Don't own Chuck
Jack felt a moment of terror but he'd been caught in these situations before. The key was not to panic and to keep a clear head. He quickly put things away back the way they were. He kept glancing over at the monitor watching Dimitry so he could time where he was. He slid back in the false bottom and put the papers back on top then closed the drawer locking it like it was before. Then he got up made sure the chair was in the same spot then ran to the door and stood behind it. This part was all about timing and finesse.
"Jack the door," he told himself he forgot to lock it. Reaching down he locked it from the inside just before Dimitry put in his key. The door swung open and Dimitry came in Jack slipped behind his Boss as he walked into the middle of the room then he knocked on the door behind Dimitry. His Boss turned around and thought Jack had just come up behind him to talk.
"Boss I thought I'd tell you that the cleaners have finished and the floor is ready for this evening. Is there anything else you want me to do?"
"What? You know I don't care about the cleaners and getting the floor ready, those details are your job. Besides I just walked through to main floor so you're telling me old news. You feel okay you look a little strange."
"No I'm fine, never better as a matter of fact but thanks for asking. You know it's nice to work for a Boss who's so concerned about you."
"What can I say Guido you're the heart of this operation everything depends on you. I'm just the Boss but you're my captain."
Yes, Oh Captain, My Captain."
"What was that?" asked Dimitry puzzled
"Just remembering 'Leaves of Grass,' said Jack and what happened to the Captain.
"Well it might be legal in Colorado and Amsterdam but it's not here so you'd better not get caught with it." Jack looked puzzled at Dimitry. "Grass, have you been smoking it this morning? I know this Carmichael guy has gotten under your skin but this is not the time to go crazy on me."
"No you're right we need to keep our wits about us, a clear head and all that. Well, I need to get back out in the trenches, is there anything else you need?"
"Well, now that you mention it that New Guy, John Casey, he and that runner left the floor the same time that Carmichael's wife did. What's her name again?"
"Sarah, I believe is her first name," said Jack wondering why Dimitry was baiting him with Sarah's name. He was good with names and all of a sudden he couldn't remember Sarah.
"Yeah that's right Sarah Carmichael. Guido are you following me here?" said Dimitry noticing Jack was distracted.
"What? Yeah, Mrs. Carmichael you were talking about, what did I notice that John Casey and this other guy left the same time as she did? Dimitry that doesn't mean anything? We've got people coming and going all the time. We don't monitor our employees' breaks or when they go to the bathroom."
"Strange that the CCTV in the hallways and hotel went down the same time she left."
"Actually it went down earlier I had a call into the repair people before we went to your private room and she was there then so it all might just be a big coincidence."
"I don't believe in coincidences do you? I want John Casey and this other guy laid off until to tournament," said Dimitry as he handed Jack, Morgan's jacket.
"This is the guy you're talking about? I know what happened his girlfriend is another runner we have, Alex. You see this Alex hurt herself. Don't ask me the details I don't know how and frankly I really don't care but it put us in a pinch for a bit because we were shorthanded."
"Okay how does this explain the coincidence," said Dimitry getting anxious and tired of listening to Jack.
"Well this guy Morgan went to Casey and asked permission to go see to her. I wasn't around so he told him it was okay then he came and found me. Yes, now to think of it, it was about the time that all this with Carmichael happened that was the reason I wasn't around because I was helping him to his room."
"So this is the explanation about what happened and why they all seemed to leave at the same time," said Dimitry thinking the whole thing seemed so farfetched that is just might be true.
"What? I'm your most trusted or distrusted employee here? First you were singing my praises and now you're doubting my word? So what do you want me to do? Do you still want me to lay off Cop face and the baby Yeti?"
"No, no I might have over reacted but you're not the only one that Carmichael has shaken up. No forget about what I said and keep them on the schedule. But quietly verify the girlfriend's accident and keep an extra eye out on them. I want to know where they go on breaks and if there's even the smallest doubt they get the boot.
"I understand," said Jack as Dimitry smiled at him and thought, 'but no you don't but you will."
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Days passed and finally the tournament was about to begin but there still was no Jack and more importantly there was no diamond. Beckman was biting at the bit asking where the diamond was and Chuck couldn't keep up much longer telling her the check was in the mail. Something had to be done soon but with the tournament starting all that was put on the back burner until it was all over.
"Sweetie I've got you a little present for good luck I hope you like it," said Sarah as she brought out a new tuxedo.
"It's tailored," he said as he tried it on looking at himself in the mirror, "how did you get my measurements without me doing a fitting?"
"You're not the only one who's got an eye for detail," she said as she grabbed his bottom.
"I wish we could explore this conversation in more detail but I've got to go downstairs. I guess there's no word from Jack. I'm sorry I tried to talk to him."
"It's okay," said Sarah as she straightened Chuck's bow tie, "Jack only listens to Jack and besides if you have no expectations you can't be disappointed."
"You and I both know that's what you say but it's not what you feel and I'm sorry I thought I could get through. Your dress is hanging in the closet by the way."
"What dress? I'm wearing this," she said wearing the same blue number from the private game night with Dimitry."
"I'd prefer if you wore the one I bought you. I had it flown in from Paris thanks to Hannah." Sarah gave him a look. "Just take a peek if you like it wear it, if not you don't have to I just thought it'd look nice on you."
"Project runway again? Okay let me look at it," said Sarah as she opened the closet door then the garment bag too. "Strapless Versace huh nice I like the feel and the cut is a little daring but you've got my tastes down to a tee but Chuck it's violet isn't that supposed to bring bad luck."
"Maybe on stage but I think we can mix it up a bit. I need to go down for the opening if you want you can change and meet me. I'll join you at the bar during the breaks."
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Chuck was directed over to the table by Jack to his place. Sitting around him were nine other players including Dimitry who nodded to him as he sat down. Looking around the table Chuck flashed one after one all his opponents were on Langley's Most Wanted. Chuck blinked his eyes recovering from the flash smiled as he looked around the table.
"Hey what are you looking at," said one of the meanest looking players with a scare that ran down his face.
"Sorry friend but what's your name tag say George? Where's John, Ringo and Paul at? Or were they too busy?"
"Can we cut the crap and start playing?"
"Excuse me I didn't get your name either, Mick is it? Keith too tired. Age is catching up with him but you have to admire the man he still rocks on."
"Do you mind telling us who you are Mister Chuck?" said the man next to him looking at Chuck's welcome sticker.
"Sure friend the name is Carmichael, Charles Carmichael. Some of you might have heard of me I can tell you I know each and every one of you but we're not here to talk about work are we, we're here to play cards. However, I'm game for any side bets that ends in incarceration."
Chuck's ploy worked he got the rest of the players agitated which was what he wanted that would make playing them that much easier. As he was thinking that this was one of his finest hours the word Mona Lisa came to mind as he looked over at Jack. Now was not the time to get too cocky he still had to land the whale and hope that Pinocchio would do the right thing.
"Okay Gentlemen shall we begin," said Jack, "High card for dealer position goes to Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones is the small blind."
"How original," snickered Chuck as he played with his chips.
"And it's five thousand Mr. George, the big blind, Ten thousand.
"Okay, next," said Jack. "Mr. Mick to you."
"Check," he said pushing Ten thousand out.
"Mr. Ted," said Jack.
"Check."
"Mr. Carmichael the bet is to you."
"Bet. Fifty thousand."
The bets went around the table until they reached Dimitry who was sitting looking at Chuck across the table.
"Mister Dimitry it's fifty thousand to you."
"Bet. One hundred thousand."
Jack dealt out the flop and everyone was looking at their cards except Chuck. He was looking over at Sarah who just walked in with the dress he bought for her. He was smiling at her as the second round of betting began.
"Mr. Carmichael it's up to you, excuse me Mr. Carmichael," said Jack trying to get Chuck's attention.
"Oh, I'm sorry I was just momentarily distracted. What was the bet?
"A hundred thousand but maybe you'd like to look at your cards first?" said Jack. He, like everyone else at the table, were thinking Chuck's behaviour was at the least a little strange.
"Call," said Chuck as he passed another fifty thousand.
Sarah worked the room. She walked up to the bar and sat down on a bar stool so that the slit in her skirt opened.
"Can I get you something Mrs. Carmichael," asked the barman. She hesitated after the other night's events but considering the crowd Dimitry couldn't afford the bad publicity.
"I'll take a champagne, please." The barman served it and she slowly brought it up to her lips and sipped. As she sipped she felt all the eyes in the room looking at her but she only cared about the two that were looking at her from the poker table, Chuck's.
"Mister Dimitry to you."
"Bet. Two hundred thousand."
"Okay gentlemen you have been called. Showdown, please."
"We have a straight for Mister Dimitry, ten high."
"Mr. Carmichael?"
"Just a pair. Send the barman over, please," said Chuck so Jack signalled of for the man to come over.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Carmichael I'll be right back," said the man as he pushed a bowl of nuts close to her then went over to her husband.
"I'll take two fingers of Hirsch Reserve. Wait. You wouldn't happen to have Martin Mills 24 would you?"
"Yes, we do as a matter of fact."
"Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus," said Chuck as everyone looked at him wondering if this could be the hot shot agent that was wreaking havoc with their respective organizations. "Bring me two fingers of that and give the same to my wife, please."
"Can we get back to playing poker" said Dimitry visibly upset.
"Oh I should explain," said Chuck as the barman sat down his drink. "Martin Mills is a fictitious distillery that shows up every Christmas morning at random bars, often served for a hundred dollars an ounce. If you order it and they say they've never heard of it or that it doesn't exist just tell them that yes Virginia, Santa Claus does exist and the proof, all 95.6 percent, is in the bottle."
"You know, I'll have one of those," said Paul
"So will I," said Mick.
"My friend, bring me one as well."
"Keep the ice bring mine neat."
"That's it," said Chuck as he held his up looking over at Sarah who raise her glass to him.
"Anyone want to play poker now," said Dimitry livid with rage and wanting to get back to the game. Smoke was almost rolling out of his ears.
"Someone's in a hurry. Would you excuse me?" said Chuck as he got up and walked over to the bar and kissed Sarah.
"You taste nice," he said.
"Sweetie don't get cocky over there this isn't Casino Royale and remember what happened the last time you played roulette. You might be able to read the cards but you can't make them fall."
Later…
"Mister Silijack and gentlemen, Mesdames, Messieurs we've now been playing for four hours. It's time for a short break. We will resume play in one hour. Mr. Dimitry may I have a word," said Jack as Dimitry got up to leave but as he did Chuck bumped into him.
"You should really watch where you go, Mr. Carmichael," said Dimitry still angry over Chuck's stalling the game with his bar order.
"I'm sorry I was just thinking about taking my wife upstairs and I guess in my excitement I didn't see you. Are these breaks fiscal I mean if I'm a little late do you think it'll be alright."
"If you come in late you'll be dealt out of that hand and have to wait until the next one begins. There are no exceptions for anybody these are the rules but you should already know that."
"Okay, alright I didn't mean to ruffle anyone's feathers. That was genius that first hand but we both know it was a bluff all the way to the end when you picked up your last card."
"I don't know what you mean," said Dimitry as he tried to get away from Chuck.
"Oh I think you do and the game is going to get really serious from now on out."
"Mr. Silijack the man you were waiting for is in your office," said Jack getting in between the two. He didn't like the look Silijack had as he stared at Chuck. "Sir your office," said Jack.
"What? Right, well Mr. Carmichael I'll see you in a bit and maybe we can continue our conversation at the next break."
"I look forward to that if you can excuse me," said Chuck as he kissed Sarah. "You just said you can't wait to get me back to the room. Come on."
They left the casino and got into the elevator as quickly as possible and embraced each other as the door closed. They kept on kissing until the elevator started moving.
"Wow, what kind of kiss was that," said Sarah.
"That was I needed to get you alone but we don't have time to continue kiss unfortunately. Casey can you hear me," radioed Chuck.
"Loud and clear I've got ears up on Dimitry good job on planting that bug by the way."
"Thanks we're on our way up. Listen closely Dimitry is supposed to be meeting someone I think it might be a fence for the diamond."
"Sweetie the diamond is a fake but will his expert be able to tell it and if he does what will be the fence's reaction."
"Things could start getting ugly pretty quickly soon. Casey, stand by with that itchy trigger finger we may have need of it before the night is over. Have Morgan and Alex go to the boat and stay below decks I don't want to have to worry about them."
"Roger that my feelings exactly."
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Dimitry and Jack left the casino floor together then walked into his office. Sitting in front of his desk was a short overweight man with thick round glasses carrying a bag like that of a doctor. He stood up and bowed to Dimitry and extended his arm.
"Just call me Mister X," said the man as he looked over Dimitry then over Jack. "It's better at these meetings not to exchange names and besides if we did we'd just lie."
"Guido can you leave us please," said Dimitry. Jack couldn't believe he was being dismissed from such an important meeting. Chuck's words about him being set up came haunting back.
"But Boss are you sure you don't need me?"
"No what I need for you to do is go back out and keep the game going. Deal me out of this hand but start on time and deal Carmichael out too if he shows up late." Jack reluctantly left heading back to the table.
"So let's get straight to the point," said Mister X, "you've got a certain stone you wish me to look at. If it's what I think it is I may already have a buyer set up who will make you an offer that I'm sure you'll be pleased with."
"Good, good, here it is the Nadan-I-Noor, it is said he who owns the Nadan-I-Noor rules the world," said Dimitry ecstatically as he pulled the diamond out of his pocket and handed it to Mister X.
"Then let me have a look," said the expert as he looked at it with his loupe then he put it away and reached into his bag took out a special gem scope. He looked at it again. Still looking like he wasn't happy he took out a vial of clear liquid and with an eyedropper he put two drops on it with no reaction.
"Is there something wrong?"
"Everything! Do you think I'm some kind of fool I can't deal with something like this. The consortium would have my neck and they'll have yours if they catch you with this."
"I don't understand this is the Nadan-I-Noor diamond I got it from a source who swore by it and now what are you telling me?"
"Oh it is a diamond alright, actually this is the largest and the best man made diamond I've ever seen and it would almost pass as the real thing but it's too perfect. Natural diamonds all have faults and famous diamonds have them recorded as does the Nadan-I-Noor that's why without a doubt this can't be it. Furthermore, because it doesn't have any faults is how I know it was manmade. All natural diamonds start at a class-D because there just can't be anything better except this one is and the only explanation for that is that it is manmade."
"Is that even possible?"
"I've heard of attempts being made to make them but the consortium shut them all down and they won't be happy knowing that someone has perfected it. I'm saying they'd be very angry if you understand what I'm saying. I'm sorry I've got to go I can't stay here any longer."
"What am I supposed to do with this?" said Dimitry as he picked up the stone.
"I don't know and that's not my problem. If I were you I'd put it in my aquarium and pray no one notices it. Goodbye."