AN: Sorry sorry a thousand times sorry. Real life has been interesting, some things came along and really knocked me out of play. Here is an update to Brunette, I will try to keep plugging away. I have too many open stories and need to start finishing them, I will try to stick with my original plans to each story and not just close them out in a couple of chapters.
Chapter 10
"Everyone, we have spotted the target, exiting a private jet at the airport," said Callen.
"Alone or with muscle?" asked Chuck.
"He appears to have a single female with him," answered Callen.
"We have satellite in place, imagery online shortly," said Eric as sure enough they were looking at a view of two people on the tarmac.
Due to the angle of the satellite, faces of the two were not visible.
They watched as a black limousine stopped to pick up Volkoff and the female. Eric followed the car as it exited the airport.
Callen and Sam then take up the tail as the vehicle starts its journey into downtown LA.
"Hey Chuck, how were you able to react so quickly to save Kensi? That was some crazy freaky skills," asked Eric.
"It was just instinct didn't really think I guess, I saw the events as they happened then before I knew it I was travelling down the cliff face gaining on Kensi," said Chuck shrugging.
Eric just looked on in awe.
"Then things kind of slowed down and I knew what I needed to do to grab Kensi, and stop us, so we didn't both end up as pancakes," said Chuck.
"Did you think you were going to die?" asked Eric.
"No, as I said when I realised that I was gaining on Kensi and thought that I would be able to close the gap in time, I started working out how best to stop," said Chuck.
"Chuck, are you saying you had no idea how to stop before you jumped?" asked Kensi.
"No but I had the time of the descent to work it out," said Chuck smiling.
"I would normally consider myself a pretty intelligent guy, but I could never think and process under those kinds of conditions and as quickly as you," said Eric
"It's surprising what you will do when you find yourself in the situation Eric. Someone only knows what they are capable off when it's all on the line," said Chuck.
"Chuck but it is not just the once, the safe and the vacuüm chamber, you seem to be able to operate at a completely different level than everyone else," said Eric.
"In this life Eric you find early on what you are capable of, and normal seems relative. But don't discount yourself you're a smart guy and put in the right situation I'm confident you would shine," said Chuck.
Kensi notices the effect Chuck seems to have on Eric, not only does he seem to bring out the best in himself, he also seems to get people around him to want to do better.
"So why does Sam call Agent Callen 'G'? He doesn't like his real name?" asked Chuck.
"No he doesn't know what his real name is, left at an orphanage with only "G" Callen on his name," said Eric.
Kensi could tell that Chuck wanted to say something, but thought better of it, she would have to ask him about that later.
"So who wants to put a wager on who or what the female is that is travelling with Volkoff, I think he brought along his own entertainment?" Eric said smiling.
"Eric that is so disgusting, it's obviously his muscle, you can tell by the way she was walking and observing" responded Kensi.
"What about you Chuck, what do you think?" asked Eric.
"Dunno," responded Chuck.
Chuck could sense something but he just couldn't put his finger on it, his spidey sense was acting up making him uneasy.
"Chuck you ok? You seem somewhere else?" asked Kensi.
"Yeah, I'm ok just feel anxious I guess, something just doesn't feel right," said Chuck.
"It's probably just you not being in on the action," said Kensi.
"Yeah I bet that's it, you are like a cross between a James Bond and MacGyver," added Eric.
Kensi only smiled.
"I think I'm more Mr Bean crossed with Inspector Closeau" responded Chuck.
Both Eric and Kensi started laughing.
"I'm glad that you're unprofessional in the van too Bartowski," said Shaw across the radio.
"Yeah but nowhere in your league, right Shaw?" answered Chuck.
This time the laughing not only came from in the van, but could be heard from several of the agents in the field too.
"Ok Ok, that's enough frivolity, let's get back to the problem at hand," said Chuck.
After an hour of driving they arrived at a karaoke bar.
"Looks like our target feels like belting out a few ballads," says Callen.
"Shaw and Walker, I think you will need to enter the club quickly, the karaoke bar is filled with small rooms for private parties, all sound proofed and could be a good meeting place, the target could disappear quickly," said Chuck.
"Something I need to know about your hobbies Chuck?" asked Kensi.
"Hehe, no I do not frequent karaoke bars, unless part of a mission. On a earlier mission had an exchange in one of the private rooms," said Chuck smiling.
"Oh,I was thinking you might be able to entertain us later with an impromptu rendition," said Kensi smiling.
"Don't discount me yet, if we wrap up this mission I might just sing up a storm," said Chuck smiling.
"Walker meet you at reception, first person there try to get eyes on the target," said Shaw.
"Eric, can you access the building surveillance and lets record all the people faces coming and going. Then we can cross reference with all the people involved in Cressidus," said Chuck.
After watching the security feeds for several minutes they finally spotted Volkoff, but he was only with his female companion and she was facing the other direction. He kept a careful view of her, waiting for her to turn around and see if he flashed.
But when she finally did it wasn't information from the Intersect that told him who she was, but his own childhood memories.
Chuck quickly excused himself to the front of the van and made a call.
"General, I know who the woman is with Volkoff," said Chuck.
"Who is she, did you flash?" asked the General.
"No ma'am not from our databases, but from early memories," said Chuck.
"I don't understand what you are trying to say Bartowski, just spit it out," said Beckman getting impatient.
"Ma'am, it's my mother," answered Chuck.
Silence was the only response he got.
"General, did you hear me?" asked Chuck stressing.
"Calm down Agent, yes I heard you, was your mother's first name Mary?" asked Beckman.
"Yes Ma'am, how did you? Is she CIA too?" asked Chuck.
Chuck last year when we found out your father was Orion I suspected that your mother may have been a long-term undercover agent codenamed Frost.
"Ma'am why didn't you tell me?" asked Chuck.
"Chuck, listen our records about Orion and his family were lost when your father left the CIA the first time, including records linking Frost and Orion. But I was aware that he and his handler had developed a relationship, and I suspected that agent was your mother. But Chuck I had no proof and no idea where she disappeared to, I long suspected that she had died," said Beckman.
After a few seconds to let the information sink in.
"There was an incident in on offshoot of the original Intersect Project. One of the researchers downloaded the code and he later disappeared; it was Frosts mission to bring that man home. Frost or the researcher was never heard from again," said Beckman.
"That would have been when my mother left us," said Chuck.
"Yes probably Chuck, I will need to pull you from this mission the conflicts are two great," said Beckman.
"Ma'am I understand not being involved in this part of the mission, but please once they have identified the contact, there will be no further conflict?" said Chuck.
"Chuck please stand down, the rest of the support for this mission provided by Agent Blye and Mr Beale," said Beckman.
"I understand Ma'am, I will tell the team," said Chuck.
"I am sorry Chuck," said Beckman as Chuck disconnected the call.
Chuck came back into the back of the van and picked up the headset.
"All agents in the field this is Agent Bartowski, unfortunately I need to step down from this operation due to personal reasons. I wish you luck," said Chuck. He disconnected and got back into the front of the van and exited the vehicle before Eric or Kensi could respond.
-#############-
"Looks like Bartowski has screwed this mission, let's can it and go home," said Shaw.
"Agent Shaw I'm not sure what your problem is, but Chuck has not done anything to jeopardise this mission, and if it fails it has to do with us not him," said Kensi.
"Look if Bartowski can't keep his personal problems out of missions, he has no business being an agent," said Shaw angrily.
"Everyone we need to get on with this mission, we have too much riding on it to fall apart because one Agent had to leave, I'm not sure about your team but we were completing missions long time before Bartowski and the rest of you came along, " said Callen.
Sarah quickly called the General.
"Ma'am what 's going on with Chuck? He has withdrawn from the mission citing personal issues, what is wrong with him?" Asked Sarah.
"Agent Walker you need to concentrate on the mission, I have told Agent Bartowski to withdraw himself from the operation. For reasons I'm not at liberty to discuss," said Beckman.
"Beckman this is crap, Chuck is the most important member of this team, we can't function effectively without him," said Sarah.
"Walker do you realise what you are saying? You and Shaw are heading to Washington as your own team against the ring," said Beckman.
"I understand the implications, but I stand behind my statement," said Sarah.
The General sighed and softened with the next statement.
"Walker, I can't tell you the reason Chuck was removed , but it will hopefully only be for a short time. Chuck understands why it was needed, and he did not argue, this is not only a matter of clearance, but also is something personal about Chuck, that I am sure he would not want being told to just anybody," said Beckman.
"But General surely I am not just anybody, after what we have gone through?" pleaded Sarah.
"You might feel that way, but Agent Bartowski could feel differently, this conversation is over," said Beckman angrily and disconnected the call.
"We need to get on with this mission, looks like General Beckman pulled Agent Bartowski from the operation," said Sarah.
"Well then boy wonders loss is our gain," said Shaw with new-found confidence.
They saw Volkoff and the woman he was with waiting outside one of the private karaoke rooms. Before he knew it Shaw was attacked by the woman, he went in with a roundhouse right and missed entirely as Frost threw him over her shoulder then delivered a couple of well-aimed knife-edge chops to the neck and Shaw was struggling to breathe.
Sarah came around the corner when Frost delivered the knockout blow between his legs. Shaws face went red, and his eyes rolled back into his head and he was out like a light.
"Your partner here isn't much of a man," said Frost.
"Can't argue with that one," responded Sarah.
"You seem able to handle yourself, and I like to know who a person is before I kill them," said Sarah.
Sarah received a smile in return.
"Frost," Sarah heard just before she lost consciousness after she took a blow from behind.
-#############-
After the operation to identify the contact, Kensi went looking for Chuck. She arrived at Chuck's apartment and the only one there was a strange bearded man.
"Hello, what brought such a wonderful creature to my doorstep?" said Morgan.
"Um, I was looking for Chuck, is he here?" asked Kensi.
Morgan's face saddened
"No the aforementioned Casanova is not here," replied Morgan.
"Do you know where I can find him?" asked Kensi.
Just then she heard a noise.
"Awesome, you looking for Chuck?" said Devon brandishing a big smile.
"Thanks anyway, I'll talk to Devon," she said to Morgan.
After Morgan closed the door and Devon and Kensi were back at Casa Woodcombe.
"Devon, I'm worried about Chuck, something happened at work and…..where would Chuck go, to… um think?" asked Kensi.
"Happened, what do you mean is he hurt?" asked Devon concerned.
"No, nothing like that, but he might be upset. Where would he go?" Asked Kensi.
"Kensi, I am not really sure. Morgan would probably be the best bet," said Devon pointing towards Chuck's apartment.
"Oh you mean the strange bearded fellow?" Asked Kensi.
"Yeah, he has been Chuck's best friend for years they are flat mates," said Devon.
"Don't worry he is harmless," said Devon.
"Ok," she replied as they both headed back over and Devon knocked on the door.
Morgan came to the door looking at them suspiciously.
"Morgan this is Kensi, she knows about Chucks other job, and she was looking for him," said Devon.
"Ow, um I think Chuck is working tonight on that other Job," answered Morgan confused.
"No, he was, but something happened and he left, I think maybe he is upset. Do you know where he would go to maybe think?" asked Kensi nervously.
"The arcade, ah no that's me. Um the beach," finally said Morgan.
Kensi then headed off to the beach using the directions Morgan gave her. When she pulled into the car park she found Walker sitting by her car.
"What are you doing here Walker?" asked Kensi.
"I came to see if Chuck was ok, but he doesn't want to talk to me?" said Sarah with unshed tears in her eyes.
"Oh he wants to be alone, I guess you already knew about the beach?" asked Kensi.
"Yeah spent some time here before, he tell you about it?" asked Sarah.
"No Morgan," answered Kensi.
She laughed sarcastically. "Looks like you are making yourself right at home with his friends and family Agent Blye," she then added.
"I don't know if Chuck wants to be alone, I just know he will not talk to me. Did you know that he was given an assignment in Rome? I called Beckman to try to get assigned to his team, she said that Chuck is in total control of his team selection and has made it clear he is not interested in me being a part of that team anymore," said Sarah.
"Sarah, I think you being a part of that team and still being with Shaw is just asking for problems," said Kensi.
Another sarcastic snort from Sarah.
"That's the really depressing part, I was never really with Shaw. Yes I guess we were physically together but that's all it was. I thought Chuck had changed too much from the guy I used to know. But it was really just me that had changed," said Sarah sadly.
"What are you saying Sarah," asked Kensi nervously.
"I am saying that when Chuck ask me to leave Shaw and be with him I said no because I was too scared, and angry with him," said Sarah.
"But do you regret that, do you feel differently now?" asked Kensi
"Oh, I regret that decision more than any other in a long line of bad decisions," said Sarah.
"It's not too late Sarah," said Kensi sadly.
Sarah only responded with a head shake
"Let me talk to him," said Kensi.
"I will give you two some privacy, but do me a favour if you leave and he is still here let me know and I will come back," said Sarah sadly.
Kensi only nodded her head in affirmation.
She walked up to him and sat down.
"Hey Chuck, can we talk?" asked Kensi
"Not much in the mood to talk Kensi sorry," said Chuck.
"You know Sarah was over there watching you, gone now though," said Kensi.
"She made her choices, she needs to move on," said Chuck.
"But it looks like she has regrets I think she would be pretty keen to reverse those decisions," said Kensi sadly.
"She has Shaw," said Chuck.
"No, she just admitted to me that her and Shaw were never more than physical," said Kensi.
Chuck just looked at Kensi for several seconds then looked away.
"Kensi, while I have sat out here thinking, I have thought about what is important to me. If I could control different factors in my life what I would want. Do you know what I realised?" asked Chuck.
"What Chuck?" asked Kensi sadly.
"That even if I had the opportunity to reconnect with Sarah the one thing I would want more is a chance with you, With Sarah it was never real I never knew her, she would never tell me anything real about her, yet she tells Shaw her real name after five minutes," said Chuck.
"Chuck what are you saying?" asked Kensi nervously.
"Kensi, what I am saying is, while I still have feelings for Sarah and probably always will. But I could never trust that the things I fell for in her were her at all. I have accepted that Sarah and I were not meant to be together, but what I can't accept is no chance to see if what we have, could be that real connection I have been desperately searching for," said Chuck looking into her eyes.
Tears starting trickling down her face.
"Chuck was this why you left the mission, did you leave because of this?" asked Kensi.
"No, no not that but it made me think about lost opportunities, and how things happen in life, and you shouldn't waste any time," said Chuck.
"I'm not sure I understand Chuck," said Kensi.
"It was my mother Kensi," said Chuck.
"What about your mother, you haven't really mentioned her before, what does she have to do with this?" asked Kensi confused.
"No tonight, Volkoffs companion, it was my mother," said Chuck.
"Wha..what are you sure?" asked Kensi.
"Yeah, haven't seen her close on twenty years, but I know it's her," said Chuck.
"Chuck, your mother is an arms dealer?" asked Kensi confused.
"It's not as simple as that, it's classified but my mother was CIA and went deep twenty years ago, then cut ties with the agency. Agency didn't know what happened to her, rogue or dead," said Chuck.
After several seconds of silence it was Kensi who broke the tension.
"You know your mom is pretty bad ass, she flattened Shaw and eventually knocked him unconscious with a well placed kick between the legs," said Kensi.
Chuck snorted.
"Even an hour after the event he was still talking in a higher pitch, who knows maybe that is his new baseline. I shouldn't laugh, he was taken to the hospital with suspected ruptured testes," said Kensi.
"Couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke," said Chuck resting his head on her shoulder.
"Chuck, Walker told me about Rome," said Kensi.
"Oh," said Chuck.
"I'm not sure a long distance relationship would be a good idea, especially one just starting," said Kensi.
"Um," was all Chuck responded with.
"It's ok Chuck I understand, maybe it's for the best," said Kensi.
"Kensi, if you have changed your mind about me I understand. I have some baggage," said Chuck sadly lifting his head from her shoulder.
"Chuck, how often would we see each other?" asked Kensi exasperatedly
"Kensi, I was thinking maybe….I still need to find a last team member for the Rome assignment. Was going to ask you, I could pull some strings and get you on the team. But of course it's all up to you," said Chuck.
Kensi looked at him confused.
"I know it is short notice, and I am not trying to rush whatever it is between us, but unfortunately I am working on a deadline. I could even get you temporarily assigned to the team so if you changed your mind you could come back. Also not saying this so you think you owe me something, but I have some more information on your father," said Chuck.
"Um not wanting it to sound like I am dodging the question, but what can you tell me about my dad," said Kensi.
"Ok, well the unit he was in was not a training unit, it was active," said Chuck.
"Was he killed in an operation? Where?" asked Kensi.
"I have not been able to get all the details of his death but he worked in a Black Ops team, a specialist Sniper squad commissioned to complete specific assignments for the Agency," said Chuck.
"What? What are you saying? Are you saying my father was an assassin?" asked Kensi.
Chuck immediately stiffened and she realised who she was talking to.
"Chuck I didn't mean it like that I wouldn't judge whatever things you have had to do but my father he…"
"Kensi did your dad have to travel? "asked Chuck.
"Well yes bu.. that was for train…." Kensi stopped mid statement.
"I don't have the full details but there was a questionable non sanctioned termination shortly before your fathers reported accident," said Chuck sadly.
"What are you saying, are you saying the agency took him out because of him murdering someone?" said Kensi angrily.
"No not at all Kensi, in fact if I was to guess I would say it was to keep him quiet. I find no record of any sanction against your father either so it was not done in an official capacity. I would suggest someone on his team," said Chuck.
"Kensi, please don't tell anyone where you got it," said Chuck.
"Oh, no Chuck I wouldn't…. Do you know anything more about members of his team?" asked Kensi.
"Um, within the last several years members of the team have had unfortunate accidents, I have a theory but I have nothing to back up this theory." said Chuck.
"Please Chuck tell me your theory, you are the smartest person I know " pleaded Kensi
"Thank you, but I'm not sure that's true. Your fathers team members died in questionable circumstance shortly after your name started appearing on information requests. I think one of them is in fact still alive, staged his accident and has taken out members of the original team," said Chuck.
Kensi was quiet for a moment.
"Also this person maybe working out of France," said Chuck.
"Is there actionable intelligence on this?" asked Kensi.
"No, would need to hit the ground and shake some trees and see what came down," said Chuck.
Kensi this time put her head on Chucks shoulder hugging his arm.
"What did you want to do about your mother?" asked Kensi.
"I have started the process of contacting my father," said Chuck.
A confused look flashed across Kensi's face.
"I hope to hear from him tomorrow," said Chuck.
"Um if you don't want to talk about it, its ok, but what's the deal with your Dad?" asked Kensi.
"He was a scientist and engineer with the Agency, he was the lead on several top-secret projects. He went off grid and into hiding some time ago," said Chuck.
"So both your parents worked for the Agency?" asked Kensi.
"Yeah they met on the job Mom was dad's handler, Ellie and I had no idea what our parents did for a living," said Chuck.
"Chuck I want to help you with your parents. Even if that just means being a shoulder, and I am sorry how I reacted when you told me about what my dad was really doing. You have also gotten some news about you Mom so I guess it is parents surprise the kid's day today." said Kensi.
"It's ok, when I found out about dad, it shocked me and even then I didn't think about the possibilities of Mom being a spy too. But now I know, it all fits, and if that means she is an arms dealer so be it. What I do know is that things are usually never as simple as they seem. Oh and I would like that shoulder as long as you let me be there for you with your Dad," said Chuck.
"Deal, did you get anything to eat?" asked Kensi
"Nah wasn't hungry then," answered Chuck.
"I'm starving let's get out of here and get something to eat?" said Kensi.
"You still hungry what about all that food in the van?" asked Chuck.
"Um wasn't hungry then, guess I had something or someone else on my mind," said Kensi nudging him with a shoulder.
"Sorry I left so suddenly, but Beckman didn't give me much of a choice," said Chuck.
"It's not your fault Chuck," said Kensi as she pulled him up of the sand.
"I'm guessing that you guys didn't keep any vision of the attack on Shaw?" asked Chuck.
"Actually Eric kept it, thought maybe you would appreciate seeing him get brought down by a woman, though he had no idea who she really was," said Kensi smiling.
"You know you can't talk about it right?" asked Chuck.
"Yeah I know, but in the words of your brother-in-law, watching it then listening to him after, was awesome," said Kensi smiling.
"Why are you taking great pleasure in his pain, you have only known him for like 5 minutes?" asked Chuck.
"Not much depth to his character, know him for 5 minutes you really know all about him, and it's really nothing to like," said Kensi.
"How is your head anyway?" asked Chuck.
"It's good, other than a mild headache, pretty much back to normal, how's your arm?" asked Kensi.
"Getting there I guess. Because of the burns not moving it much and with the sprain means it is getting a bit stiff. But it'll be all good," said Chuck.
"You seem to have made a good impression on Eric" said Kensi.
"Really? Cool he seems like an interesting guy," said Chuck.
"Oh one other thing, do you know something about Callen that you didn't tell Eric? I saw your face, looked like you were holding something back. Maybe with your clearance you came across his first name. If you did I think Callen would owe you one if you gave him some info about his name, and maybe his parents," said Kensi.
"Kensi, maybe I could give him some subtle pushes in the right direction so he can find it himself," said Chuck.
"So why is it you have such a high security clearance?" asked Kensi.
"Hangover from a previous operation, Beckman campaigned for me to keep the classification and she won, but it does come up for review regularly," said Chuck.
"I guess she thought it would be useful to have quick access to intel, and some of our missions have been time critical so speedy access to that intelligence has been the difference between success and failure," said Chuck.
"Somehow I think there is more to it, even though I have only observed you on two missions, I already know you understate your value," said Kensi.
"Well we can't all be Special Agents like Daniel," replied Chuck with a smile.
A/N: Well for those of us that were just reading the story for the Shaw bashing well it is far from over but I am excluding a chapter that follows after this one, that has Chuck and Kensi transition from friends to a relationship.
It all happens that night after the beach scene.