Don't own Chuck
The sun was beginning to set as Chuck walked back with Morgan to his apartment. He glanced back to the van parked on the other side of the road noticing the man they'd almost run over got in. However, Morgan wasn't into Chuck's dillydallying and hurried him along because he was hungry which in its self wasn't unusual. It would've been more unusual if he hadn't been.
"Come on Chuck let's get a move on it. Our food is going to get cold and Chinese food needs to be eaten while it's hot. Look Sam's already inside," said Morgan. She'd left the front door was wide open.
"You hear that someone is inside talking to Alex and Kat. Here take my bag," said Chuck as he reached for his dart pistol.
"Do you think it's a friend of Eileen's? They don't sound like they're in trouble," said Morgan as he juggled to hold everything. "How would drop in here?"
"Crap, I know," said Chuck as he took a deep breath putting away his pistol before turning the corner of the door. "Principal Durham, what brings you here?" said Chuck as he stood in the doorway trying to look cool after almost tranq'ing Sam's principal who was sitting in his living room talking with Kat and Alex with Bunny playing in her playpen next to them.
"Say thank you to Kathy. You were in such a hurry to leave her office today that you forgot Sam's bag," said Kat who was sitting across from the principal. "Kathy was in the neighborhood so she decided to drop it off. Wasn't that nice of her?"
"Yes, it was but I didn't know you found a place yet. Sam was telling me you were still looking," said Chuck wondering if Kathy's real reason for being there wasn't to check up on him.
"Actually, I was looking at a place right down the street from you. I received this brochure in the mail with announcements. If the place looks like the photos and it's still for the price listed I might've found my new home," she said as she showed Chuck the pamphlet. He looked at it then everything became perfectly clear. The company advertising the apartments for rent and sale was an agency shell company.
"Looks like we could be neighbors," said Sam as she smiled. "Won't that be great. You know we still have to eat dinner so why don't you stay and eat with us. I hope you like Chinese."
"Yes, wonderful," said Chuck. He had to put a stop to this train wreck before it happened. "But Dr. Dunham needs to go look at this apartment and we don't want to make her feel obligated."
"Call me Kathy and I love Chinese. I didn't make an appointment to see the place I was just going to drive by now so I've got plenty of time. I'll stay and eat with you but as soon as I move in I want everyone over for a housewarming. I'll have the school staff over too so you can have chance to get to know Sam's teaching away from work."
"That will be just great," said Chuck. But he didn't have time for this something clicked inside. "Morgan... Alex, can you two come and help me next door in Casey's? There's something I need to get... we need... need beer. Yes, that's it. We need to get some more beer we're out."
"No, I just looked in the fridge and you've got plenty of beer and there's a bottle of white wine too," said Kat. "Besides John's the beer drinker." Chuck gave her a look.
"Yes, but John's is better and... and... he asked me to check on his favorite bonsai. Yes, I need to check on his bonsais. He's really attached to them."
"They're doing fine. I watered them today and you talked to John? I've been trying to reach him all afternoon. Did he say where he was and when he'd be home?"
"You didn't tell me you talked to Uncle Casey. You said he was with Mommy," said Sam. Chuck could see he was back in the doghouse with her. "You could've asked him when Mommy was going to come home."
"That was before I came to school," said Chuck as he gave Morgan the look of death. Hoping he'd keep his mouth shut but then Kathy started investigating.
"Does your mother disappear often," asked Kathy. This was going sideways in a hurry but luckily for Chuck, Alex figured out he wanted to get them alone.
"Come on Morgan," said Alex. "Let's go help Chuck. Mom, while we're gone why don't you offer Kathy a glass of wine and some Spring Rolls."
"Chuck, we need to hurry up. Remember what I told you Chinese food needs to be eating while it's still warm," said Morgan. Alex smiled then grabbed Morgan by the arm and pulled him outside.
"I don't remember it being cold every slowing you down," said Chuck as he took the building number off their apartment then doing the same at Casey's replacing it with his.
"What are you doing? Trying to confuse the postman?" asked Morgan as they entered Casey's apartment. "Are you sure the big guy is going to be okay with us being in here without him? It feels like being in your parent's bedroom when they're not around."
"I'm not even going to comment on that. Alex, you've got access to John's armory?" She nodded back. "Good, go get me an IR scope there's something I need to check out," said Chuck as he fired up Casey's terminal then connected with the mainframe at Castle.
"Check out what?" said Morgan as he went to the window and looked out then walked over to Chuck. Morgan could see he was screening the CCTV feeds from the outside and the inside the Buy More for today.
"Here you go Chuck," said Alex as she looked over at Morgan who just shrugged his shoulders back. "You mind dialing us in on this call because we're kind of in the dark here."
"There we go. I was told there were people around Orange orange and the Buy More looking for Sarah today and here's their van. Now look inside the Buy More see that guy. Well that's the same guy we just met outside and this is the same van he got into afterwards. That's the same van parked across the street right now. Let me see that scope," said Chuck as he went to the window and looked at the van.
"So, what are you saying? This guy went to the Buy More and found out where you and Sarah live? You think he's in cohorts with that woman from today."
"You mean Eileen? I think she was just a pawn. But that guy and his five friends in that van are the real deal. Looks like we should've ordered more food."
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The Mayor and Police Chief were given the bum's rush out the front doors along with everyone else who was inside the building. Armed guards stood outside the entrance to make sure no unauthorized personnel entered. The Police Chief had his ego further hurt when the one guard took his weapon.
"The Major asked me to take this. It's for your own good and while we're here you don't have to worry about safety. You'll get this back when we leave along with all the other weapons we confiscated off your men. We wouldn't want any accidents, now would we?"
"I'm holding your word to that I want my weapon back when you're gone. My father gave me that when I became police chief."
"Don't worry you've got nothing to be concerned about as long as your people play along," said the Major as he walked up behind them. "However, if anyone acts up then I'm going to have to set an example. You know who your hotheads and trouble makers are. You have a talk with them and rein them in before I have to and believe me you don't want that. Now if you don't mind I have some important people to get inside."
"Claudiu, see what you've got us into. You can come with me and we can meet with our people in the tavern. I want you to explain to them what's going on."
"Don't get me wrong but I see that as more your job than mine. You know what I can write you a delegate so you can do it for me so if anyone has any questions it will make it official."
"Oh no, you don't," said the Police Chief as he grabbed the Mayor by the collar. "You're coming with me and if they get angry I might even stop them from lynching you but I haven't made my mind up on that yet."
"Lynching? It's just a little inconvenience for a few days. It's nothing for anyone to get bent out of shape over. I'm sure everyone will understand."
"Understand that you're lining your pockets, I think everyone knows that but you let these people come in here and take over without the slightest bit of protest."
"You can see how heavily armed they are and how well organized. I was made an offer I couldn't refuse now we just have to make the best of it for a few days then this will all go away."
"Then that's what you need to tell everyone but if you don't want a new necktie I'd try to make it sound a little more convincing," said the Police Chief as he pushed the Mayor along in front of him heading for the local tavern.
"I want a couple of our men to go over to the tavern," radioed the Major. "It looks like there might be a town meeting and I want to make sure spirits don't get too heated."
"Roger that," said the dispatcher. As the Major was talking on the radio a man in a dark blue Armani suit walked up behind him.
"Is there a problem Major? Is everything under control," asked the man. The way the man talked was like a hiss from a snake and sent a cold chill up a normal person's spine but not the Major. He turned around to face him as he put away his radio.
"No, we've got control over the town and we've just secured the City Hall. We can begin with getting the circle inside and the meeting started if you like Sir."
"Good, although I was hoping Mr. White would report in before we began. The rest of the circle is a little nervous after what happened with Abe and the Turk."
"It's my understanding that the Turk screw up with Abe and then White overreacted taking the Turk out. I wish you'd sent me I would've extracted him and you could parade him in front of the Circle. White and Black are too trigger happy to be trusted."
"That maybe but they've got people in the Circle who like them so I'd keep my opinions about them to myself my dear Major. I'm not too happy with them either but that being said if they pull off getting the ledger back I'm afraid nothing will stop them from getting a seat in the Circle."
"Yes Sir," said the Major. "If you'll excuse me I need to make sure the meeting room is put together so everyone can take their seat." He used the excuse to get away from number Twelve. The members of the Circle didn't go by their names but by numbers and there were thirty-three of them like the Cyrillic alphabet. Thirty-two now that the Turk was no more.
"I'll bid my time for now," said the Major as he glanced back at Twelve glad handing and greeting the other members of the Circle. "I'm sure White will screw this up and when he does I just put a bug in Twelve's ear to pick me."
However, his heart sunk when he saw Twelve answer his phone and he started smiling ear from ear and nodding his head.
"You need to get closer and figure out what's going on," the Major said to himself as he walked back down the steps from the City Hall to direct his men without seeming to be eavesdropping.
"Hurry up there and get that equipment inside," yelled the Major as he got close to Twelve. "Get a move on it we don't want to be here in this armpit any longer than we have to be," he said until he was finally close enough to hear and wat he heard wasn't good for him.
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Carmen got out of the taxi what brought her to the Casino from the Marina. She paused a moment before walking inside to make sure she was all together. Then she sauntered in making her grand entrance like she usually did. As she made her way to the reception desk she felt eyes watching her and she liked it. The reception clerk stood there mesmerized staring at her as if he were in a trance. She stood there waiting to a few minutes before she spoke up.
"I'd like to check in today if that's possible and I'd close that mouth of yours before a fly flies in," she said as she slipped him her passport acting indignant but savoring every moment.
"Yes of course, just one moment," said the man stuttering as he tried to recompose himself. He felt like he'd been drugged and his head was spinning. "Yes, I just need to enter your details into the computer and... excuse me what was your name again?"
"You have my passport or can't you read it?" said Carmen. The woman standing next to the man behind the desk pushed him out of the way.
"Good grief, I'll handle this. Why don't you go outside and get some fresh air," she said as she typed in Carmen's name from the passport shaking her head.
"Men... Yes, I've got you reservation but you didn't give a departure date. I have to warn all guests checking in that there's an International Poker Tournament next week and we might not have enough accommodations...," said the woman as she started to explain but she was cut off.
"Go ahead and check in the young lady. I'm sure we can sort something out," said Jack as he walked up behind them.
"Mr. Burton, I'm just doing on what Ms. Silverman informed us to tell all new check-ins," said the woman realizing she was talking to the wind. "Men," she said under her breath as she continued checking Carmen in.
"Check her in and I'll handle Margot. Have we met before? I feel as if I should know you from somewhere."
"Is that some sort of pick up line," said Carmen as she turned and smiled at Jack. The woman behind the desk just rolled her eyes.
"Here's your passport and room keycard," said the woman as she slid them to Carmen. "Let me call you a bellhop to help you with your luggage."
"You know Mr. Burton," said Carmen reading Jack's nametag on his jacket. "You could have my bags sent up to my room and in the meantime why don't you show me around?"
"I'd like to, darling, but I'm knee deep in alligators right now with this poker tournament about to go down. If you'd like I could show you around later. You can come to my office after you're settled in..."
"Or I could show her around," said Margot as she walked up behind Jack and gave him a look. "I'm free right now. I think Emma is looking for you... you know Emma, right?"
"Well, I don't want to inconvenience anyone," said Carmen. "Beside I think I'm starting to feel a little jetlag from my flight but I'm a little curious to see inside the casino."
"Just come by the reception deck and they can get in touch with me. I'll escort you around inside there," said Margot as she looked over Carmen and not liking what she was seeing. "I think I heard Jack explain that he's busy planning this poker tournament next week and he really needs to get back to work. Jack, I'm going to need to see that seating chart."
"No problem, it's almost done. I've just got to add a couple of last minute RSVPs," said Jack as he turned around to face Margot. "Just give me another hour and I should have it all worked up for you."
"Then you really oughtn't be standing around here. I think you need to go back to your office and get it finished so I can publish it. There have been people asking when it will be done and this isn't someone we want to get angry."
"Looks like I'll have to give you that tour later," said Jack as he pulled out two fifty-euro chips from his jacket pocket. "Here this is to show you we value your business. This is a hundred euro in chips for you to play with and if you play your cards right you could own all this."
"If I ever did I'd keep you on to manage it," said Carmen as she took the chips from him smiling at him looking into his eyes. Her two big brown eyes seemed to stare straight into his soul.
"If you'll excuse us," said Margot as she grabbed Jack and spun him around then she led him off heading back towards the casino. Carmen pocketed the chips then left with the bellboy walking over to the elevator. She'd accomplished what she wanted to accomplish now she needed to get to her room.
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Mary was still in the van with Dettrick when he received a call from his boss. He looked at Mary as he had to answer some very hard questions and in the end she was sent to the airport. There he unceremonially put her on the agency plane.
"I hope I don't see you anytime soon," said Dettrick as Mary walked ahead of him and took her seat. "If I find out you're back in Germany I'll personally have you arrested and this time there will be no 'get out of jail free' card."
"Oh Dettrick, promises, promises, when I get somewhere I'll take out a subscription of 'Fish and Game' for you. It will give you some ideas about what you can do with the free time you're going to have."
Dettrick turned red in his face as he turned to huffed off. He'd taken about as much as he could take so it was now time for him to leave. Mary resisted poking the bear and let him leave without further incident. A half hour later she was wheels up flying over Italian Apennines.
Mary looked at her watch but she still had to check in so she pulled out a coms device tucked away between the seat and logged into Langley where she was greeted with the General's face complete with the raised eyebrow.
"If you're already in then Roan must've gotten through to you," said Mary as she opened a bottle of water. "Sorry, but I'm dehydrated after dealing with German ego all afternoon."
"And I've been dealing with the fall out. There were quite a few who wanted to throw you in jail but in the end they listened to reason. I'm diverting your plane to Montenegro. We're still following your perp via Sat through the device you planted in the pen drive."
"We should try to catch up to him. It won't be long now before they figures out it was a ruse then he'll get rid of it or use it to throw us off his trail."
"I've already thought about that and Roan was able to get a tail number from your target's plane before he took off. With that we were able to get his flight plan and also his plane's transponder signal. As long as the two signals match everything is okay."
"Not to play the Devil's advocate but that doesn't mean our man might not jump once they get to wherever he needs to be. I'd feel better if we could get them on our radar and from time to time get a visual."
"Don't overplay your hand. If you can see him he can see you so just leave this to us and you sit back and relax for a moment. To give you a head's up you might want to use this time to think about what you're going to say to Sarah when you meet her."
"Sarah? What the... Why? Is she in Montenegro? Of course she is. So you're telling me she's not back in L.A.? And Chuck? Is Chuck with her? Sam's starting school they should be with her."
"Chuck is still back at Echo Park while Sarah and Casey took off without authorization. I'm going to have to have a nice long chat with the two of them. I need to know where my assets are at all times. If I don't how can I tap the person best suited for the mission and that goes for you too and your little rogue missions."
"I'll talk with her as soon as I see her," said Mary ignoring the remark about herself.
"Do you think that's such a good idea? No, I'll talk to them while they're flying that way they'll have to listen. Beckman out."
"Strange she didn't say anything about Chuck. I wonder how he's doing. This can't be easy for him sitting behind and waiting like what I put his father through," she said as she heaved a sigh. "I never wanted this for him. I think my water is missing something... like a little whiskey."
[Meanwhile back at Langley]
"How long before our team gets to Echo Park? Chuck's distress call went out a half hour ago and we don't have anyone there yet. This is totally unacceptable."