A/N - Here is the next chapter in our story. Another huge thank you to charahkids for your advice and suggestions to make this story better ( and some suggested dialogue which was added in). Thank you to everyone who reads, reviews and favorites this story. I try to respond to every review I receive. I did receive a guest review which I can't respond to that I would like to address regarding this story. The comment was that the characters were a little OCC, I think they meant OOC (out of character) since Chuck and Sarah had many fights on the show and came out the stronger for it and C&S don't fight in this story. My comment is that C&S in this story are different from the show as they are different people and this is an AU story. They are different for a reason as they come from intact families, are in different types of work,, etc. This reviewer did bring up a valid point that C&S don't fight this story and didn't in Figure Skater either, other than one small disagreement. C&S not fighting or disagreeing is probably unrealistic but the real reason they haven't in this story is I don't like writing those kinds of scenes. Maybe I should expand my horizons and try to write one. If I do, don't worry, it will be followed by some incredible makeup sex. ;) lol Without further ado, here is the next chapter, a day earlier than normal. Standard disclaimers - I don't own Chuck.
Chuck and Sarah Chapter 10
Avalon Harbor Two Hours Later
The Captain approached Carina and Sarah who were standing on the bow of the yacht looking at the harbor.
"Excuse me Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Bartowski, but if we are going to make it over to the Isthmus before dark we should leave in about an hour."
"Will we be coming back here before going back to Newport?" Carina asked.
"Not if you want to spend the entire day tomorrow exploring that part of the island."
Carina looked at Sarah. "What do you think?"
"The kids are really looking forward to exploring that area. It sounds like it would take all day." Sarah said.
Carina nodded. "I think we better plan on not coming back here. She turned back to the Captain.
"Do I have time to run back into town to pick something up at a store? It won't take long."
"Certainly, but you should leave right away."
"Do you want to come with me Sarah?"
"Sure. There's something I want to pick up for the kids."
Sarah and Carina stopped to tell their husbands where they were going and that they wouldn't be long. The children were well occupied with the guests.
Xxxxx
Sarah and Carina stepped off the dinghy and headed for a store called the Island Boutique. "I saw a really cool shirt for Crash in the window for his birthday." Carina said.
"I saw a cute outfit there for the twins, too. Maybe I'll spot something for Charlie and Lisa."
Mr. Colt and his men had been watching the Summerset through binoculars wondering how to get on board to talk to Carina. They couldn't believe their luck when they spotted her coming to shore with another very attractive woman. As they stepped onto the dock the three men followed from a distance to see where they were going. A plan formed as soon as the two women stepped into the store.
Carina and Sarah were in the back of the store finalizing their purchases when they heard the door open and close. The store clerk stopped entering the transactions into the register and looked up. "Can I help you gentlemen?"
Sarah and Carina turned in the direction the clerk was looking at.
"My boss wants to talk to your customer here."
Both Carina and Sarah looked startled for a moment. "Which one of us does he want to talk to?" Sarah asked.
A very large black man stepped from behind one of the display racks. "Your friend here. "
"And you are? Sarah asked.
"My name is Mr. Colt. Please come with me outside for a chat."
And why would we do that Mr. Colt?" Sarah asked.
"Because I assume you find me imposing. Don't worry, be honest, I'm going for imposing."
"Mission accomplished." Carina said.
"I'll tell you what. The people who hired me give me the heebeejeebees. Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you, I just want to talk." Mr. Colt said.
Carina touched Sarah on the arm. "I'll go talk to him. You finish with the purchases."
"Wait for me Carina, I'm going with you."
Mr. Colt said "Don't worry about her. We'll be right outside the door. I only want to talk."
Sarah started to protest but Carina told her she would be OK and they headed to the front of the store. Fortunately the clerk was almost finished and Sarah handed her a $100.00 bill and told her to keep the change. She grabbed the purchases and headed to the door. When she got there she heard the deep voice of Mr. Colt. Sarah stopped to listen.
"That is all we're asking. Drop your investigation of the gang. If you do there will be a nice monetary award for you and we'll ask for nothing else as long as you steer clear of their activities."
"And if I don't?" Sarah heard Carina ask.
"Please don't decline our offer. I would hate to see something happen to that pretty face of yours. You have until tomorrow afternoon. We'll be in touch."
Mr. Colt turned and walked away, his two men following like puppy dogs. Sarah opened the door to find a visibly shaken Carina standing numbly on the sidewalk. Sarah quickly embraced her friend and held her close. "What happened? What did they want?"
Carina was too shaken up to speak. After a few minutes she finally said "I can't tell you."
Sarah decided at that moment it would be best to just get her friend back on the yacht. They could talk later. She took Carina's hand and practically dragged her back to the dinghy. They were back on the Summerset a few minutes later.
xxxxx
Once back on the yacht Carina went straight to her cabin to lie down. Concerned, Crash followed her in.
"Is everything OK sweetheart?" Crash had a worried look on his face that Carina noticed. Carina smiled weakly and said "I'm OK honey. I think I got a little too much sun. I just need to lie down for a minute." Carina reached up and gently stroked her husband's face.
Crash leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Do you need anything? Water? Aspirin?"
"No thank you. I'll be fine in a minute. The Captain wants to head over to the Isthmus now. Say goodbye to our friends for me."
Crash nodded. "I'll be back to check on you in a few minutes." He squeezed her hand and headed back on deck.
After all their guests returned to shore, the Captain headed out of the harbor. Chuck and Crash told their teammates where they will be the next day and everyone agreed to meet in Two Harbors the next morning around 10am. The teammates and their wives would spend the night at a hotel in Avalon and take a van to Two Harbors the next day.
Crash looked at Sarah and said "I worried about Carina. Did she say anything to you or become ill when you were in Avalon earlier?"
Chuck saw Crash talking to his wife with concern on his face and joined the conversation. He put his arm around Sarah as she answered.
"We all should go talk to Carina, now. I heard something but she doesn't know I know. It's best if you heard it from her directly. She also needs to know that we're here for her and will help her any way we can."
Crash and Chuck both looked puzzled and anxious at the same time. "Help with what Sarah?" Chuck asked.
"What's going on?" Crash asked.
"I need to talk to you. All of you." Everyone turned and saw Carina coming up the stairs to the main deck. She walked right up to Crash and hugged him for dear life. He hugged her back and gently stoked her hair for a few minutes until she calmed down. "Let's sit down and you can tell us what happened." Crash said.
They all sat on the cushions at the stern of the yacht. Carina looked at her husband and friends with moist eyes. She held Crash's hands in hers and before speaking.
"That man, Sarah, Mr. Colt, told me to stop investigating the gang I have been reporting on. He told me if I did that I would be rewarded monetarily and they would leave me alone as long as I left them alone. If I don't, I would be hurt." The tears started to flow down Carinas face. Crash enveloped her with his strong arms, getting angrier by the minute.
"How could this Mr. Colt threaten my wife? Where is he? I'll teach him to never threaten anyone again."
Sarah spoke up. "I heard the end of the conversation through the door before I came out of the store, starting with the part about want you to end your investigation."
"So that's why you asked me if everything was OK."
Sarah nodded. "I didn't want to press you on it. I figured you'd say something when you were ready, like now."
Chuck rubbed circles on Sarah's back. "How can we help Carina? You know we'll do anything for you."
"That's the problem. I don't want anyone to get hurt. I think I'll tell him I'll drop the story."
"And get away with human trafficking? No way Carina." Crash said.
"You don't understand. Before Sarah heard Mr. Colt he not only threatened me, he threatened you and the Bartowski kids. I can't let anything happen to you or the kids." Tears started flowing down her checks. Sarah and Chuck came over to her and also wrapped their arms around Carina until she calmed down again.
"Why would he threaten you with our kids? Sarah asked with an edge to her voice.
"The other two men have been watching me and thought some of your kids were mine."
Chuck got angry for a minute at the situation they were in. "We're not going to let some man bully us. He needs to be stopped."
Sarah looked at him for a moment before speaking. "The man is very imposing Chuck. He's as tall as Crash and about twenty pounds heavier."
Crash responded. "That means he's smaller than Yuri. We can take him Chuck."
Carina lifted her head from her husband's shoulder. "I'm glad you're so gallant my wonderful husband, but they've got guns. Lot's of guns."
Chuck pulled out his phone. "I've got an idea." He dialed a number.
xxxxx
"Chuck, it's so nice to hear from you." Stephen said. "Let me get your mother on the phone too."
"No time for that dad, we have a situation. Carina was approached by a thug by the name of Colt. Mr. Colt. Do you know who he is?"
Stephen has heard this name before, but he didn't know much about him.
"Ok, give me a sec..."
Not even ten seconds, which felt like days, Stephen came back.
"Chuck, this guy is has a huge rap sheet." Stephen sighed. "Muscle for hire, affiliated with the Chicago mob, kidnapping, wanted by all the agencies, including Interpol..."
Chuck could tell his father hesitated for a second. He knew the worst was coming.
"What else dad?"
"Assassin"
Chuck's face went pale. He felt lost...but he quickly came back...there would be no way, this thug would hurt his family and friends.
"Dad, I need you to speak with Graham. Colt wants to stop Carina from reporting on a Chinese gang that engages in human trafficking. I know the CIA isn't supposed to operate in the US, but we need some help. The gang is international so hopefully that will give some jurisdiction. We need backup and support. A helicopter sure would be helpful for the element of surprise. Colt threatened Carina and my family...your GRANDCHILDREN."
That sent a shiver up Stephen's spine, but it only made him more determined. No one threatens the Bartowskis and gets away with it. NO ONE.
"You got it son. That s.o.b. won't know what hit him and the organization that hired him. Consider it done."
"Thanks dad. Let me know when everything is ready"
"Will do, son"
After they hung up, Stephen called Graham.
"Graham, listen up and this needs to be done yesterday!"
xxxxx
Chuck and Sarah tucked their children in bed after reading them a story. As an extra precaution, Charlie and Lisa were brought into their room to sleep on mattresses on the floor next to the bed. The female crew member took up residence in their adjoining room.
Once they returned to the top deck, Sarah and Chuck heard Crash talking on the phone.
"Thanks Yuri. We'll meet you there in the morning."
Crash looked up as Sarah and Chuck approached him and Carina who was sitting on the white cushion next to him.
Chuck raised an eyebrow.
"Yuri and the rest of the guys are going to meet us at the Isthmus park. He said they're all in."
Chuck smiled. "Good. I also have news from my mom and dad. They will be on standby with a team with a chopper just off the island on the far side. They can be pretty much anywhere on Catalina in five minutes."
Carina sighed heavily. "That's all well and good Chuck but what about your kids? How are we going to keep them safe?"
"Camp." Sarah answered. "I did a little internet search and discovered there is a day camp tomorrow with about a dozen other kids. I made a substantial last minute donation and told them I would bring two other counselors to help out. They agreed. I'm counting on safety in numbers."
"Do you have any idea where they are going to contact you Carina?" Chuck asked.
"He just said they'd find me. I'm sure they're watching the boat and will follow us."
"I also hope there will still be only three of them." Crash offered.
"Me too." Everyone else said in unison.
xxxxx
Carina had a fitful night's sleep. She snuggled up to Crash, tried lying on top of him, spooned with him, all to no avail. Fortunately her husband slept like a log after she took care of him when they got in bed. He tried to take care of her in the same way but she just couldn't relax enough to completely enjoy it. Having played ice hockey alongside Chuck for so many years he wasn't as nervous as she was. Finally she decided to get up and go topside after pulling on her jeans and a sweatshirt.
There was a full moon in sight when she sat down on the bow of the yacht, her feet dangling over the side and her arms draped over the railing. It was a cool night but her sweatshirt was keeping her warm enough. Carina looked out over the water and then onto the island wondering where her enemies were hiding. She became a reporter to make a difference and here she was ready to back out of a story when her husband and friends wanted to fight for what is right. Did that make her a coward? No, it didn't, especially when it dealt with the safety of people she loved. While she was mulling over these things in her mind, she felt the presence of another person approaching her. She looked up with a start. A familiar voice spoke softly to her. "Couldn't sleep? Would you like some company?"
Carina was instantly relieved that it was her closest friend Sarah speaking to her. Carina nodded and Sarah sat down next to her before putting her arm around her shoulders. She was wearing men's plaid pajama bottoms, a T-shirt and a fleece jacket. "Want to talk about it?" Sarah asked.
Carina looked at her friend and them back out at the water. After a few moments she nodded. "I'm worried Sarah." Carina laid her head on Sarah's shoulder. Sarah kissed her on the top of the head.
"I'm worried too, but for maybe a different reason. If this gang continues to do what they do what does that mean for my children? Will they be safe from these people when they're older? Will your kids be safer when they're older? Chuck and I really appreciate that you want to keep out kids safe but we are looking at this longer term. We can help you put these people behind bars without any unnecessary risk to our family."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. We'll have plenty of back up and these people don't want to hurt our kids."
"How do you know?"
"They want your cooperation and you don't have any children yet. I'm much more worried about your safety."
Carina was silent for a while. "I think I understand what you are saying. We really need to do this don't we?"
Sarah nodded.
"Ok then. We'll do it. Shouldn't you be in bed with your hubby?" Carina said with a thin smile.
Sarah smirked. "Shouldn't you be in bed with yours?"
Carina smiled. "Touché."
Sarah said "Besides, it's a little difficult to be amorous when your bed is surrounded by four children."
Carina chuckled. "I guess that's something we'll have to learn about some day. I'll call you for advice when that day comes."
Sarah smiled at her friend. "I'll be happy to help."
"Chuck is really confident in this working out isn't he?"
"He sure is. We've got a great team and all the backup we need. Although everything rarely goes exactly as planned, it will all work out."
Carina nodded and looked at the horizon. "The sun will be coming up soon. We better get back inside."
Sarah stood and helped Carina to her feet. They hugged briefly and went back into their cabins.
xxxxx
9am Two Harbors Catalina Island
Mary Bartowski waited impatiently for Sarah to bring her grandchildren to the camp. She was glad it was a little on the cool side which it made it easier to hide her gun and knives underneath the extra layers of clothes. Lindsay Larkin agreed to be the second camp counselor that Sarah had promised while her husband Bryce was with Stephen Bartowski at the chopper on the ship a few miles offshore. A few minutes later she could see her daughter-in-law approaching with a double stroller and Charlie and Lisa walking on either side.
Charlie and Lisa ran up to Mary. "Grandma!" The exclaimed.
Mary picked up Lisa and hugged Charlie before kissing him on the top of the head. "Are you ready to have some fun?"
"You be we are," Lisa exclaimed.
"Good, come with me."
Sarah checked the kids in and let Lindsay take the stroller. She kissed the twins goodbye before walking over to Charlie and Lisa.
She squatted down to their level and gave each a hug and kiss. "Be good you two. We'll be back after lunch."
"OK mommy," they said in unison.
Sarah said her goodbyes to Lindsay and Mary before walking back to where Chuck, Carina and Crash were waiting for her. Little did she know that the 'you-know-what' was about to hit the fan.
xxxxx
Mr. Colt and his two henchmen waited at the airport for a private plane to arrive. He decided that a few reinforcements were needed after seeing that Carina was unlikely to be alone or with just another beautiful blonde. The small plane finally arrived and three men of Chinese descent deplaned carrying large black duffel bags. They came up to where Mr. Colt was waiting.
"The boss was surprised to get your call."
"I'm not sure if I really need your help in the way you're thinking. I'm just planning for contingencies and need a distraction."
"OK. Lead the way."
xxxxx
Stephen Bartowski looked at the video feed from the airport. "Uh oh. Take a look at this Bryce."
Bryce turned his attention to the video feed from the airport and away from the video from the drone hovering above Two Harbors. He had been watching his wife holding Kate and Landon on her lap thinking that she sure looked good acting like a mom. "Reinforcements." Bryce stated flatly. "We better contact Chuck."
He picked up his phone and dialed, wishing he had time to give everyone com units to maintain communication. Chuck answered the phone. "There are now six of them Chuck."
"Roger that Bryce. We'll be ready."
xxxxx
The Thompsons and Bartwoskis decided to take the relatively short hike to the other harbor's campground about a half mile away. When they arrived they spread out blankets on the sand and set the picnic basket they brought from the yacht. The four friends walked to the edge of the sand and stood ankle deep in the water. Carina looked over at Chuck. "What now?"
"We wait for them to contact you. We need to be ready though as we don't know how they will do it. The important thing is that you do not under any circumstances go anywhere by yourself."
"I'm not planning on it."
Crash spoke up "Better not." He kissed his wife on the cheek and wrapped her up with his strong arms.
Xxxxx
Yuri Gabrienko and his teammates exited the van they were riding in along with their wives. Everyone had on hiking gear and daypacks for supplies. The wives went to the day camp to keep an eye on all the children in case something unforeseen happened. They would also keep a look out for the bad guys.
Yuri and his fellow Ducks hiked up the trail above the campground where Carina, Sarah, Chuck and Crash were located. They found a secluded spot behind a ridge which gave them a good vantage point over the campground. Yuri called Chuck. "We're in position."
"Roger that." They disconnected.
xxxxx
Mr. Colt radioed to his men. "Is everyone in position?"
"Ready," came the response from each of the five men.
"We go in five minutes. Stand by."
xxxxx
About an hour later the sun was high over hills and still no contact from Mr. Colt. They decided to eat lunch as everyone was hungry from the stress. Carina was getting worried that he wasn't going to come or come later on when they weren't so prepared. While they were thinking these things Sarah looked up and noticed two dots in the sky. "Look," she said, pointing in the directions of the dots.
As the dots got closer, they learned what the dots were. "Hang gliders. Doesn't that look like fun Sarah?" Chuck asked.
"Somehow I don't think your contract with the Ducks will allow you to try that, not to mention leaving me a widow." Sarah responded.
Carina looked at Crash who was mesmerized by the sight. She bumped her husband in the shoulder. "Don't get any ideas Crash. I'm with Sarah here. I don't want to be an early widow either. Ice hockey is dangerous enough as it is."
Crash glanced over at his wife. "You have to admit is looks like fun."
"I don't have to admit anything. No to the hang gliding."
Chuck and Crash both frowned before nodding and the four of them continued to watch the hang gliders when suddenly a gust of wind caught one of them and sent it directly into the path of the other. The two gliders became entangled and as much as the riders tried to get free, they couldn't, sending them spiraling downward. Chuck, Crash, Sarah and Carina all stood up and watched as the gliders spiraled down and fortunately crashed into the water. Chuck and Crash immediately kicked off their shoes and took off their shirts before diving into the water to rescue them about a hundred yards out from the beach. Carina and Sarah watched intently, hoping their husbands would reach them in time. About two minutes later, Chuck and Crash reached the hang gliders and found two Chinese looking men strapped into their harnesses, unconscious. Neither man was wearing a helmet, which was unusual. After freeing the men, Chuck and Crash drug the men toward shore. When they got to the point where they could stand, each man looked toward the shore to check on his wife.
Instead of being right on the beach where they were supposed to be, they were about twenty yards away from the water with a hand covering their mouths and a gun held to their heads as they were being shoved into a jeep driven by Mr. Colt. When they were distracted by the hang gliders and the rescue Mr. Colt's two henchmen snuck up took their wives away. They didn't know it at the time that their communications were temporarily shut off and warnings from his father and teammates couldn't get through, although they were too far away in the water to help anyway.
Mr. Colt yelled out as he started to drive away. "If you follow they die."
A/N 2 - An evil cliffy I know. The chapter was getting way too long and I needed to split it up. This seemed to be the best place to do so.