Chapter ELEVEN
Trying to convince Bonnie to get the items on his list he needed to leave, she intentionally drew out handing over the last bit of items for his return. What would she say if she was asked where he went? Chuck took the few items and stuffed into his backpack. Chuck looked around one last time as he remembered their goodbye. Finishing his coffee, he closed the plume on the stove and blew out the lantern. Closing the door, the latch locked and Chuck headed out. Bonnie had made arrangements for Chuck to get a ride to the train station. Chuck walked down the same path as Sarah did a week ago and crossed a wooden bridge up towards the small town. There parked on the side of the path was his ride. The driver didn't say much which suited Chuck just fine. Over a couple of hours later, the car pulled up to the train station. There up on the wall was the name of the station Moskua Belorusskaja. Paying for his ticket, he walked towards the gate. Stopping by the first pay phone he saw, he tried to remember Casey's contact number. Dialing the sequence of numbers the phone rang and a welcomed voice said hello.
Chuck listened as Casey's instructed him on where to go once he arrived as word got out that Dano and Genrika were not happy about being played. Chuck had to lay low till Casey got to him. Chuck was going to ask to speak to Sarah but Casey had already hung up. Chuck opened the door of the phone booth and heard that his train was already boarding.
Casey tossed his phone down on the table as Sarah was coming out of her room. Walking to grab a coffee, she heard Casey tell her that Chuck was boarding the train and would be in Moscow sometime after lunch. Sarah closed her eyes and smiled to herself. It was the longest week ever due to how it started and how it made her feel, she just hoped that he would arrive safe. Chuck remained in his seat the whole time not to bring any attention to him. Putting his ball cap down further over his eyes limited any eye contact with those sitting around him. Looking at his watch, he had four hours to go. Placing his bag next to him, he opened the last bag he had taken from Bonnie and inside was a smorgasbord of cheese, crackers, sausage, fruit and pastries. He was thankful for being taken care of as well as being well fed during his weeks at the cottage.
Casey and Sarah pulled up to the train station and walked up and down looking for any signs of Dano's men. They hoped to reach Chuck first and head back out unseen. Casey unlike Sarah figured that Dano's men might have given up on finding Chuck but when Sarah returned and met with the FSKN they were quickly to mention that underground chatter overheard that there was a bounty on Chuck and Carina's head. Sarah made her last swoop around the perimeter and headed to the outside gate awaiting Chuck's arrival. She was almost giddy, nervous and for the life of her figure out why her palms were sweating. Casey walked in front of her and noticed the goofy grin on her face. "A little chipper are we?"
Sarah avoided looking at Casey and quickly put her game face on. As the train slowed down and came to complete stop, they took turns watching the two exits switching back and forth watching all the people climbing off. The crowd was dispersing and they feared the worst. 'Why hadn't he walked out yet?'
The conductor was about to remove the step as Casey and Sarah ran towards the door to climb up and look for Chuck. As they approached the door, Sarah looked up to see Chuck walking towards her. She so wanted to jump into his arms but having Casey so close made that impossible. Casey waited until Chuck stepped on the deck and reached out his hand. Chuck looked up and extended his hand. Casey brought Chuck close to his right shoulder and whispered 'Good to see you'.
Chuck leaned back. 'Good to see you too.'
Casey grabbed Chuck's bag and headed back to the main doors. Chuck turned to face Sarah and smiled. Chuck grabbed Sarah's hand and squeezed it tight. He rather kiss her but this was the safest. Casey walked further ahead and motioned that he would bring the car around. Chuck nodded and when Casey walked through the doors, Chuck walked Sarah back against the wall and stared into her eyes. Smiling he lowered his lips to touch Sarah's. Sarah lifted his cap slightly while licking her lips. Chuck leaned in. "Hi!" "Hi." As their lips met – the week apart was just a memory. Kissing longer than they expected Sarah held on for one moment just to make sure this was real. Chuck and Sarah piled in beside Casey as the car had only had a front seat. Casey backed up and drove off. Chuck reached down beside his left leg to feel that Sarah had already had her hand ready for his. Unknowing to Casey they enjoyed their ride immensely.
It was getting dark by the time the trio arrived back to the safe house. Casey pulled up to the door and dropped them off while he slipped over to Chernekoff's and pick up the latest files that Beckman had prepared for the team. He planned to be gone for a few hours. Chuck closed the door of the car and headed up the stairs. It had been several weeks since he had walked those steps. The last time was just before Carina and him left with Genrika – before he was shot and taken to a remote cottage in which he still wondered who his saviour was. Sarah could see that Chuck was a bit hesitant but unlocked the door anyways and let Chuck enter when he was ready. Sarah had cleaned up her mess and told Chuck what this place looked like a few weeks ago. Sarah continued to speak as Chuck remained at the door. Closing it behind him, he just stood looking around. This all could have all been a whole different outcome if he hadn't left with Carina in the first place. Sarah took her jacket off and looked towards the door as her heart broke at how Chuck looked. Thinking to herself; 'He didn't ask for this' – it unfortunately found him. A hero he was not but he had accepted the job – it just wasn't what the job, that this hero needed right now.
Sarah kicked Chuck's bag aside and wrapped her arms around him. He lowered his head onto her shoulder and allowed Sarah to carry his burden. She could feel his heart beat against her shoulder as they stood arm in arm. Chuck stood up straight and subtly wiped a tear from his eye. "Sorry." As he walked, further into the room.
"Don't be."
Chuck walked to the couch and sat down. Placing his head in hands, he went back and forth running his hand through his hair and his beard. Sarah sat down at his feet and knelt up facing him. Placing her hands in his she told him she was glad that he was home.
Chuckling sarcastically. "Funny you call this home. I forget what my real home looks like."
"Chuck."
"Save the sorry. It's getting a little redundant."
Chuck could tell that he was a bit harsh. He took Sarah's face and looked into her eyes. "I know your trying. But I'm just not sure how to feel or what I am supposed to do".
"Then you do what you know how to do."
Sarah got up and grabbed the sat phone.
"Here call your sister."
Chuck looked up, as Sarah stood there more beautiful as ever. Chuck got up and kissed her hard then took the phone from her. He started dialing.
"I'll give you some privacy."
Chuck shook his head for her to stay but Sarah was adamant not to interfere. She walked to the door, grabbed Chuck's bag, and disappeared. Chuck hadn't talk to his sister for some time. As the phone rang, it was quickly answered.
"Hey sis."
"Chuck is that you?"
"Indeed."
"Where are you?"
"Russia." He knew that it was better to tell some of the truth then lead with a lie.
"How's the world wind adventure? How are you and Sarah?"
"We are doing great…"
Chuck continued to talk to Ellie.
Shutting off the SAT phone Chuck walked over to Sarah's door and saw her reflection in the mirror. He watched her brush her hair and add a bit of lip gloss to her perfect lips. Walking in he reached her shoulder and kissed it gently. Sarah shuddered at his touch. Turning around she looked at him. "Do we have time?"
"We will make the time."
Chuck wrapped his arms around her and kissed her lips. He tasted the cherry lip gloss she had just put on her lips as his lips scaled down her neck and shoulders. Removing her shirt slightly he kissed her skin. Chuck took his fingers, grabbed the front of her shirt, unbuttoned every button while Sarah kissed his lips. Removing her shirt, he allowed Sarah to do the same to him. Sarah dragged her lips trying to cover as much of Chuck's chest as possible. Chuck sat down on the bed looking up at Sarah. Sarah stood between his legs and without losing eye contact, she undid her bra and tossed it to the floor. Chuck sat up and placed his long arms up behind her back as he let Sarah drape herself over his body as they fell back parallel to the bed. Chuck rolled Sarah over and encased all of him to satisfy the women he loved. Sarah tried to recover the breaths she had lost, as Chuck loved her the best way he knew how. Sarah needed a bit of reprieve so she rolled Chuck onto his back giving him a taste of his own medicine showing him that nothing was as important as them.
Chuck grabbed the closest sheet to cover them up as they laid dreading getting up. Chuck ran his hands through his beard again as Sarah sat up. "I guess I need to get rid of this thing if I am going to resume the role?"
Sarah knew where this was going. She kissed him, got up, and grabbed her clothes. Tossing Chuck a clean towel she got up and headed for the shower. "You can join me if you wish then we can rid you of the title 'the bearded man'."
Chuck got up, wrapped the towel around his waist, and walked behind Sarah. Sarah noticed that he still had the limp. She wondered if that would be a forever reminder and how he was going to explain that to his sister. Chuck and Sarah barely made it to the table when Casey arrived. Sarah was about to start trimming Chuck's beard when Casey decided to show Sarah the etiquette of shaving with a blade. Casey lathered the shaving cream onto his hands and made sure that he covered Chuck's boyish face.
"This should help make you a man."
'If only Casey knew how much of man Chuck really was'. Sarah thought to herself. Casey took his stance and lowered the blade to the side of Chuck's neck. "You want to slide the blade in this direction." Chuck could feel the coldness of the blade and feared the giant hands with the small blade, a very sharp blade to be exact. "Did I ever tell you about the time when I was in the Tunnels in Costa Gravas spying on a General named Lissimo Goya. We had spent weeks inside a tunnel adjacent to his lair. We had to do all our business etc….in the cave. So, when it came to shaving we did it blindly. Anyways this scar…. – As Casey pointed to a small scar on the side of his next. "This bled like the dickens…"
Chuck squirmed in his chair and pleaded that Casey hand over the blade back to Sarah. Casey shook his head and gracefully returned the blade to Sarah's hands. Casey headed to the kitchen and yelled back. "Supper in 10."
Chuck looked up as Sarah took the blade and placed it near his warm skin. Rubbing the back of his neck Chuck knew this would not be an easy experience. Maybe he should have had Casey do the job. Sarah stood back to admire her handy work. A little deflated by how he looked as she grew to love the bearded look. Chuck got up and headed to the bathroom, as he wiped down his face with a warm towel Sarah snuck in and closed the door behind her. Chuck removed the towel to see Sarah standing behind him. Turning around she wanted to be the first one to touch the smoothness of his face but she also wanted another kiss. Chuck obliged. Walking back, they sat down without drawing attention. Casey served the team a wide selection of Chinese food. "Interesting that no matter where you are in the world you can always find a Chinese restaurant". As they dug into their meal, Chuck stopped and wanted to say something. "I know we are all famish but I just want to tell you guys – that you guys mean a lot to me and I am thankful that I that we are able to sit together once again." Chuck wasn't ready for what he heard next.
"Your right Bartowski, this feels right….now let's eat."
Sarah smiled and squeezed Chuck's hand. Casey looked up and saw the look they gave each other. Chalking it up to the whole emotional thing they shared – he let it go. Sarah poured each a glass of wine as they enjoyed each other's company.
Casey tossed the empty containers into the garbage, putting the leftovers in the fridge as Chuck and Sarah poured the wine, and over the files, that Casey had brought with him. Casey sat down. "They had Carina in lock down but Beckman felt that you and her needed to finish this. But with the events of the last incident we have to come up with another plan. If Dano recognized her then he had to have some CIA/DEA contact. Someone is feeding him with Intel. From the latest chatter – they have Dano in the US leaving Genrika to fend for himself. I asked Beckman to send us photos of anyone with description entering the US in the last few weeks."
Downtown NEW YORK
Dano entered a secluded brownstone and tapped slightly on the glass window. A tall brunette answered the door wearing a lacy black teddy. It doesn't take the two of them long to get reacquainted. Dano slips his legs into his pants and pours himself a drink and hands one to the brunette. Wearing his dress shirt she snuggled up to him on the couch. "Penny for your thoughts?" "We need to end this – its' getting way out of hand. What did you find out?"
Sydney sat up and grabbed her brief case from the side of the couch, pulling out the info he asked for. As far as she could tell his true identity had not been found out yet. Sydney also handed Dano his credentials – Dano smiled – in one motion he put his glass down and picked up Sydney having her straddle him. After a few kisses she whispered welcome back Agent Shaw.
MOSCOW
Casey and Chuck sat next to fire as Sarah sat on the floor. They had come up with a few ideas to smoke out Dano and his informant(s) but needed some more info on Dano. They agreed to resume in the morning with fresh eyes and a clear heads. Casey snuffed out his cigar and said good night – heading upstairs the door closed leaving Chuck and Sarah alone once again. They knew that Casey would be out like a light especially when the one he had to protect was locked inside a safe house with another agent. This was his Holiday Inn. Chuck scooted over and slid in behind Sarah as Sarah rearranged herself to sit between Chuck's legs. Leaning back against the couch Sarah moved back to rest on Chuck's chest. Folding his arms around Sarah, they sat and watched the fire.
NEXT MORNING
Casey turned facing the living room to see a sight he didn't think he would ever see. This confirmed that what Chuck and Sarah had now progressed. Casey coughed subtly awakening Chuck. Chuck nodded and released his arms from the blanket that covered Sarah and him. Chuck shook Sarah slightly and as her eyes focussed, she looked up at Casey and sat up in one motion. Chuck and Sarah both stood up as they tried to explain what Casey had seen. Casey ignored their jabbering and went to make coffee. Chuck sat down at the table while Sarah covered herself up with the blanket and sat opposite from Chuck. Casey tried to keep a straight face as the two of them looked like they were waiting to see the principal. Casey returned to the table with three cups of coffee. Chuck carefully took his and took a whiff just in case it was possibly tampered with. Sarah dipped her finger in hers.
"Just drink it."
Chuck finished doctoring his coffee passing the items onto Sarah. Casey sat drinking his straight black coffee. Waiting for the right moment. "How long?"
Sarah swallowed. "How long?"
"Is that necessary Casey."
"Yes." Starring down Chuck.
"If I don't ask Beckman will?"
Sarah was about to speak when Chuck stepped in. "I guess it started the first day I met her."
Sarah smiled behind her cup but quickly dropped the smile, as Casey looked her way.
"If you need to know, not very long. And you have no say in it what's so ever nor will you ask us to call it quits." Chuck's voice portrayed the confidence that even surprised Casey. Casey looked at Chuck then at Sarah. Getting up he looked at them both. "Well it's about time." Shocked by what they had just heard Casey turned back towards the kitchen. "One more thing." Chuck and Sarah both look up. "Save the mushy stuff when I'm not in the room. The fact that you two are well….fails to explain the laws of nature."
Casey grabbed his toast and headed back upstairs. "We meet Beckman in an hour. Don't blow it you two….." Casey disappeared upstairs and Chuck made the sign of the cross. Reaching across the table he reached for Sarah's hands.
FSKN OFFICE – MEETING WITH BECKMAN
The three walked in with Chuck stuck in the middle. Any chance that Chuck could be seen they didn't want to take the chance. Sarah went first with Chuck to her right and Casey came up from behind on his left. Reaching the security desk they presented their ids and walked through the metal detectors. Beckman waited for their arrival praising the team for Chuck's safe return. The team got down to business; they filled Beckman in with a plan to smoke out Dano by first getting his father to admit that he killed his brother and his wife. The murder of the brother might be a tricky one and well the wife's murder; Casey thought might not stand up in court due to her body being buried before an autopsy was done. Beckman agreed and arranged for her body to be exhumed but needed the real Valie to sign off on it. Casey would make the call to get the ball rolling. As for Dano, Chuck believed that Dano had help – based on his notes. Chuck flipped open the file that contained the chart and to his surprised he saw Sarah's notes and at that moment he knew where to look.
"General I think we need to go back and look in our own back yard." Chuck looked around the table and he saw three blank faces and if he added his, that would make it four but he had a feeling and so far his gut never let him down. We have been so consumed, with bringing down Genrika and Dano but what do we really know about our own agents. We haven't looked into this Sydney Price nor have we looked into anyone else on this list since Utah or even before. We know that Alex Turino and Sebastian Chancellor are dead. Missy Jones and Sterling Chance were present here but we still have two unknown individuals that complete the chain."
"What are you saying Chuck?"
Chuck looked at Sarah.
"I am thinking that we may have a few moles that are feeding this cancer that Genrika and his son have been building for years. I think that once we find out about these agents the last two pieces will fall into place."
Beckman put her glasses on and looked over Chuck's findings. Sarah smiled as Chuck sat down. Casey nodded. Taking her glasses off and looking down at the three she put the file down.
"Team, like I said earlier I should have taken over this mission a long time ago – and maybe things wouldn't have turned out as they did. However, this team has worked well in the past and I foresee that it will continue to work well in the future. You have never steered this agency wrong but your antics and work ethics need work, but it seems to be the glue, that makes this team strong. I am signing off on Chuck's proposal to start from scratch. If the CIA has, a mole I want them taken out. I give you full access to our database and I will work with Casey on getting Valie to cooperate with us. If we can prove that Genrika was behind his brother's murder as well as his wife's that one less threat."
Beckman stood up as well as the team. Heading to the door, Beckman turned around. "We will meet in a few days. That is all." Beckman exited the door with her entourage closely behind her. Chuck sat back down as Sarah walked beside him and placed her hands on his shoulder. Casey took this as this cue to leave. Sticking his head back inside. "Bartowski – you might make it as a spy after all."
Sarah leaned in and kissed Chuck's cheek. Chuck turned in his chair as Sarah fell into his lap.
"You did great."
"Then why am I freaking out?"
Sarah placed her hands on either side of Chuck's face. Bringing her lips to his she kissed him softly. Sarah knew just how to calm the nerves of Chuck. She learned months before that Chuck was special and that whomever had the intersect had to be very unique for it to work. But the intersect couldn't change how he was inside. What made him – him. What made her love him.
NEW YORK
Sydney closed up her brief case as she headed out the door. Daniel watched from the window till she left. Showering and changing, he sat down at the dining room table and flipped open the file that Sydney had taken from DC. She brought copies of all the file she could find out on the Human Intersect Project, Omaha and Project X. She also brought transcripts from the Utah breach. Daniel typed into the main frame of the CIA personal directory looking for the list of agents that were present during the Utah Breach. He found Carina Miller, Colonel John Casey, Agent Sarah Walker but couldn't find a whole lot on the third person that instantly boiled his blood. The name….
MOSCOW
"Chuck."
"Yes dear."
Casey despised Chuck when he called him dear but just the same, he answered.
"Beckman and I are heading to meet Valie. He has agreed to meet with us but hasn't agreed to letting us dig up his mother's grave. We should be gone a few days – so send us what you find out."
"Will do. And good luck."
Casey left Chuck to continued to search the CIA files. Chuck created a search date finder to alert the team if anyone who had or might be in the future looking for them or other Intel. Chuck hoped that they would get the upper hand and prevent whomever the mole was from getting ahead of them. Hopefully setting a trap for the mole. Chuck continued to add key words or phrases that would speed up the process. If one or two people took the bait – Chuck hoped that it would be the lead that they needed. Sarah walked by and saw Chuck typing away; she had just heard that Casey and Beckman were leaving for Milan. Looking at her watch, she noticed the time and figured that Chuck had been working on this for some time. Rolling up a chair, she sat down beside him and watched the screen fill up with codes and sequences. Her head was spinning with all that was typed up on the screen.
Chuck typed a few more sequences and sat back staring at his handy work. Sarah looked at Chuck then back at the screen. "So now what?"
Chuck with his hands behind his head. We press enter and we hope that this works. "
Chuck knew that Sarah was still not convinced, so he gave her the quick update. "So you telling me that if you send this now – it will alert us if anyone has or will be looking into this stuff?"
"Yup."
Sarah reached over and pressed the enter button. Chuck sat up straight looking at all the info disappear into the world wide web.
"Sarah?"
"We trust you. We thank you for your tireless effort…we….."
Sarah got up and headed to the door. "We have a ride waiting for us to take us back to the safe house and if your interested – maybe some left over Chinese food and …."
Chuck got up and grabbed his laptop shoving it into its carrying case, turning off the lights he followed Sarah to the awaiting car.
NEW YORK
Daniel continued to type away but the file that was open suddenly closed. He rebooted his laptop but the site came up with a maintenance alert. Unknowing to him it was Chuck's handy work had already prevented Daniel from going any further. Hopefully cloning each and every CIA agent's computer that was looking into the Utah breach. Unbeknownst to Sarah, Chuck also put in a few extra searches with any association to or with the name Bryce Larkin and the Intersect. Daniel resorted to looking at the paper files till the site was available.
SAFE HOUSE
Sarah turned on the lights and disarmed the security system. Chuck took his laptop out and flipped it open. His fake maintenance shut down wouldn't have any info for them for a few hours. Setting the alarm to go off once a hit was made, he looked up to see Sarah dishing up their plates. Chuck walked over and started a fire. As the logs ignited Sarah walked up to him and placed her hand in his. As they stared together Chuck turned to ask Sarah her. "How did you know that Bonnie was the one to follow?"
As they walked back to the table. "When I approached the little store it wasn't the lady that got my attention but what she was holding."
Chuck smiled. "Awe, yes the key chain."
They sat down and as Sarah poured each of them a glass of wine. "How did she get it?"
"It was the only thing I had in my pocket at the time. I guess when I was being taken care, she went through my clothes as I figured they were tossed she placed all the items on the kitchen table. When I was somewhat mobile, she kept looking at it. I tried to explain to her the best I could that it was like a lucky charm. I got it the year I came home from Stanford. Morgan and I were killing some time when on a spur of the moment purchased it hoping that maybe my luck might change."
Sarah looked up. "And did it?"
Chuck wiped his face with his napkin. Leaning over his kissed Sarah gently on the lips. "I think it did."
His words shot tingles down her spine then her kissed her. Each kiss was better than the last one. Chuck sat back down trying to focus on his meal. But, having Sarah right there was getting harder to maintain some form of composure. Chuck helped Sarah with clearing the table then resumed himself back in front of the computer. He checked on his search data program – it was 40% complete. Hopefully no one back in the States needed to access the directory and HR files. Chuck also checked on his other search of one Bryce Larkin. Sarah sat down on the couch next to Chuck. Chuck quickly switched screens. Grabbing a file she continued to make notes that Chuck could hopefully use. Hours went by and the more Sarah read the more she reread certain sections over and over. Placing the file down, She moved towards Chuck and wrapped her arms around Chuck right arm. Leaning on his shoulder, she watched as Chuck crossed referenced and searched for the leads that he had mentioned earlier that day. She saw the ticker on the top right hand corner of the screen.
"Yeah that's the search that I am doing. I set up a fake maintenance update so that I could get ahead of whomever was searching for us, or anything to do with the Utah Breach, and this mission. I'm a little over 40% so I have a ways to go."
"Then what will happen?"
"I am hoping that we can get an IP address or even an ID of whomever they are and then we can determine whether they are a threat or not."
Chuck rubbed the back of his neck with his left hand and Sarah took that as a sign that they had – had enough for now. Sitting up and moving in behind Chuck, she placed her hands on his shoulders and squeezed them slightly. He was very tense. Sarah figured that he hadn't done any Tai Chi for some time. Rubbing certain areas of this stiff neck, she unbutton his shirt slightly and moved her hands down to his chest area and back up again. Leaning forward she pulled Chuck's shirt over his shoulders and down his arms. Chuck removed his arms completely. Sarah ran her hands and fingers over the exposed skin of the man she was beginning to have deep feelings for. Chuck leaned back as Sarah brushed his lips with hers. As much as he was enjoying the massage he got up and reached for Sarah's hand helping her off the couch. He led them to her bed. Standing facing her he lifted Sarah's shirt over her head and placed his hand flat again her chest. Feeling her heart race, he kissed her. Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her tippy toes as the slight height difference made it interesting to make out. Chuck moved her back and had her lay down on the bed. Removing his pants and stood in his boxers. He asked her to lie on her stomach. He straddled her and moved his large hands over her back. He had only dreamed of doing this and now he had the opportunity. From what he was hearing, he was hitting all the right achy muscles of one Agent Walker. He didn't want her to fall asleep before the evening got to the good stuff so he lessened his maneuvers and moved to kissing her body instead. This woke up the sleepy Sarah as things went from awe to wow. Chuck nestled inside the back of neck, placing several deep kisses along her neck and around the back. Unclasping her bra he slithered down her back and played her spine like keys on a piano. When he reach her lower back just before her waist band, she rolled over causing Chuck to brace himself with his arms. Dangling over her they duelled with their lips only taking breaks to breathe.
Sarah adjusted her hips to allow Chuck the room he needed. She wondered if he would need to do some Tai Chi after all. Chuck and Sarah became one and as the fire roared outside it was the heat between Chuck and Sarah that even hotter.
UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
The stranger final hacked into the main frame of the CIA. He had been trying for some time and once he left Chuck he lost the feed as passwords were changed. He had forgotten that the CIA were paranoid and you had to be one step ahead of them when it came to breaking into their system. Bringing up Beckman's files, he was able to see that the team was still active but there was no mention of Chuck. Why wouldn't Beckman, have Chuck listed on the active list if he was one of them? If he wasn't an active agent then, the download had to been successful enough to warrant the secrecy of Chuck's existence. The stranger clapped his hands together. Smiling to himself, he knew that he had made the right decision. He just hoped that his life was no longer in danger.
MOSCOW
Sarah rolled onto her back as Chuck continued to attack her. She wanted to cry uncle but had to endure the sexy torture a little longer. When Chuck came up from under the sheet, she covered her eyes and faintly whispered uncle. Chuck nestled his face in her neck and succumbed to her request. Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck and they stayed like that for some time. Rubbing his back, her fingers moved over his exit wound, which startled Chuck. Moving slightly he rested himself on his right side. "I guess it still hurts."
Sarah moved the pillows up behind her neck and sat up. Chuck laid his head on her chest wrapping his left arm over her stomach. "Do you ever get over being shot?"
"Sarah didn't think that their special moment would end on this note. But, she knew that Chuck was still new to all of this. "It depends on the person. Someone like Casey would shrug it off and say it's part of the job. I would probably say that it happens to the best of us. For someone like you, it was unfortunate and it shouldn't have happened. The worst part is that you will always have a physical reminder no matter how much you make yourself forget – it will always be staring you back in the mirror."
"I guess."
Sarah kissed the top of Chuck's head. "But you have to see the good in everything even when the world doesn't allow you to. For example, us. Who knew that we would meet and start working together and end up lying in each other's arms." Pausing slightly. "Don't let go of the things that make you great." Sarah waited for Chuck to answer but her answer was ignored. She looked down to see that Chuck had fallen asleep. Reaching over she shut the lights off and covered them up with the duvet.
Hours later Chuck still asleep, Sarah heard a faint tone ring out in the other room. Removing herself from Chuck's hold she grabbed a shirt and blanket and walked into the living room. Tossing a log into the fire she clicked on Chuck's computer. The maintenance alert had finished. Chuck rolled over to feel that he was alone in the bed. Grabbing his boxers he put them on and headed out to see Sarah staring at his computer. Sarah looked up. "It just went off." Chuck looked a bit nervous, as Sarah was worried with what they would find out. Sarah moved over as Chuck sat down. He typed in his password and started downloading the list. Chuck sent one list to the printer and sent the data they found to Casey. Sarah got up, grabbed the papers from the printer, and decided that she better make a pot of coffee. She just wished that they would have one night that wasn't spy related.
Chuck reached for his shirt that was still lying there and put it on as he was getting a bit chilly. Sarah sat down with the papers and two cups of coffee. Taking a sip at the same time they watched the list scroll on the screen. Surprisingly it didn't take long to download the list of names. Chuck clicked on the list to reveal their photos. As each photo came up – the screen displayed whether the agent was active or not. Sarah let Chuck know that most of the agents, if involved with the Utah department could run up to be at least 100 people not including army personal. So the list could take some time. Chuck needed to uncover them all – just in case that one person could lead them to the answers. As time went on, Chuck began to flash. Sarah knew that he hadn't flashed for awhile but each picture he flashed with every stat, current and background mission info on each agent. Sarah tried to keep up by making piles of the paper copies with what Chuck was flashing on. Sarah would take the specific file and comprise two piles – one the pile to forget and move on and the other to go back and dig further. As the images of all 100 plus individuals of final stopped Chuck snapped out of his flash. Sarah was still ways behind but knew that she couldn't catch up to the amount of information that Chuck had just absorbed. Chuck got up but fell back as he was very dizzy. Sarah looked at the clock – it had just turn 4.
Cautiously she spoke. "You did good, we can finish later. Casey and Beckman won't be back till tomorrow – you rest now then come back later."
Chuck's head was spinning and he knew Sarah was right but he also had to move quickly on this. Opting to take Sarah's suggestion and rest his head, he got up and followed Sarah back to her bed. Snuggling under the sheets, Chuck settled in Sarah's arms. Sarah closed her eyes but feared what day light would bring.
NEW YORK
Evening fell and Daniel finally logged onto the main frame. He took Sydney's files and searched for his old team. He was quick to find Vanessa Daringer and her location as well he found out that Alex Turino and Sebastian Chancellor were dead. They weren't too bright but they did keep him posted on Senator Cosgrove's where abouts. He now had to find Missy Jones his 'right hand man' since replacing Vanessa. If a job had to get done she was the one. He sent the contact info to Sydney and waited – in the meantime he went back to continued his search on Carina Miller, and the rest of the team. Clicking on Sarah's credential, he was blown away by how attractive Sarah was. Surprising that an agent could look that good. She far surpassed Sydney and even Carina for that matter. He wondered why Sarah wasn't the one that was with this Carmicheal fella. As he read on, he found out that Carina was DEA and Sarah was CIA. Again not much was listed about Carmicheal. As he continued to read his efforts came up with nothing. Carmicheal was there in name only. Frustrated he shoved his laptop away from him and got up and rubbed his chin and neck. The only man beside his father that got under his skin. He had to find this man and finish what he tried to do months ago. Daniel moved away from where he was sitting and his legs gave out from under him. Falling back and reaching for the couch he knew that he wasn't fully healed. One of the bullet that missed Carmicheal had hit Daniel in the lower back causing the paralysis. The doctors' told him not to leave, for New York – in a small way, he wished he had listened. Swearing he cursed the name of Carmicheal.
MOSCOW
Sarah was awaken by Chuck's tossing and turning. She wondered if this was a regular thing after flashing. When Chuck finally settled down, daybreak was peeking through the small window of the safe house. Sarah got up and moved to the couch. Closing the door, she grabbed the blanket and restarted the fire. Putting the last log on the fire, Sarah saw that the Sat phone was ringing. Picking up the phone, she answered.
"Walker, Casey here."
"Good morning Casey."
"How are things there?"
"Not the greatest, Chuck flashed earlier and it seems to have taken a toll on him…."
As Sarah continued to inform Casey, he passed the info onto Beckman. Her response, was that the Intersect was still very new to them and that they weren't sure how each flash would affect the person who like Chuck had downloaded the Intel – unfortunately there wasn't anyone now who could help them except a man named Orion. He was the only one who had, or could be the one to help them. But he has not been seen for many years. When he left so did his files except the Intersect itself but that was stolen by Bryce. Secretly Sarah wished that Bryce was alive to tell her how this Intersect worked. Casey and Beckman continued to inform Sarah that Valie was still hesitant to come out of hiding but he knew that if he didn't – things could get a lot worse. Casey thanked Sarah for the Intel and told her that they should now be back to Moscow at the end of the week. Sarah liked what she heard, that would give her and Chuck some more time alone. Sarah ended the call and looked in the fridge. The shelves were bear even after Casey went for groceries. Peeking into the room and seeing that Chuck was still asleep, she grabbed some clothes and jotted down on a piece of paper that she was going for some groceries. Hoping to be back as soon as she could. It was better for her to venture out than it was for Chuck.
Chuck rolled over to notice that clock read 10:30. He sat up as his muscles ached and his head still hurt. It wasn't due to drinking too much but maybe a drink might help. Walking over to the medicine cabinet he grabbed a few aspirins and went to the kitchen for a glass of water. As he put the glass down he noticed Sarah's note. Feeling how crappy he felt he opted to do some Tai Chi. Grabbing his sweats from his bag he headed upstairs passed Casey's room where there was a bit more room to do his thing. Grabbing a towel, a bottle of water and his music he headed upstairs. He stood and stretched as he hadn't done this in awhile, he tried at the cabin but he was still in too much pain. Sitting down on the floor he sat crossed legged trying to control his breathing. He started his mix of classical music and nature sounds. Closing his eyes, he tried to concentrate. Moving onto stretching he uncrossed his legs and stretched them out in front of him. Once he felt that he was warmed up he got and resumed his routine of stretches and breathing techniques. Feeling a bit better he moved onto push ups and sits up but the sit ups were tougher than he wished them to be.
Sarah approached the step and unlocked the door and placing the bags on the floor. Walking over to the bedroom she saw that it was empty. Walking into the bathroom and back out into the living room there was no sign of Chuck. Hearing some movement upstairs, she grabbed her gun from her bag and headed upstairs. Pointing the gun ahead of her, she walked slowly scanning the area as her heart skipped a beat. As she reached the top of the stairs, she put the gun down on the ledge she sat staring over at Chuck as he continued with his workout. She loved to watch him even before all of this. Smiling she watched as the sweat rolled down his back and his muscles glistened with each movement. Biting her tongue a few times as she wanted to….she quickly snapped herself out of that thought. As Chuck bent forward and twisted to his left getting a glimpse of his admirer, which made his heart skip a beat or two.
"D-Don't stop on my account."
"Why?"
Sarah's look on her face said it all. Chuck chuckled and continued to finish his last few minutes. Stretching for the final time Sarah was standing behind him with his towel. As he turned around Sarah tossed his towel around his neck. Chuck wiped his face and neck as Sarah took the ends of the towel and dabbed his chest of the excessive moisture. "You feel better? How's the head?"
"I feel much better now that you're here and my so called work out."
Chuck leaned in and kissed Sarah, it wasn't a kiss that she had felt before but it was a kiss that said I appreciate you and thanks for caring. She appreciated him as well. They both knew where this was going but as the moment heated up – Sarah remembered that the groceries had to be put in the fridge. Running down stairs she grabbed her gun and tossed it in her bag and put the groceries in the fridge. Chuck had reached the last step as Sarah closed the fridge door. Looking at him she asked him if he wanted breakfast. Shaking his head he reached out his hand. Sarah walked out of the kitchen and placed her hand in his. Grabbing her around the waist he kissed her. Sarah trying to keep up she grabbed his towel and tossed it. Chuck moved with Sarah still kissing her, when he reached the bed he stood back and out of courteously he would grab a quick shower. Leaving her standing there he headed to the shower. Sarah got a devilish look and headed towards the shower. Chuck had wet his hair and didn't see Sarah enter the shower, but when she grabbed the shampoo and ran her fingers through his hair he turned around. Sarah ran her fingers through Chuck's hair gathering it into a soapy lather – pushing him back into the downpour of the water, he opened his eyes. Sarah had grabbed the soap and taking turns they made sure that they were well cleaned. Sarah turned around and faced the wall as Chuck finished washing her back. Whether on purpose he dropped the soap and slowly ran his fingers up Sarah's right leg. Kissing her lower back. Taking a deep breath, she turned around and faced him. With all her strength, she gave it to Chuck. As Chuck lifted her onto his hips he turned to brace Sarah back against the wall. As they became one the warm water cascaded them like a waterfall. This time things felt different. As the water started to lose its warmth. Chuck opened the door and grabbed a few towels. Quickly drying themselves off Sarah grabbed his arms and as they reached the bed, they resume what they started a few minutes earlier.
Later that day, Chuck had made them a late lunch and they, vegged out on the couch. Chuck was glad that Casey wasn't going to be back for a few more days. But knowing that, Chuck felt that it still wasn't enough time alone with Sarah. He wondered as he looked at Sarah snuggled in his arms if this would be as real as it felt now if this mission didn't happen. Would they feel the same about each other?
Sarah finally dozed off as she was fighting the battle – Chuck loved how someone as tough as Sarah was she couldn't compete with sleep. Reaching for a blanket he covered her up and slipped out. Grabbing something stronger because he didn't feel like coffee, he sat at the table. Looking at his notes he kept circling Bryce's and Orion's names. He logged onto the main frame and did a search on his former best friend and this Orion fellow. There were no new log ins by anyone on his list as of yesterday. He saw that there were still 112 personal, that he still had to go through by the time Casey came back. Chuck read the history of Bryce's years as a spy. Reading his bio a solemn appreciation came over him. How did he not know that Bryce was working for the CIA. They were roommates, they were closer than brothers. Till he framed him. But as Chuck continued to read his bio he clicked on video link of test subjects and noticed that his name was one of them. As Chuck hung over the link with his cursor, was he ready for what he was going to hear and see?
In the video, he was talking to someone that Chuck recognized as Professor Flemming. Chuck remembered sitting in his office in 2003 back at Stanford. Where the conversation about his exam and how he was acing his class. The professor continued the conversation to find out that it was Bryce Larkin, who tipped them off, of the hidden exams in Chuck's room, and getting him kicked out of Stanford. Grabbing his glass he poured a glass and gulped the first one down. Chuck was still bitter of the whole thing – which uprooted another set of emotions. As Chuck finally clicked on the other link – There was Professor Flemming setting up a video of what Chuck assumed was an interview. Professor Flemming faced the door and pressed a button on his phone asking someone outside his office to send in Chuck Bartowski. Chuck continues to watch, finally noticing that it's Bryce that had walked in. Bryce spoke as soon as he made eye contact with Flemming.
"Chuck never got your message. If you put Chuck on the CIA recruitment track."
"It's not up to me Bryce; they want him for the Omaha Project."
"That's a military operation – they'll turn Chuck into…"
"I am required to send all the top test results to the agency."
"I want my friend out of this."
"He's a perfect candidate – key words in his essay responses correlate to 98% of the subliminal images in the exam."
"You don't get it – Chuck's a good person – he's got too much heart for this kind of work – he's no operative - You can't put him out in the field he won't survive!"
"The agency is not going to let go of a recruit this promising – the amount of information that he can retain."
"They're not going to give him a choice."
"He's in no matter what."
…. "You're going to help me."
Chuck replayed the conversation over and over trying to fathom the whole thing. By the time Sarah awoke he had played the video over more than he wanted to. Sarah entered the room to see that Chuck must have been up for hours. Walking up to him, she kissed the top of his head. She noticed the familiar face then sees the look on Chuck's face. Sitting down beside him, Chuck gets up. Sarah moves over to his chair and presses enter. Sarah watches the whole thing again. She had no clue about this side of Bryce – There was no response from either of them. Sarah turned around and wanted to hold Chuck but gave him his space.
Sarah got up and left the room as Chuck was still fathoming the whole thing. She too had her moment in the bathroom. Trying to stay strong for Chuck, she splashed some water on her face, dried off and headed back out towards Chuck. Chuck was sitting on the couch staring at his laptop. Sarah sat down with her knees up against her chest, as Chuck placd his hand on her leg. With a slight tremble in his voice. "Bryce framed me for cheating, to safe me – why didn't he just tell me that to begin with."
Sarah placed her hand on his and gave it a squeeze. "He couldn't – they probably already recruited him."
"Look if he had a good reason for getting me kicked out, then, he had a good reason for breaking into the Intersect."
"Maybe he had a good reason for sending it to you."
"I wish that I could talk to him. It must have torn him up not to tell someone."
Sarah took Chuck's laptop and placed it on the table beside the couch. She noticed the search engine then pausing Chuck knew he had to come clean. "So when were you going to tell me about this?"
"I wasn't."
"And why not?"
"Because you wouldn't understand. And I wanted to have something, find something worth the effort of this stupid mission."
"How long has this search been going on?"
Chuck delayed his response. "A few days."
"A few days!" Sarah brought her legs closer to her body making Chucks hand slip from her leg.
"Do you have any idea what could have happen if word got out that you were digging into this?"
Chuck turns slightly to face Sarah. "Any idea? Do you have any idea what I have been going through, what I have given up so that the world could be safe? All you were hired to do was babysit and that didn't even last very long – you left – I wish had that option but with this in my head that's not going to happen. So yes I did a search to find some answers that is clearly not on your agenda."
Chuck got up. "Furthermore, I wonder if this is even real."
"Chuck where are you going?"
Chuck heads towards the door after quickly changing. "Anywhere but here."
"Chuck you can't leave."
Chuck opens the door. "Watch me."
Sarah grabs her gun from her bag. "Don't do it Chuck!" Chuck hears the gun cock.
"You're going to shoot me?"
"It's my job to protect the intersect." As soon as those words left her lips she knew she had blown it.
"I figured it." Chuck opened the door and walked out.
Sarah falls to the floor with the gun dangling out her hand. Deflated and hurt.
Chuck zipped up his jacket, pulled down his cap, and headed down the stairs and down the street. He never really got to see the area in which the safe house was located. He knew that it was at the end of a street and the stairs leading to the door followed a hill. There weren't many houses or people, which made sense if this was a safe house. Looking over the horizon and seeing the sun disappear, the clouds roll in – made the weather and how he felt much the same. Dark and gloomy.
Sarah got dressed and headed out to find Chuck. Reaching the street, she looked in both directions but she didn't know which way he went, he could have gone in either direction. She hoped that she would find him.
Chuck met a coffee vendor and to his surprise he had some cash which got him a coffee, walking for a while which Chuck figured were a few city blocks, he sat down on a bench and looked out toward the main area of Moscow. Sarah had searched the area coming up over a couple of hours. Back tracking she headed down the other road and came up to the same vendor as Chuck did earlier. Walking up to the man she asked if he had seen a tall gentleman. The older man acknowledge seeing Chuck about an hour or so ago. Thanking the man for his info Sarah grabbed a coffee out of courtesy and headed in the direction that the man pointed towards.
Chuck nursed his coffee but was still angry with himself and with Sarah. 'Why would she point a gun at him.' For the first time, even after being shot – he wished he wasn't the one with the Intersect. Chuck looked at his watch and decided to head back. Remembering which way he came he walked back home. Sarah feared the worse and knew that she would have to phone this in. Sitting on the step, tears filling her eyes, she grabbed her phone. As she started pressing the numbers when she heard a faint voice.
"I hope you're not going to call me, I can't answer cause I don't have a phone."
Sarah runs up towards Chuck and put her arms around him. With her free hand she wiped her tears. "I'm sorry."
"Hey it's our first fight, if this was ever…"
"It is real Chuck and your right, we have taken you for granted and yes I left you but I promised that I would never leave you again like I did."
Rain started to fall but the fresh air and being alone outside was the best medicine. Chuck walked over to the step and sat down. Backing himself up against the wall of the house and Sarah sat next to him. They sat and watched the skies fill with rain. Though chilled to the bone, this little reprieve was a start to making thing better. Chuck grabbed Sarah's hands in his holding them together in front of them. Sarah leaned back looking up as Chuck was fixated on their hands. She knew he wasn't in a flash but very focussed on something. In one quick motion Chuck started to move which forced Sarah to move. Dusting off his backside, he walked up towards the door. Sarah followed. "Sorry."
Sarah wrapped her arms around him. "I should be the one that's sorry."
Chuck kissed her cheek. Looking down at her face. "This isn't over. But, I got a job to do. I might have a few tricks up my sleeves. I just hope they will work."
Chuck opened the door as Sarah followed. Their little escape' had lost them some time. Chuck grabbed an apple and sat down. He opened the files that Beckman had sent and looked at the feed of Dano entering the USA. Chuck instantly flashed. Sarah knew something was up. Chuck snapped out of his flash and instantly asked for Sarah's help. Grabbing Chuck's laptop from the table by the couch, Sarah brought up the CIA directory and waited for Chuck's instructions. Inserting the USB Chuck had Sarah click on the names of the file with the same names. As soon as the visual came up on the screen, Chuck grabs the file with the photo of Dano entering the USA and places it beside the lap top of a similar face that belongs to a CIA agent named Daniel Shaw. Sarah had to take a double glance at the eerie similarities but that couldn't be that coincidental could it be?
As they stared at the two images, this mission had now been blown wide open. Sarah got on the phone and called Casey. Putting him on speaker phone the shocked and disbelief that this whole time it was one of their own that had played them. Now allowed them to connect the dots to how Dano aka Daniel Shaw was connected to the UTAH breach. Sarah said that they were close to figuring that out. As the conversation was coming to an end, Casey asked if everything was going okay. Chuck looked up at Sarah. Knowing that a few hours ago they had a fight. "Yes, we are doing ok despite the news."
"We'll be back tomorrow night. Valie, I mean Zachary will stay at the base as we can't have Chuck or him in the same place."
"Okay we'll see you then. "
Sarah pressed the release button and the call ended.
Chuck looked up at Sarah. "So why didn't you tell him the truth?"
"What you found by creating your search has nothing to do with this mission. It's not the smartest thing you have done but it does answer a whole lot of questions you had, and I don't blame you its' just.…"
Chuck walked up to her and grabbed her hand, facing her he replaced a loose strand of hair behind her left ear. "I didn't tell you."
Sarah looked up. "You didn't tell me." Leaning in he leaned his forehead onto Sarah's. Sarah pressed her lips against him as Chuck gathered her in his arms. Chuck moved her to her couch and falls towards the cushions. A thought pops into his head of something Captain Awesome said one time after he and Ellie had a fight. Make up sex is awesome. Chuck stares into Sarah's eyes as she pulls his shirt over his head. "You know…" as Sarah runs her fingers down Chuck's chest towards his belt. "This could be the last time for awhile…"
"Well I guess we better make it worth our while." Chuck gave Sarah the eye brow dance which made her chuckle.
Chuck leans up against the couch as Sarah runs her leg over his bare shoulder. Chuck tries to ignore the distraction as he gathers his strength to find his clothes. As flexible as Sarah was, somehow she managed to run her toes over his chest. "You know this isn't helping." "Helping who? You or me?"
"Both!"
"I'm not doing anything?"
"Ha!"
"You're doing plenty…"
"You want me to stop?"
"Yes…"
"Thank you…" As Chuck turned to look at Sarah, she had sat up and strategically placed the blanket over her body, in Chuck's eyes not covering much of anything.
"I told you to stop!"
"I did."
Chuck got up on knees as Sarah was glad that he hadn't put too much of his clothes back on. Removing the blanket Chuck grabs her and slides her to the floor, lying on top of her. Kissing her neck, and collar bone and moving up and down her chest. Facing her. "You're too much!"
"So are you."
Laying on his side with Sarah in front of him, they both stared at the pile on the table. Looking at the clock, they had little over 16 hours till Casey and Beckman were expected back. Kissing Sarah's shoulder, Sarah holding Chuck's hand in hers. "Now what?"
"Back to the pile?"
"No I mean about us?"
"What about us?"
Sarah laid down on her back. "About earlier?"
"We had a flight and I think we did justice with the makeup part?"
"Its' not that, what about us after we leave here?"
Chuck had thought about them as well after this mission was over but he never thought that Sarah was thinking the same thing. "As the infamous Sarah Walker would say, we will take one day at a time, maybe go on a date or two, just to get to know each other, then made take it further and see where it goes?"
"Would she say that?"
"Probably. I don't know Sarah, I definitely would like to see where this goes, but we have work to do now."
Sarah sat up as Chuck grabbed his clothes. Standing up he wrapped the blanket around Sarah.
"Promise me one thing."
"What's that?"
"When this is all over, we meet in Paris. No matter what?"
"Paris?"
"Why not, then we can see where this goes. Cause I know that as soon as this is all over, we'll be back in the States and who knows what will transpire?"
"Think about it. But I will be there." Chuck kissed her hard then grabbed his shirt and sat down at the table.
Sarah touched her lips with her fingers. She had never had a proposal like that ever. Maybe they could have a personal relationship outside the agency and still work together. As a smile encroached her face she grabbed her clothes and joined Chuck.
FSKN Office – late the next day
Beckman called an important meeting that included Carina and Chenekoff. As Chuck packed up his files and findings, he looked up at Sarah and for that moment, he saw an end to this mission and hopefully a beginning relationship with Sarah. It was something that he hadn't felt or had feelings for if ever. Placing the bag over his shoulder, he met Sarah at the door. Waiting for a kiss, it wasn't all fireworks but one that said that things would be okay.
Beckman didn't waste anytime, she had brought up everything she could on agent Daniel Shaw - his professional career was exemplary - even impressing the veteran personal such as Casey and Beckman. But, as Beckman explained to the team - looks could be deceiving as they found out. Beckman had Chuck look into Danousk/Daniel time after his mother died. Chuck brought up school records of one Danousk, and where his name sake if translated into English was Daniel.
Chuck piped up. "That's why there was no need to make that connection. After Daniel finished high school he got to attend Cambridge on a wrestling scholarship. Where he was encouraged to enroll in the MI6 but chose the CIA." Chuck continued reading his bio and crossed reference with Senator Cosgrove to find out that Shaw was hired to protect Cosgrove when he decided to run for senator. Cosgrove had developed a reputation for being a hard ass and was adamant to stop the flow of drugs into the states. But his squeaky clean image took a turn when he was accused for playing sides between the cartel and the DEA. Somehow Daniel aka Danousk having the family he had, decided to make both sides profit. Genrika needed the drugs for his European and Asian clients and Cosgrove wanted to become senator but needed a way in. Chuck continued to fill in the team. "When word got out that there was a project called the human intersect created by a Scientist named Orion - he knew that if he got the rights to this creation his financial pull and charm could get him a seat and help out Genrika. So, Daniel made arrangements to have Cosgrove fly to Belarus and meet with his family. Looks like while he was in Belarus unbeknownst to Bryce and Sarah who were there collecting Intel on a man named Pablo Micaval - whom the CIA assumed was trading states secrets. Chuck continued to speak…..
Sarah sat back as the Intel from her last mission with Bryce was in plain view for the whole team to see. But looking at it now as painful as it was, Bryce had only the best interests of Sarah, the intersect and the image of the CIA. Sarah still didn't know how Bryce found out about the intersect, her guess was when he met with Von Hase while she checked out another lead.
Beckman thanked Chuck for his info and quickly divided tasks amongst the group. She had Casey look into Bryce's phone records and Carina to look into Cosgrove. As they left Beckman finished looking at the Intel to sign it off then looked up at Sarah. "Agent Walker, I think we need to look into the connection between the CIA and Cosgrove. I think that he needs to have another visit. Do you think that Chuck has this under control and is ready to resume the role of Valie?"
Sarah looked at Chuck then put her agent face when she spoke to Beckman. "I think he is and he is ready to finish this mission just the rest of us."
"Ok I agree. Chuck you finish here then tomorrow morning resume the role and try to sniff out Genrika as we bring down Agent Daniel Shaw." Looking at Sarah. "Walker we leave in 2 hour for Washington."
Both Chuck and Sarah looked at each other. The news obviously hitting them hard. Never thinking that Sarah would ever leave again. Sarah looked at Chuck then at Beckman. She wanted to know why she had to go. Beckman turned to face Sarah. "Agent Walker, your needed and the last time I checked you were still an agent with the CIA."
Beckman left as Chuck casually walked up to Sarah. Waiting for the door to close and the room to stop spinning, he wrapped his arms around Sarah. Sarah was standing with her one hand on her hips and the other slightly touching her lips. She felt safe in his arms but dreaded leaving him again. The words were enough but to actually leave him again was worse. The last time it was her choice and remembering how that turned out - she feared what this time would bring. Sarah squeezed Chuck tighter.
Safe House
Chuck looked at his watch as time was running out. He wished that they would have had more time and how the conversation they had earlier that their last time together was indeed their last time. For how long, who knew? Sarah walked into her room and started to pack. She dreaded leaving, she knew it was part of the job but this one was different, this one included one special man. Chuck waited till her heard the zipper close on Sarah's suitcase. Entering the room he closed the door behind him and grabbed Sarah's hand and helped her put her luggage down. Taking her other hand they sat down. Sarah leaned her head on Chuck's shoulder. Beckman liked to take the red eye knowing that she be where she wanted to by morning but for Sarah no time was the right time. Things had changed drastically. Leaning in she started to kiss Chuck moving onto his lap he whispered "We don't have time."
"I know." She whispered back. "But just the same. I want to be close to you."
Chuck held her tight as he tried to remember everything about her how she felt to how she smelled.
Beckman texted and as Sarah looked at her phone Chuck got up and walked out with her bag. Reaching the door Chuck kissed her one last time. She held on longer than Chuck anticipated. "Be careful."
"I will you too."
"See you in Paris if not before."
"If not before."
Casey had arrived and briefly spoke to Sarah. Nodding he promised. "We will, see each other soon."
Chuck walked out towards the steps just enough to see Sarah get into the back of a black SUV. Beckman rolled down her window and nodded to the rest of the team. Chuck slightly waved as Beckman rolled up the window and the car was gone.
Casey leaned back against the door as he waited for Chuck to head back inside. Closing the door behind him, Chuck sat down on the couch. Casey joined him holding two double shots of jack.
"This might help."
Chuck took his glass and the first swig burned down his throat but the second slowly fill the void. Casey got up and grabbed the bottle filling Chuck's glass to the brim. Casey wasn't one to share his feeling nor give advice about feelings. If it was job related then yes. But looking at Chuck he knew that to some degree it was job related.
"It gets easier."
"I hope so"
The next Morning.
The SAT phone rang as Casey grabbed it. Chuck had just walked out of the shower ready to resume the role of Valie. Casey listened as the caller was surely telling him something important. Chuck walked into Sarah's room and started to change. Looking up as started to put his shirt on Casey stood in the door way with the phone. "She wants to talk to you?"
Chuck grabbed to phone and said hello. Hearing the familiar voice made his heart stutter.
"We just arrived, I am staying at the Marriott down the street from the office."
"How was the flight?"
"Long." Chuck leaned against the dresser as they continued to talk.
"I going to get some sleep, as it's still early here."
"Ok I'll let you go?"
"No please, talk to me till I fall asleep."
Chuck sat on Sarah's bed describing every detail of his space. Sarah chuckled. Chuck continued to recap the plan. They would go and make themselves visible to shake the feathers so to speak. Once word got out they figured that Genrika would start to worry that Valie was back for blood. But knowing that Chuck was Valie they would get Genrika to meet and hopefully the real Valie will come forth. All they need was a confession which they could use to snuff out Dano/Shaw. Casey was still waiting to hear from Valie he said he'd let him know by noon. Beckman has a medical examiner on stand by. One that wasn't paid off by Genrika.
"Sounds like a good plan. "
"Except!"
"Except what?"
"You."
Chuck could tell that Sarah was smiling. He could hear it in her voice.
"Oh really?"
"Yes."
"Chuck I'm going to go now before I fall asleep and rack up a huge phone bill."
"Ok sleep well.
"Be safe and I love you."
Chuck hung up not sure if he heard what he heard. Sarah put her phone down unaware that she had said those three words.
