call through to the squawk box." She leaned back in her chair as the box clicked then a voice came on.
"Diane, I'm call to apologize. I was looking over the of names for the Gala and I noticed your people were accidently dropped off. I don't know how that happened but I wanted to talk to you to ask what you want me to do. I could get them added if you wanted in an addendum from my office."
"No thank you, we'll handle that from our end. We don't need your assistance but I would appreciate if your people would pay a little more attention to detail. You're not making me or the White house feel good about your ability to handle this visit."
"You report this to the White house? You should've come straight to me we could've worked something out. There was no need in your reporting me."
"Oh no, and if you check people like you check lists then I can't help but have grave doubts in your ability and wonder if you aren't way over your head in this."
"I'm telling you that I'm sorry and that it was an accident. I can assure you the person responsible was dealt with and it won't happen again."
"I just have one question is that the same line you used when your people explained what happened in the Ford Theatre to Mary Todd Lincoln?"
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Casey and the loud mouth squared off going toe to toe and head to head. John could see Cole's mouth move but he wasn't hearing a word he said. They were like two large dogs barking and growling at each other each showing the other they wouldn't back down. The rest of loud mouth's men were taunting him to go on while Cole was trying to rein in Casey. The loud mouth had boxed himself into a corner and now it seemed the only way out was to go at it.
"Colonel stop this now. I didn't bring you here for you to get into a fight like a common hooligan. There's nothing to prove here," said Cole as he started to get in the middle.
"Don't get between us," said Casey as he shoved Cole to the side. "Okay, listen up dirt bag I'm willing to make this a fair contest. We trade punches and I'll even let you take the first swing."
"You'll let me do what? Isn't that gracious of your highness. Colonel he called you... we'll this lowly corporal is about to give you the dust off you'll not soon forget."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah if you punch like you talk I might be in trouble. But I know types like you all talk... just a lot of hot air, right sweetness?"
"Well put your money where your mouth is let's make this even sweeter at least for me. I got twenty pounds that says I can take you out with this one punch."
"You've got a bet," said Casey. He pulled out twenty pounds and handed it to Morgan. "Hold this I'll want it back when I'm done."
"John, are you sure about this? Listen to Cole this is not the time nor the place," said Morgan. "What do you think the rest of these guys are going to do when you drop this guy?"
"I think we're going to get some answers. Listen I want you to do something," said Casey as he whispered something in Morgan's ear.
"Colonel Casey, I can't condone this act of violence," said Cole but then he got close to him. "But put one in his mouth and make him shut up."
"Enough talk," said the Corporal. He swung at Casey as soon as he turned around trying to catch him off guard. But it was like punching a wall. John just smiled at him. "Oh crap!"
"Oh crap indeed," said John as he smiled. He spat out a little blood then with one punch he lifted the guy off the ground and planted him on his back. He made a low thud when he hit and the rest of his friends immediately got quiet then grabbed their weapons that were hidden. John pulled his Sig and Colt back up. Morgan grabbed a Glock Casey had tucked in his belt behind his back.
"This is called a Mexican standoff," said Casey. "One twitch and there will be no tomorrow for you. You'll go from the present tense to the past in the blink of an eye... from being to was."
"How do you see this as a Mexican standoff there are ten of us and two of you?" said one of the men as he looked at his friends.
"Fair odds but now I know who to shoot first. I might not be able to take you all but I will take at least half. So you have to ask yourselves do you feel lucky today? Am I going to be in the lucky half or am I going to be... well you get the picture."
"More likely he'll take every one of you out," said a voice behind him. "Put your weapons down and take Marvin to be looked after."
"Hold up a second," said Casey as he reached down and grabbed the twenty pound note Marvin had in his pocket. "I think you lost this mate." Marvin couldn't say yea or nay with his broken jaw.
"Colonel John Casey, well it is a pleasure," said the man coming up behind them with a rather attractive dark haired woman.
"You have to excuse us Lady Bishop," said Cole as he looked over the man who seemed to know Casey trying to figure out who he was. "Things got a little out of hand."
"That's quite all right... actually I enjoy watching blood sports," said the woman as she looked at John like a piece of beef.
"I'll take that," said John as he holstered his backup piece then took his weapon back from Morgan. then he pulled a clip from his pocket and seated it before tucking the weapon back in his belt.
"Oh John, not again... really the bullet magnet," said Morgan realizing his gun was empty. "How would I have defended myself if they'd started firing?"
"Don't complain everything was under control. Sorry but you seem to know me but I don't seem to remember you. Do we know each other?"
"Well we've never been formally introduced but I have followed your exploits in Central and South America. Then you moved to Eastern Europe and Russian followed by the Middle East. How did it feel to have your men turn on you in Iran?"
"The traitorous scumbags got what they deserved and are now rotting in prison. But all of that is classified."
"Right... well I have my sources. My name is Major Moore... Eaghan Moore but I can't for the life of me figure out why you've been working out of Burbank these past years? Did something go wrong and they decided to shelve you? You know if you miss the life of excitement I could hook you up with any number of gigs."
"You're talking about being a mercenary... a gun for hire? Sorry that's just not my thing. The money might be better but you have to stay alive in order to spend it."
"Well if you ever change your mind we're here for the time being," said the Major. "And you're Cole Barker, right? Lady Bishop told me about you and your boss' visit. You know I have to thank you for this. Your talk with Sir Bishop struck a note and he hired us shortly afterwards..."
"You certainly did get here quickly. Because we talked this morning around noon and here you are all geared up and combat ready. I don't suppose I need to ask you if you have permits for the firearms."
"You're right you don't have to but if you want to see them I have them. All signed, notarized and with the proper seals and stamps. As to how quickly we got here... well we were working another gig when we got the call. It was ending and this one was beginning so it worked out good for everyone."
"We'll my boss did promise Sir Bishop and the Home Secretary we'd walk the grounds and file a report of our recommendations..."
"Then why don't you walk the grounds with me. We just got here and I need to see what we've gotten ourselves in to. Is there a real threat? I mean is there an organization or group we should be on the lookout for? Lady Bishop mentioned a Kelly and his gang?"
"Did we mention Kelly when we were here? I don't remember but my Chief and the Home Secretary were doing most of the talking. Kelly is a person of interest in a homicide and he did have in his possession a firearm that at one time was in the manor's armory. I understand from the butler there was a break-in but I haven't had a chance to pull the report."
"Interesting and you're probably thinking hiring a private army is a bit of overkill. But I think he just wants to keep his treasuries safe," said the Major as he looked over at Lady Bishop and she smiled back.
"Oh brother, give me a break," said Casey as he rolled his eyes. "Well if we're going to walk the grounds we should get on with it. Grimes and I have someplace to be."
"Then follow me," said Lady Bishop as she led them around the grounds. Cole pointed out places where the Major might want to install cameras and motion detector sensors.
"What's that over there," asked Casey pointing to a cottage recessed in the trees almost completely out of sight.
"Oh, that's the old gamekeeper's cottage. That will be where we're going house the Major's men so they will be completely autonomous from the manor."
"Do you think that's wise," said Casey. "I mean if you've got an incursion going on and your men are all the way over here first they have to know there's an emergency. Even if you have roving patrols that check in every fifteen minutes... fifteen minutes can be a long time if you're under attack. Then your people have to get from here to there which is going take time so that fifteen minutes just got longer and that's the good case scenario."
"There's a worse case one," asked Lady Bishop. "And what would that be? Go ahead and tell me I want to know. What is it about being forewarned is to be forearmed?"
"I don't want to scare you or anything but what I would do is to come in take out the people in the cottage, sever communications in or out, then move against the manor. By the time the Major's people realize what's going on it will be too late. His people in the manor will be waiting for relief that won't be coming."
"Well that is a little unnerving. So what can we do to be safe?" said Lady Bishop. Casey couldn't tell if she was actually listening to him or just stringing him along.
"We can install a panic room," said the Major. Casey nodded. "We'll install a panic room with reinforced concrete and steel walls like a bank safe. You and Sir Bishop can retreat into there with a couple of my men. Once you've closed the door you'll be save until help comes."
"But I thought you said there would be no help coming?"
"Yes, he did from here but it would take one phone call from your husband to the local constabulary to have the police stop by twice a day. I'd say once in the morning and evening to make sure everything was okay. If the officers, they send out don't report back to their station then they need to call in everyone."
"That does sound like an easy fix. Thank you everyone for your kind help. Now if you don't mind I need to go make sure dinner is being prepared and on schedule."
While they were out walking the grounds, Jonesy broke off and disappeared back in the manor. Cole used the Colonel's bravado as a means to get his guy inside to look for clues. He moved through the ground floor without being seen but as he was about to open the study room door he hear a voice inside. So, he stood there listening in.
"I'll be seeing you the day after tomorrow. We'll be flying in on a charter into Lexington. I'll send you all the flight details later. I need for your people to arrange for ground transportation. ... Good so you've gotten what we talked about? ... I need all of that on the farm. Listen, I've got to go I've got guests visiting. ... Yes, I know what to do. Haven't I been doing it so far?"
Suddenly Jonesy heard a commotion coming from the entrance heading his way so he had to duck out of sight inside.
[Some time before]
Patty pulled up outside the pub and waited for Kelly to show up. However, as he got out of his car and started inside another car pulled up with people he recognized from the Boar's Head. He waited in the shadows and watched as Cole came out of the pub then hopped in the front seat.
"Either you're a part of Kelly's plan or you'll lead me to him," said Patty as he decided to follow behind. He jumped back into his car then took out. At first he was afraid he'd lost them then he saw them up ahead. He let a couple of other vehicles get in between them but followed them all the way to the manor house.
"Okay be cool," he said to himself as he parked just outside the front gates then slipped inside and walked all the way back to the manor. When he arrived, he saw Cole and the Americans walk off with one of the guys dressed up like the men who had blown up the warehouse with his friends in it.
"So you are in cahoots," said Patty as he hung to the tree line then snuck into the manor house. He slipped in through a side window while men outside were joking.
"Marvelous Marvin is what we ought to call you from now on," he heard one person say outside. Then someone tried to make a reply but it sounded like he was having difficulty speaking. Patty wasn't concerned about them his only thoughts were about finding Kelly.
"Now where do I look," he said to himself as he walked from the pantry into the kitchen. There was a cook inside preparing dinner and he could hear her complaining.
"I leave for a half a day and come back to find the fridge locked. What the heck am I supposed to do with what I bought not to mention now I've got to make do with what I have for dinner. The Mistress had better get back soon with the key or tonight will be bangers and beans by candle light."
"Matilda what are you complaining about now," said a man in a butler's uniform. "Why do you need the Mistress? Maybe I can help you?"
"I need to put food away in the fridge and I need to get food out. I don't suppose you have a spare key on you or are you handy with locks. I won't tell on you and I've got to through something together or tonight."
"Let me see the lock. If you want me to do this you need to turn away. I don't want to give away any of my secrets."
"My dear Lord look who's putting on airs will you. Boy talk about upstairs downstairs," said the cook as she looked away. "There should be a mutton shoulder in there ready for the oven and since you're in there the things in my shopping bag need to go inside. Leave the butter and milk out I'm going to make a gravy and Yorkshire pudding for the lord's guest."
"I think he'll appreciate that better than bangers and beans," said Godfrey as they laughed. But what Godfrey was laughing at were the eyes looking back at him from the egg container. He quick shoved the cooks purchases into the fridge and laid out what she needed on the counter top before locking it again.
"You know you could've left it open until I was done with dinner. It's not like I'm going to steal food. If I wanted to there's plenty in the pantry."
"I don't think Sir Bishop or the Mistress are as worried about you as they are about all these men floating around the manor. These types you never know what they'll get into."
"I know what you mean. They look like a rough group and I thought East Enders were bad but this lot has got them beat and that's saying some," said the cook as she went over to inspect the mutton. When she did she coughed out loud and reached for a shiny copper pot hanging above the counter then turned it to Godfrey.
"Okay now where do I go," said Patty as he left the dining room and started for the great hall but as he was about leave he felt a sharp point in his back.
"Don't move a muscle or I will gut and fillet you like a carp then serve you up with a sweetbread stuffing side dish garnished with fresh parsley. Now come with me and you can explain to Sir Bishop why you're trespassing on his estate."
"I'm not trespassing I'm looking for my mate. I think he came here the other day," said Patty but Godfrey pushed him along.