Don't own Chuck
Jamil and his family came down from their room for breakfast. He'd been up all night thinking and rethinking, hashing and rehashing. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what these people wanted him to do. He was there in the museum when the raid occurred he heard the men talk about canisters. His father had told him about the horrors of the war so it wasn't difficult for him to put one and one together. He had to do something but he also had to protect his family.
"We're leaving today," said Jamil as their tea was served. Noora looked at him like he was crazy. At first she didn't believe her ears.
"I'm sorry but I must be mistaken for a moment it sounded like you said we're leaving today?" But he nodded yes.
"That's exactly what I said. We go back up to the room, grab our things, then we're out of here. Everything is still packed. We can jump on the first plane heading to London or Europe. You said you wanted to ride the train under the channel we can fly to Paris."
"What's going on you're scaring me?" said Noora in a low voice so Samaa couldn't hear. "Something is wrong you can tell me, please. I want to know."
"I... I... need to get back to London. They called me from work and said that I'm needed right away something about a contract that's gone missing and now has to be redone or something like that. It doesn't matter we've been here long enough."
"Well if that's the case then we'll leave after Samaa has her play time with Sam in the park. A few hours won't matter and we'll have to spend that in the airport waiting for a flight. That is if there's nothing else going on that you want to tell?"
"Of course there isn't," said Jamil. "We'll be home soon nice and safe. You guys go up and get the bags ready while I go settle the bill down here. I'll have them send a bellhop up to help with the bags and arranged for a cab."
Jamil watched the two most important people in his life catch the elevator. He told himself he had to do whatever it took to make sure they were safe as he went over to the reception desk.
"I'd like to check out the name is Al-Bayati. I'm checking out with my family," said Jamil as he passed the clerk his credit card and room card.
"Sir your room is paid for up through the week by... That's strange it says your room was paid for in full with cash. You must have a friend who did you a favor. One moment and I'll get you a reimbursement."
"No I don't want to wait around just divide the extra between the maid and restaurant staff both were very kind in meeting our special needs."
"Yes sir I'll see to it right away," said the man. But as they were talking another gentleman came up behind him and started talking.
"Are you going somewhere? Mister Al-Bayati, the Brigadier would like to see you now. He's waiting in his office," said the man in Arabic.
"He is? Well he can keep on waiting. You can tell the Brigadier or whatever his name is that I'm not interested. If he continues harassing me or my family I'll go to the police. I know who you people are. I should've recognized you last night but I was too afraid. You are or were with the IIS under Directorate four. Funny how monsters look worse in the dark but bring them out in the light and you see them for what they are, just playground bullies. We're going home don't get in our way and don't try to stop us or I will go to the authorities. You don't have a country anymore to protect you so I'd go easy if I were you."
"The Brigadier won't like your attitude," said the man. "You've been warned what will happen if you try to leave without seeing him." The man turned then left.
"Is everything okay," asked the clerk. He hadn't understand a word they'd said but from the tone of voice and gesticulation he didn't have to.
"Oh that? Yes everything is fine, the man asked me for directions and I told him where he could go. You'd think people coming to this country would learn to speak English. Thanks again we've had a wonderful stay in your hotel. Can you send a bellhop up to help us with our luggage?"
"Yes sir right away. I'll call you a cab too."
[Downstairs in the parking garage]
After the discussion the man had with Jamil he went to the elevators and took it down to the garage below. There he got into a dark van where he called the Brigadier while they pulled up and around to tail Jamil in his cab.
"Boss, we've got a problem the mark is acting up. He refused to come with me and threatened to go to the authorities. ... Hold on I'll put you on speaker so both of us can hear you. Hey don't get too close."
"I said we need to show him we mean business. The first chance you get grab his wife and kid. He wants to play hard ball we'll show him how it's done. We'll hold them hostage then we'll see how brave he is after that."
"We're following right behind him but they're not heading towards the airport. They're going to the park. With just the two of us it's going to be hard to grab both of them even if one is a kid."
"I'll call the Commandant and have him send Abdul and Ammar to help then they can take them back to the Safe house. Ali wanted something to do he can be our baby sitter for the duration.
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Sam was the first up charging into their bedroom throwing open the door then launching herself on their bed. She was excited to go to the park to be with Samaa her new friend. Even if Samaa was leaving Sam was still excited to go play with her in the park. She jumped on the Chuck and Sarah's bed straddling Chuck. She grabbed his face and turned it to her.
"Are you still asleep? We need to get a move on it," She said as she laughed then she touched her head. She jumped off then ran back out.
"I think I've got two cracked ribs. What was that all about?" asked Chuck as he rubbed his chest. Sarah didn't have time to answer when they heard the sound of little feet coming back but this time when she came in she had her sombrero on. She did another swan dive and Chuck made a slight groan when she landed on his chest.
"I think someone is telling us we need to get up," said Sarah. She grabbed Sam off Chuck then tickled her. She started giggling as she tried to break free.
"Stop, stop," she yelled as she tried to get free then when she did she jumped off the bed then ran to the door. "Muchos gracias señorita bonita," she said from the door then ran back down the hall.
"If you don't want her to come back down here and jump on your stomach again I'd suggest you get up and start breakfast," said Sarah as she rolled over and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Do I want to know where the señorita bonita came from but since we're talking," said Chuck. He rolled over and pulled her back down on him so he could kiss her. "I agree with the bonita part."
"Yuck," said Sam from the door. "I think I'm going to be sick," she said as she giggled then ran back down the hall again.
"Do you think someone is excited? Come on we need to get up before she slips and falls again running up and down the hall," said Sarah as she looked into his eyes. "I love you."
"I love you too," said Chuck then he kissed her again. "I'll go get breakfast started if you want to jump in the shower first."
"I need to try to calm someone down then get her ready to go out. What are you doing this morning?"
"I'm taking Morgan into the Buy More then I'm going to run down to Castle. I'm expecting a toxicology report back on the canisters we found last night."
"You still have to brief me about what was in that dossier that Banai gave you. But first things first I need to clean a little monkey then take her to the park."
"Why do I have to get cleaned up? When I get to the park I'm just going to get dirty again?" said Sam from the door where she was eavesdropping.
"Because you've got house dirt on you now and in the park you're going to get park dirt. Everyone knows you don't want to mix the two. You don't want people calling you pigpen do you?"
"They'd better not... but really?" asked Sam with a little perplexed look. "You aren't just making this up are you?"
"Come on let's let your mother get up and you can help me start breakfast then you can get cleaned up and changed," said Chuck as he scooted Sam down the hall. "What would señorita bonita like for breakfast?"
"Cereal with milk would be fine or cereal con leche," said Sam as she smiled at him.
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The Commandant got called by the Brigadier to send Abdul and Ammar but instead he sent Zaid and Gabir. This way with everyone gone he could have a talk with the Brigadier's men without having to worry too much that word would get back. The Commandant saw his men off while the other two were inside cleaning weapons. Busy work to keep them distracted.
"Okay, you two know where you need to go. There will be two men waiting for you. Follow their instruction then come back here but watch each other's backs. I don't know who these men are."
"It sounds like you don't trust them," said Zaid. "But they work for the Brigadier like Abdul and Ammar."
"Trust needs to be earned sometimes," said the Commandant. "You guys sure you're up for this mission?"
"No problem we've got this," said Gabir. The Commandant watched them pull out then drive off. Now he had to be quick because he wouldn't have long.
"Hey where did the other guys go?" asked Ammar. The Commandant gave him a look but Ammar played it off. "I was just wondering if they needed a hand. We got all the weapons cleaned and put away."
"Really… All of them? That was fast. Well then let me see yours," said the Commandant as he held his hand out.
"Naturally we didn't clean our own. We keep ours clean," said Ammar. But the Commandant motioned for him to hand it over. The Commandant removed the clip and the round in the chamber then held up to look down the barrel.
"And you call this clean? You could plant a garden in there. Find Abdul then meet me in the kitchen I'm going to teach you that your weapon is your best friend," said the Commandant. He watched Ammar disappear back into the house. He'd get to the bottom of this now no matter what it took.
When the two arrived he was already sitting at the table with patches and gun oil. They sat down and began field stripping their Berettas in front of him. They put their weapons on safety then removed the clip then removed the round from the chamber.
"Make sure the weapon is clear," said the Commandant. "Even if you've removed the clip and round you should do a visual inspection before you proceed. Okay now that you've done that push in on the disassembly button then hold it down while you move the disassembly latch all the way forward then remove the slide. Go ahead and do that now." The Commandant watched them as they both removed their slides. Ammar removed the recoil spring and guide rod.
"See I told you our weapons were clean," said Ammar. He removed barrel assembly holding it up for the Commandant to see.
"Yes and now that I'm the only one with a loaded weapon I've got some questions I want answered. I would think long and hard before I try to lie my way out because there will be consequences. First of all what were you two doing last night in the Mercedes."
"We forgot our Misbaha prayer beads and we went to get them," said Ammar as he glanced over at Abdul to agree with him. But the Commandant didn't hesitate he picked up his weapon and shot Ammar. His head jerked back as he flew backwards from his chair both made a loud thud when they hit ground.
"I don't think you were listening I thought I was clear if you lied there would be consequences. Abdul you want to try but this time I want the truth. Who were you talking to? I could just shoot you and look at your phone."
"It was the Brigadier... we talked with the Brigadier. He asked us to keep track of what you were up to and to report in. He's worried you'd do something rash," said Abdul as he looked down at Ammar.
"Oh you mean like that? Well I guess he might be right," said the Commandant. "There are plastic drop clothes in the other room. You can go get one then clean up this mess."
"Sure I'll be right back. I didn't like him much anyway," said Abdul. He got up went to the other side of the house. His mind was racing he had to call the Brigadier or the man in charge but he had to make sure he didn't get caught.
"What are you doing dragging your feet? They're in there," said the Commandant. "You get the rubbish ready while I start the van."
"Yes Sir," said Abdul. He went into the makeshift gas chamber looking for plastic sheets but as he was looking in there he heard a hissing sound. Realizing what it was he ran to the door only to find it locked. The last face he saw was the Commandant waving back at him through the glass in the door.
"Rash? I don't do rash," said Ali as he waved to Abdul on the other side of the glass. "I do cold and calculating."
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Chuck and Morgan pulled up to the Buy More they both got out then headed in. Chuck looked over at Morgan as if to ask if he was ready. Morgan just answered with a nod there was no getting ready for this for this was the Buy More. Morgan took a deep breath before walking in but Chuck stood behind him to help him along. They walked inside and that new electronic appliance smell hit them.
"Smell that Chuck savor it remember ours is not to make reply, ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do and die."
"Yes Morgan and forward the light brigade," said Chuck. "But since we're no charging any cannons here I think I can leave you a little while alone in your office while I run down to Castle."
"I don't know seems to me we're over flowing with Cossacks. I might not be safe up here all alone," said Morgan as he looked around.
"Believe me Morgan I've seen Cossacks. You don't have anything to worry about but if it gets too much for you come on down and you might want to touch up your makeup. Your 'L' is starting to show through."
"Geez let me get out of here," said Morgan as he ran to his office but on the way he ran into Big Mike coming out.
"Morgan, son am I glad to see you back here," said Big Mike. I thought you weren't supposed to be back until the end of the week? Don't get me wrong I'm glad you're back but I didn't expect you back today."
"I decided to ease myself back into work so I came in with Chuck. I should go in the office and look over the books. How have we been doing?"
"Oh we've been doing really well. I'd say better that well," said Big Mike with a big smile across his face. "But you know since you were gone I couldn't run home at lunch for… well desert."
"I get what you mean like your morning pastries. I'll bring you in a baker's dozen tomorrow," said Morgan. "Now I really need to check on something in the office."
"Son, can we talk for a moment? You know how attracted I am to your mamma. Morgan I don't know how to tell you…
"Then don't," said Morgan as he tried to go into his office but Big Mike blocked the way. "I really need to get by.
"Morgan, have I ever told you just how sensual and muy caliente the Señora Bolonia Garcia Bougainvillea Grimes Tucker is."
"I think on numerous occasions and mainly after I told you I didn't want you to tell me. But what does that have to do with me not being able to go into my office?"
"Skip, come here," yelled Fernando. "Morgan's back and he didn't phone ahead. You've got to get over here and see this."
"No, he did? Is it that time of the day," yelled Skip back then he howled like a wolf. Morgan hung his head.
"Big Mike, please don't tell me… well how to ask this," he said as he cleared his throat looking around the store. "Please don't tell me my mother is in my office… Hold on I need a moment. She's not in my office waiting for you in some skimpy outfit."
"No of course not she wore a raincoat in but I told her she could leave her hat on."
"I'm going to the breakroom and stick my head in the microwave now. Call me when she's gone then have cleaning sanitize my office from top to bottom. No better just take all the furniture stack it out back then set fire to it."
"Son is that makeup you've got on?" said Big Mike as he studied Morgan up close.
"I'll be in the breakroom. The rest of you get back to work we've got customers to serve. Now move out."
"You should use a darker skin tone for your corrector. The one you're using doesn't match your skin tone with that you should try a little peach lipstick and blush. Who knows you might be able to make two bits on the strip?" said Fernando.
"Fernando should know that's what his sister wears to work," said Skip then a shoving contest ensued until Morgan got in the middle.
"Out of my face or you'll both be pounding the pavement all right all the way down in the unemployment line," said Morgan. "Back to work now!"
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Sarah left the apartment to find Sam already in her booster seat with the seat belt fastened. She brought with her, her new doll that still had no name but decided to let Samaa name it. She could give it a proper name.
"I guess you're in a hurry," said Sarah as she got in looking back at Sam with her sombrero still on. She backed out of their parking lot then drove down Glendale Boulevard stopping next to the park.
"Come on I think I see them up ahead," said Sarah. She was a little surprised to see Jamil there with them. "Jamil, if I knew you were going to be here I would've tried to get Chuck to join us."
"I came because we're going to leave from here. We've got a taxi waiting for us on the other side of the park with our things."
"Samaa insisted that she have time to be with Sam," said Noora. "I'm sorry if this is all such a rush but my husband has to go back to London right away."
"Yes, I got called by my company saying they need me back there on the double. I'm sorry if we have to run but we really need to catch the first flight out."
"That's too bad but we have friends in London and visit often so maybe we can see each other there. We have a barge on the Thames we stay in."
"Really, let me give you our address and number. I'll give you our e-mail so we can stay in touch," said Noora. Sarah noticed Jamil seemed distracted like he was on the alert looking around the park.
"Where's Samaa," asked Jamil. He looked around and didn't see her. "She was right here and now she's gone," he said as he went on the alert.
"Don't worry they're over in the fort next to the slide. It's Sam's favorite place in the park. I think because it is small she feels grown up inside. Look they're right over there," said Sarah. She pointed it out and Jamil could see Samaa with Sam. Sam put her sombrero on Samaa then gave her doll to her while she climbed out.
"You two grab the kid," said the one man to Zaid. "We'll handle the wife then head for the van. I don't like doing this in broad daylight but it can't be helped."
"Which kid are we supposed to grab?" asked Zaid as he looked over the children playing on the rides.
"She's the one playing with the kid that's got the sombrero on. You can't miss her."