Don't own Chuck

Jordan walked the General and Roan out then paced his office trying to decide what to do. Marty was compromised and there was no way he could let him come back to DC to be arrested. But he was in the middle of the game and he couldn't pull him out either. What to do he was uncertain and his anxiety was getting the best of him. He pulled out of his desk a pack of cigarettes and started smoking. It was a nasty habit he thought he'd gotten over but this stress was getting to him. He poured himself a whiskey neat then took out his phone and put it on speaker.

"Marty listen it's me. I've been thinking since Beckman has been snooping around you should fly in to Stafford Regional. I'll meet you there then and you can brief me on the way in," he said as he puffed on a cigarette.

"You sound nervous. Are you smoking again? Did Beckman come back with something else while I've been gone?"

"No, no of course not if she did I'd tell you. No, I want you to fly in there so we can keep all this out of the eye. Already Beckman is looking and after this evening there... well I just think it's better for everyone."

"All right I'll have the charter change my destination. It shouldn't affect anything. We'll be arriving at the same time," said Marty. "I need to go it looks like this show is about to get on the road. The doors to the tournament room have been opened."

"Very well go and keep an eye on things for us I'll meet you tomorrow. You can tell me all about it as we drive back into DC."

"I'll give you the highlights but I'm going to be dog tired when I get in. I can't wait to climb in my own bed and get some good rest."

"Oh I'll make sure you get all the rest you want when you get back," said Jordan as he took a puff then a sip. He forgot how nasty cigarettes made his mouth feel he couldn't taste the whiskey.

"You ought to put those cancer sticks away. They're going to kill you one of these days and you remember how hard it was the last time you quit. Listen, I really have to go. I'll see you tomorrow morning as planned. If any changes come up, I'll give you a call.

"Roger that," said Jordan as he hung up. He sat back in his chair and looked out the window at all the lights. Marty had been a good soldier but he'd outlived his usefulness.

"Sorry Marty," said Jordan as he reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a Walther PPK. He sat his whiskey glass on his desk then checked the weapon and magazine then put the clip back in housing the first round.

"Why go home," he thought to himself. "I can just wait here then drive out to the airport." He took one last puff then put the cigarette out. It truly was a nasty habit he thought but they were his best friends too and along with Makers Mark helped him take the edge off his problems.

"Marty's probably right," said Jordan as he held up the pack of cigarettes. "One of these days you're going to be the death of me. Until next time," he said as he tossed them back into his desk drawer. He finished off his glass then leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes thinking about all the money he was about to make. In his dream he was Uncle Scrooge diving into his vault of money.

[Meanwhile outside the Casino]

Chuck had waited long enough he was ready to put his plan into action. Lying under the van he waited until the weapons had been distributed and the men had disbursed. There were only two men left with the van and one was listening to a soccer match on the radio.

"Pablo, will you turn that thing off and come out here and help me keep watch. You know if El Jefe catches you he won't be happy."

"The only way El Jefe will know is if some loud mouth by the name of Filipe opens that cave he's got for a mouth and blabbers. Just let me finish. The game is almost over and I've a hundred bucks riding on Tijuana. If they win I'll buy you a beer after we get off work."

"But you never win," said Filipe. "Hey did you hear that. I thought I heard something on the other side of the van."

"Goal!" yelled Pablo. "What did you say? I didn't hear you. Filipe, what did you say? Come on this isn't funny," he said as he got out of the van and walked around behind but Filipe was nowhere to be found. "Okay I get your point now come out this isn't funny."

"Duérmete niño Duérmete ya que viene el coco y te llevará. Duérmete niño Duérmete ya que viene el coco y te comerá." [Sleep my baby, Sleep, baby, do! The bogeyman's coming and he will take you.
Sleep my baby, Sleep, baby, do! The bogeyman's coming and he will eat you.] Everyone one heard in their earpiece.

"El Cucuy," said Pablo he went running around the back of the van only to run square into the back door that was open. He made a loud ping when he hit the door head on then a loud thud when he hit the ground.

"Thank you Pablo for helping me out," said Chuck. He took the man's shoes off and used his laces to ties his hands behind his back then stuffed one of his socks in his mouth. After he was done he rolled him under the van to be with his partner Filipe that Chuck had taken out earlier.

"Okay two down and about twenty or so more to go piece of cake," said Chuck as reached in the back of the van and pulled out the case of grenades he'd carried out before they left.

"These put a whole new spin on rock, paper, scissors," said Chuck as he tossed a couple in his pockets then took two more for good measure.

[Back inside]

Inside the casino the room where the poker tournament was to be held opened up and people started walking. Sarah was about to go in when she noticed Pedro touch his ear then looking around she saw almost all of El Jefe's men doing the same thing and the look on their faces was nothing short of terror. Sarah looked over at Casey and he nodded back. He'd seen the same thing.

"You need to go in," said Tomas but as he was talking to Sarah Pedro came over and whispered in his ear.

"What? Take some men and go find the intruder then once we're all inside lock the doors so no one can get in," said El Jefe. Pedro nodded.

"Or is it so no one can get out," said Sarah. "It looks like your men are running a little scared Tomas. Have they seen a ghost?"

"There will be plenty of ghosts here very soon. Now get inside and win. I don't want to hear anything about the luck of the cards. You've only got to cheat better than Jack."

"Is there something wrong," asked Marty as he came over with two glasses of champagne. "Here this is for you," he said as he handed it to Sarah.

"Thanks but I never mix business with pleasure. Here Tomas I think you could use this," said Sarah as she handed it to El Jefe.

"No, don't drink that," he said as he took the glass from Tomas. "You know this is a little flat. Let me get you a fresh one," said Marty then he quickly disappeared.

"I guess your father was right when he said the champagne wasn't top shelf. I'm going to have to talk to my supplier."

"It might've come from the top shelf but from the apothecary," said Sarah. "Well you can tell Marty to stop trying to kill me until after the game is over. I've a tournament to win."

Everyone was herded into the poker room and the sides were laid out. However, people started getting nervous when the doors closed behind them and they heard the sound of the door bolt.

"I'm sorry," announced Tomas. "But there seems to be an unwanted guest on the grounds. The doors have been locked for our privacy and our safety. My men are taking care of the situation as we speak. If there are no questions or concerns let the game begin and may the best side win," said Tomas.

"Yeah sure let the best side win as long as it's his," said Casey. "Hey you dressed up in the waiter's get up. I could use a beer… you know a cerveza cold?"

"Make that two Coronas also bring us lemon wedges and salt," said Don Alfonso. "You don't want me to get angry do you?" The man scooted off and it wasn't long before he came back with the two beers and lemon.

"Thanks, I guess it helps to be the boss," said Casey as he watched Don Alfonso dress his bottle rubbing salt on the top then squeezing the lemon inside then shoving it in the bottle.

"Try it you might like it. Corona is the only beer I'd do this with. It just goes but what you said about being the Boss… well Colonel you should know all about RHIP."

"Rank does have its privileges yeah I get that," said Casey as he set up his bottle then tried it. "You know you're right not bad. You know I'm going to regret having to bring you in."

"You're more than welcome to try but my lawyers would have me out in no time then we'd draw the case out so long that after a certain point it wouldn't matter anymore. You should come work for me. Luiz over there is putting on a pretty face to make me feel good about my plan to go legitimate but I know he's not happy with it..."

"That's what all this is about? You want to go legitimate?" said Casey. He suddenly got an idea what was going on and why. "What if I told you there was a plot here to take you out?"

"I wouldn't be that surprised," said Don Alfonso as they went over to the table. Jack pulled out the chair for Sarah and she sat down. He walked over to the other side and then they brought in a fresh deck of cards Joe took them.

"House deals then you cut to see who begins. High card is the winner, are there any questions before we begin," said Joe. They both shook their heads. "Very well I will do the initial shuffle," he said as he mixed the cards. He placed the deck in the middle of the table. Jack drew a king and Sarah drew a queen.

"High card is king of hearts. Jack you deal Sarah you are the small blind. At this point I am out and you two have command of the play. May the best poker player win.

"Thank you. Jack your first deal," said Sarah. Jack shuffled the cards she cut then they he dealt out the first two cards face down. Sarah opened up the betting with a thousand-dollar chip. Jack saw her and raised her another grand then he dealt out the flop.

[Outside]

Things were starting to get out of hand for Pedro. He sent men out but they disappeared then he'd send more out and they were gone too. Chuck walked in the back door through the kitchen. He bowed to the Chef.

"I have to say that was an excellent lunch you prepared today. Do you mind if I take this," he said as he took the mop. He broke the end off then broke it again. He looked at them and flashed. He had two Escrima fighting sticks. Five men charged him in the kitchen

"It's El Cucuy," said one of them as he started to run but Pedro was there pointing a pistol in the man's face.

"Get back there and fight," he yelled. "Out of my way I'll show you all how it's done." Pedro started to raise his weapon but Chuck batted it out of his hand. Pedro tried to throw a punch but Chuck blocked it with the one stick then landed a wicked whack across the face that sent him reeling. The other men joined in to defend Pedro but Chuck block and landed blows to their kneecaps and elbows. They sounded like a bowl of rice krispies as they went snap, crackle, pop.

"Guys, have you had enough," asked Chuck but as he was dealing with Pedro's goons. Pedro snuck around and picked up his weapon and pointed it at Chuck.

"I don't know if you are this El Cucuy or just some guy named Chuck but I'm about to send you to hell. Say your prayers," said Pedro as he pulled the trigger but the pistol went click then nothing.

"Nice speech there Pedro but don't you feel a little stupid now that this happened. You know what I've got to do don't you? El Cucuy would eat you right now. You all," said Chuck as the men on the floor limped away as fast as they could. Pedro start to run.

"Not so fast there buddy. You and I've got work to do," said Chuck as he grabbed Pedro by the collar pulling him back in. "Oh Chef, the other day the cheese and bread that went missing that was me. Sorry, but I was hungry and that was really good. I grabbed a bottle of wine from the cellar, chardonnay and it was really good together. I personally prefer a Rombauer myself..."

"It's a good American wine and the combinations naturally go well with each other. Might I suggest next time try that with some olives. I prefer Italian black olives, Olive di Gaeta. They're small and tasty."

"Thank you I will have to try them," said Chuck. Pedro began to moan as the pain in what he was sure was his now broken hand came back.

"You can torture me as much as you like but I'm not helping you," said Pedro. "There's nothing you can do to get me to turn on El Jefe."

"I don't have to. You see Marty in there thinks you tipped him off to the move to tonight so sooner or later he's going to whack El Jefe because he wants you to take over the organization."

"That's just crazy talk now. Why would he..." but as he was talking he remembered some of the things Marty had told him privately. "Oh crap you set me up."

"Yes, and as soon as Marty lets the cat out of the bag what do you think El Jefe is going to do to you. If you think 'stick your hand in the deep fryer' that would be a good beginning. Didn't I hear something about Cesar's pigs? You'd be the first live meat they'd be given to eat. I don't need for you to do anything major I just need for you to radio El Jefe and tell him everything is taken care of and that you're coming inside. You go open the door to the poker tournament then I let you leave."

"That's it then I can go away? You'll let me go? Wait a minute how do I know you're not going to do to me what you did to Lucas?"

"Lucas touched Sarah and sent killers after our family. For that he paid and when I say paid I mean paid. So what will it be Pedro? I'm going inside one way or another. If I have to go in unannounced El Serpiente could slitter away and if he's already figured out Marty's little plan it won't be just me he comes looking for." Chuck picked up a radio off the floor then held it out.

"Juan, it's me I need to talk to El Jefe," said Pedro. He looked at Chuck trying to figure out who he was when El Jefe came on.

"What's going on? I need to get back to watch the game. The first hand is over and they've just laid down bets for the turn. We're almost there."

"I just wanted to tell you it was nothing just one of the guys screwing around thinking he was funny. He didn't know he was speaking into an open mic. I'm coming back inside."

"Okay get in here on the double. Everyone listen up be ready and standby for my signal," radioed El Jefe as both Marty and Luiz came walking over. Neither seemed that much concerned about being seen with El Jefe.

"So what's the news about the intruder alert," said Marty which was exactly what Luiz wanted to know. "Isn't it about time that we move on and activate the plan."

"Just a few moments and we will. I just got a report from outside saying that it was a false alarm. There never was any intruder so everyone can take a deep breath. Like I told you before don't rush me I will act when the time is right and we're almost there. Luiz don't look now but Don Alfonso is looking for you. You'd better move away but we're almost ready..."

"Where's your man Pedro I thought you'd have him here," said Marty. "Not that I pretend to tell you how to use your men..."

"That would be a first. But he's on his way back in, do you want me to have him bring you a bourbon and branch water? I think all the mixes got left at the bar."

"No don't bother him with that. He'll miss all the excitement and I think you need him here for that," said Marty. El Jefe could tell there was something else going on there then he remembered Marty saying a little bird had told him about the date being moved.

"Right... Pedro... right. My right hand man. I don't know what I would do without Rufus. That's what we all call him. Yes, that's what we call him among other things."

[Back at Castle]

Sam and Molly sat at the conference table with Zondra and Morgan. Alex and Emma were on a milk run to Echo Park. Kat went home to pick up dinner and wait for Emma and Alex to swing by and collect her at the end. Kat had a stew in the freezer and while she was waiting she whipped up some noodles to go with it.

"I don't know why we can't have ice cream for supper," said Sam as she watched Molly shuffle a deck of cards.

"Do you want to play a hand guys," said Molly. "Or are you a bunch of Fraidy cats. We're all friends so we can have a friendly game."

"Why do I have a feeling like I'm about to be taken to the cleaners," said Morgan as Molly passed out two cards face down. Sam tossed in the Little Blind then Morgan as Big Blind checked the bet. Molly dealt out the flop.

"Now things are starting to get interesting," said Molly as she arranged her cards. Then Sam started the betting again. Morgan saw and so did Zondra. Molly saw and raised. Sam folded.

By the time everyone got back Morgan wasn't doing very well. Zondra managed to hold her own but Sam and Molly were cleaning Morgan out.

"That's it I'm finished. You two cleaned me out," said Morgan as Emma walked in with Kat and Alex following behind her.

"Excuse me but is anyone checking on Bunny," said Emma. Sam and Molly pointed to the monitor that had a view from detention. Bunny was fast asleep. "Okay but what have I told you two about gambling? You don't take your friends' money. I want you two to give it all back. I'm very disappointed with both of you."

"Money? What money? We were playing for toothpicks. If we were playing for money Morgan would have to take out a mortgage on his home."

"Morgan, can I give you some friendly advice," said Sam. "Don't take this the wrong way but you really suck at cards..."

"Sam, where did you pick up language like that," said Emma. "It's not nice to tell someone they 'suck at something.'"

"But he does," said Sam. "No offense intended but Morgan, if we'd been playing for money you'd be in your underwear right now. If you ever think about going to Los Vegas and want to play a hand of poker... don't because..."

"I get it I suck. But you know what they say. Unlucky with cards lucky with love and I've got my love right here," said Morgan. "Isn't that right Alex?" Alex walked in the middle of their conversation.

"Depends if you've lost the deed to our house. If you did you're going to be sleeping in detention for a while back. Mom told me to tell you guys food is ready and you need to come if you want to eat."

"I wonder what Mommy and Chuck are eating," said Sam. "I was mean to Mommy before I hope she knows I didn't mean it."

"I'm sure she does squirt," said Zondra. "Come one we need to hurry up before Morgan eats everything up and leaves us these toothpicks to eat."

"Then we'll have to eat ice cream."