Don't own Chuck
The lights were on late at both Langley and Springfield waiting on reports back from the same operation but each hoping for a different outcome. Outside of Los Vegas near Lake Mead people were gathering getting ready to watch and the card game. Meanwhile outside behind the cabin El Serpiente's men off loaded and handed out the weapons. Chuck released himself then waited for the men to thin out before going into action.
"Pedro give me Five-seven and a couple clips. Everyone know what you're supposed to do. Remember wait for my signal then we take everyone out. I mean everyone except for the girl. You leave her to me," said El Jefe. He took the clip loaded the weapon then holstered his new piece.
"El Jefe we need to go back inside before your guests miss us and think we're up to something," said Pedro as he took El Jefe's old piece handing it to the man in the back of the van.
"Everyone get in place. Come on Pedro we need to mingle about well. Then after the second hand we'll make our move by then their interest will be on the table and not on us. Bring in an extra weapon with you. I need you to pass it to our mole."
"Excellent idea El Jefe that way if bodies are checked they'll all have the same caliber round in them. But how will I know who the mole is?"
"Don't worry he knows you and that's what's important. He'll come up to you and ask for it. Don't be surprised when you see him. Come on let's go I feel like celebrating."
They walked away with Chuck still under the van. But he heard everything and knew what had to happen. El Serpiente didn't know but he'd set his end into motion.
[In the Casino]
Inside people were mulling around the bar drinking and chatting. Sarah and Casey looked over the space for entry and exit points. They were trying to understand how what was going to happen was going to go down and where they needed to position themselves. The rest of the people at the bar looked like a wise guy convention.
"Don't look now but you have a bogey approaching from your six o'clock," said Casey. "I'm going to get something at the bar."
"Bogey what?" said Sarah as she looked around to see Jack and an elderly man approaching her. She immediately flashed on him.
"Jack introduce me. This must be your daughter, the one I heard so much about," said Don Alfonso as he took her hand and kissed it.
"I hope what you heard was all good but coming from Jack I wouldn't bet on it. It's a pleasure Don Alfonso," said Sarah as she smiled back at him.
"No, the pleasure is all mine. I heard we'll be playing on opposite sides but I consider that my fortune as I can look at your beauty from across the table."
"You're quite the flatterer Don Alfonso," said Sarah. "Let's say I was coerced into playing by our host. Where is he? I wonder what he's up to?"
"I don't know there's no telling. He came in with you but truthfully I try not to have anything to do with him. I find him a bit repulsive and not very trustworthy."
"If you don't trust him then why did you agree to this meeting and poker match as a means to settle your disputes. You don't think he's going to uphold his end of the deal if he loses, do you?"
"My man Luiz worked out the arrangement and assures me everything is set so he can't back out. I'm an old man and I'd like to leave this world a better place than was given to me."
"It sounds like a noble dream but do you think you'll be able to see it through," said Sarah. She saw El Jefe walk in with Pedro. He saw her then started to walk over but stopped in his tracks when Marty walked in the front door.
"What are you doing here? How did you find out that… that Don Alfonso moved up the game? You don't trust me to carry out the plan?"
"You don't want me to answer that especially in front of your men. But a little bird called me and told me that the game was moved up but I heard the change was all your initiative," said Marty as he glanced over at Pedro.
"Well your little bird got it wrong and if I find out who it was I'm going to pluck all his feathers out then roast him over a low flame but not before I rip his heart out and eat it in front of him."
"I think you were headed over to talk to your dealer," said Marty. "Don't let me stop you go right ahead. Maybe your man would be as kind to go get me a bourbon and branch water."
"Pedro take care of Marty while I go talk to our dealer. She's being a little too chummy with the opposition. I need to remind her who she's playing for."
"Does it really matter," said Marty. But he went off with Pedro before Tomas could say anything. "So Pedro are you ready to make the big move. I have to say I'm impressed with you Miguel didn't have the guts when I approached him."
"Yes sir, I've got the men in place and we're ready to go as soon as El Jefe gives the signal," said Pedro as he went behind the bartender and mixed Marty his drink. "There you go I hope you like it."
"Perfect," said Marty as his took a sip. "Smart move following El Jefe's plan. You're going to go far and do wonders for us. I can feel it I see you've got the right savvy we're looking for. I have to admit I didn't see it when we first met but you surprised me and that's not easy."
"Thank you señor Marty," said Pedro. But Pedro was having a hard time understanding what he did that was so great. Maybe it was a big deal wherever señor Marty was from but here he only poured bourbon over ice then added water.
"Can I have a moment of your time," said Luiz. "I'm sorry mister but I need to talk with El Jefe's man for a moment so we can work out some last minute details."
"We can talk more afterwards," said Marty. "I've got my eye on you." He said Pedro still was having trouble understanding what was going on.
"Yes Señor what can I do for you?" But Luiz did say anything but waved for him to follow him. Pedro was a little nervous but followed. They went off to a private area where they were alone.
"Okay, I think you've got a package for me from El Jefe," said Luiz. He made what looked like a pistol with his fingers."
"You're the mole?" said Pedro. Luiz signalled for Pedro to keep it down. "Sorry, yes I've got this to give to you," he said as he pulled out the FN Five-seven from out from behind under his jacket. "I'm sorry I thought you and Don Alfonso were like father and son.
"We were until he decided to go legitimate. I don't know how to be a businessman, but I do know how to be a criminal. Do you know when this is supposed to go down."
"El Jefe said he was going to let them play a couple of hands then he's going to give the signal that will be the sign for our men to move in."
"Good, I passed out weapons to our men with the firing pins removed so there won't be any hostile fire. You can tell El Jefe I kept up my end of the deal now I expect him to keep up his. Wait here a few minutes then come out. It's probably better if we're not seen together."
[Meanwhile at the bar]
Jack and Casey observed El Jefe as he approached Sarah and Don Alfonso. It was almost hilarious the way he was cautious about what he said and how he acted around Don Alfonso. Finally, he tore Sarah lose and took her aside but Casey noticed Marty always had an eye on them no matter where they went.
"Listen, I expect you to do the best you can do against Jack even if he's your father. I don't want to tell you that the safety and well-being of your family in Burbank depends on it…"
"I think you just did," said Sarah as she looked at Casey. He just shrugged his shoulders. "Okay I get you've got a lot riding on this game. I don't know what you want me to say other than I'll do my best."
"I need better than your best but there is something else I'd like to hear you say. You really don't have any idea what it might be? Not after the diamonds, the jewelery and the dress?"
"Okay I'll tell you thank you if that's what you want to hear but when you put a mannequin in the window you dress her to attract customers. Isn't that what I'm doing here… window dressing?"
"You could be doing much more…" El Jefe started to say but clamed up when Marty walked over with Pedro behind him.
"Agent Carmichael, it is a pleasure to meet you," said Marty as he walked in the middle of their conversation. "I don't know if you know who I am…"
"A crooked DEA agent who thinks his boss is going to bail him out of this but is so sorely mistaken. But if you want to surrender yourself I'll be more than happy to take you end. But first I believed there's a card game that we need to get started."
"We'll start playing when I say we start," said Tomas as he looked at both of them. "We're still getting set up so everyone needs to chill out and wait."
"Tomas you don't need to get so cranky," said Sarah. "I'm going to go back over and see Colonel Casey and get a drink so if you two... I would say gentleman but neither of you are either." Sarah walked away leaving both men to talk behind her back.
"She knows who I am so she has to go," said Marty as he smiled at Sarah as she turned around. "It's as regretful as it is necessary but you brought her into this so this is really your fault. You could've had any dealer you wanted but you had to have her."
"You don't have to keep harping me on what I've to do. I know exactly what I have to do and I'm going to do it so get off my back. I won't tell you a second time."
"Is that some sort of threat," said Marty. He was smiling inside thinking about how Pedro was about to show El Serpiente who the true snake was.
"You can take it; however, you like but by the time tonight is over the cartel will be one and you're looking at their first unified president."
"Well Mr. President I expect you to do something presidential and make the right decisions so when the smoke clears the person standing is the right one."
"Like I said before, you don't have to worry about me just make sure all the wonderful things you promised me happen. You don't come through with your end I may not come through with mine."
"What's that supposed to mean," said Marty as he had to make himself chill out. He took a large gulp of his drink to settle his nerves.
"English is your first language isn't it? Because for someone who is supposed to be speaking his mother tongue it certainly seems you're have a hard time grasping onto what I'm saying. It's called I give you something and you give me something back..."
"Oh I'll be giving something all right. Just wait I'll see to it you get it priority mailed first class postage."
"Good, then we can see eye to eye on this. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go check on my men," said El Jefe oblivious to what Marty had meant when he talked back to him.
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[Back in Langley]
The General was looking at her watch waiting for X hour and it looked like it was here. She packed up everything she needed then she and Roan went down to the basement were she had her driver standing by. They drove over to Maryland. This late at night the trip over was fast with little traffic.
"Are you ready to do this and are you sure about this? Because once this is done there's no pulling it back," said Roan.
"This is a part of the plan. Is it silly to say I'm kind of excited at being included? I forgot what it feels like to be in the trenches so to speak."
"Well if it wallowing in the mud turns you on I can arrange that at my place. Sometimes it's nice to get all dirty if you know what I mean."
"I think you and I are talking about two different kinds of trenches," said the General as the DEA Headquarters came in sight.
"I don't think so Diane. If I remember correctly, you and I had some of our best times when we were in the trenches together."
"And that was before I became director. We're here so let me do the talking and you just nod you head and look pretty."
"Diane, if I didn't know better I'd say you only keep me around for my good looks. Am I a kept man? You can tell me."
"Of course not I also keep you around for your dynamite personality and your witty conversation. Not to mention you're nice eye candy," she said as she let her hand caress his back side."
"Diane, you know if you keep this up I'll have to report you to the director," he said. They both laughed as they walked into the building. The night guard stopped them in the lobby.
"Excuse me Ma'am, Sir but where are you going this late at night. All out offices are closed right now so you need to come back tomorrow."
"Son," said Roan as he flashed the man his badge. "If I were you in front of you under the counter are pictures of people you don't want to piss off. I think you need to look at the General then look at it again. Once you see the error you just made I think you might want to rephrase what you just said."
"General," said the man as he looked at the photos of the VIPs in the pass down binder. He thumbed through it until. "General... Oh crap..."
"Yes I'm General oh crap. I have reason to believe the Administrator is still here in his office. I need to talk with him urgently. You can tell him General Beckman is here to see him. He might not understand who General oh crap is."
Jordan was sitting at his desk waiting on events when he got the call from down in the lobby. At first there was a moment of panic but when the man told him she'd come with only one other agent then he started to breathe again. But it couldn't be by accident that she was here now to see him.
"Send her on up," said Jordan. He went and poured himself a drink to steady his nerves. He had a suspicion they were about to play a game of cat and mouse. The only comforting thing in her sudden visit was if she had anything on him she would've brought over a lot more men. He downed his drink then went out in the outer office to wait for her. He didn't have to wait long.
"I see I'm not the only one who burns the midnight oil," said the General as she walked in with Roan tagging along behind her. "I called over to see if you were here and they told me you were."
"Well actually I was just about to go. Is this important because I have a dinner appointment to get to and I can't let my date think I've stood her up."
"Well Jordan you might have to call her or him and say you're going to have to cancel. I need to show you something. I'm sorry the way I came off the other day but I had intel that someone high in your organization was doing some work on the side so to speak."
"Work on the side? What do you mean? I've got someone on the take in my organization? I trust everyone I work with there has to be some sort of mistake," said Jordan as he acted offended. But he knew he needed her intel."
"I know I've been in your same shoes at one time or another to find out that the people we trust the most have betrayed us. I'm sorry but I have to show you this. You might want to get a drink first then sit down."
"Here's a rum and coke," said Roan as he handed it to Jordan. "I saw the glass by the bar and I smelt it that's how I knew what you drank."
"Very good," said Jordan as he sipped it. "This is amazing you even got the proportions the same and all that from a whiff."
"It's a gift actually," said Roan. Diane cleared her throat and gave Roan a look. "Sorry you two were about to get down to brass tacks. I'll just be over here making myself a drink."
"Here watch this," said Diane as she started the video. Jordan took a gulp when he saw Marty get out of a vehicle at El Serpiente's ranch.
"What's this? I knew he was negotiating with El Serpiente. You caught me by surprise when you came in talking about a weapons sale. I questioned Marty about it and he said he'd look into it."
"Just wait and listen. I think you'll find out he knows more about the weapons then he let on. The video is bad but you can still hear the audio."
"Then you have to have a man on the inside," said Jordan. Beckman motioned for him to be quiet and listen. Marty spent almost an hour incriminating himself. "Geez, now what do I do?"
"You don't have to do anything expect tell the FBI in the morning where your Agent is. I'll be turning this all over to them. I'll let the U.S. Attorney worry if the recording is legal."
"Right you didn't have a court order now did you. There is the possibility that she'll throw it out then what do we do."
"My understanding is he's at a meeting with El Serpiente and the Mariachi this evening at an undisclosed site. I'm waiting on more tapes but I think they could be considered admissible under the Patriot Act because he is in collusion with wanted criminals who could be considered terrorists. Because of his position I might even be able to take him to Poland or Gitmo for some extreme rendition..."
"I don't know he is a US citizen and the Attorney General is kind of reluctant to send citizens to your dark sites. It's hard to sell politically."
"I know but because of the magnitude of the crime and the possible intel we could get from him... imagine all the people in law enforcement that the cartels have on their payrolls."
"I wouldn't go so far as to think that he'd know all of them."
"No but he could give us some of the higher ups he's worked with. Think about the names he'll be able to give us. I think I can sell this to the Attorney General especially if you help me."
"Me help you? What? I mean I'd need time to think about it. I don't know if this falls under our umbrella. I'm going to have to run this by our staff of lawyers."
"I just thought since this guy pulled to wool over you for evidently so long you'd want a little payback. It almost sounds like you're sorry we uncovered him?"
"No, no not at all I'm happy you did and sure call over tomorrow and we can set a time to meet the Attorney General together. Maybe it's best that you and I go in together. I'd really like to keep this on the down low anyway. It really doesn't make me look to good as you pointed out so this will help me vindicate myself and show I didn't know anything."
"That was exactly what I was thinking," said the General. "Well then I'll have my secretary call yours in the morning after I've set a time."
"That will be good and thank you for bringing this to my attention before acting on it. I hope I can return the favor someday."
"Jordan no offense but I hope I never find myself in your shoes. But I have in the past so I'm a little more cautious now."
"Maybe that's what I need to take away from this. I guess I'm just too trusting."
"I guess you are," said the General. She and Roan said good night then left. Roan started to speak but she held up her hand. "Let's wait until we're in my vehicle."
They walked outside then got in her limo then told her driver to head back over to Langley and to put the partition up.
"Well were you able to do it," asked Diane. "I saw you over there mixing drinks a lot. Please tell me you got it done before you started seeing double."
"The only time I saw double twins were involved. Of course I got it done," he said as he turned on a receiver. "Now we have ears in his office."
"See pretty and smart," said Diane as she started listening in.