The final chapter will things work out and come to an end and what will be that something that will never be given up on. Enjoy and review. Mssupertigz
Chapter 8
Andy quickly sat down at her computer and brought up a screen showing Chuck what she had found. "I think that dad has been trying to contact us ever since you found the system at the cabin. I have been hearing some kind of beacon going off and when I inquire it seems to be moving."
Chuck sat down beside Andy and grabbed the keyboard bringing up a map. He typed a few commands and located the beacon as it hovered over an area the size of Long Island. He looked at his sister then at Sarah. "It's a start."
Chuck zoomed in to see what was near by then called Casey.
Casey ran in then looked at what Chuck was staring at. "Can you see what's here?"
Casey leaned in. "Yeah, I can make a few calls."
He left leaving Sarah wondering what this was going to bring and what did she have to prepare herself for now.
Chuck got up and left Andy's room when Casey came back with a location and headed down the stairs following his mom. They seemed to be on the same page. They stopped shy of a large door that led to another staircase. Chuck looked at his mom. "If you're waiting for an answer, I'm not ready to give you one." Mary was startled by this but responded. "Your totally right. We can start by getting your father back." Sarah joined them as Mary unlocked the door, opening it up to a large room with tall shelves stocked to the ceiling all containing black legal boxes. Sarah grabbed Chuck's hand as Andy passed them going towards a glass wall. Chuck looked at Sarah. Chuck smiled. Sarah kissed him as they headed in. Casey soon followed Andy into the glass room. "A full arsenal."
"Help yourself Major." Mary smiled. Casey answered. "I will thanks." Casey grabbed a few smoke bombs, guns, rifles and as many handguns to fill his pockets. He grabbed a vest and loaded up looking over at Andy. She was dressed in a full vest. She looked up. "This isn't my first rodeo; this is a piece of cake."
Casey grunted a smile back at her. "Have you thought about joining the NSA?"
Andy grabbed a few more magazines and followed him out.
Sarah grabbed a few guns and a hand full of knives as they were her specialty. Chuck remained back looking at the guns. He picked up a few then put them down. Sarah walked over to him. "You don't have too." Then Sarah looked at the guns he had chosen and smiled. They weren't killing guns but tranq guns. She looked at him. "I love you."
"I love you too." Mary looked up at them then walked out. They headed upstairs meeting Mary's two bodyguards and jumped into a van and rode to an abandon airfield.
Chuck looked at the people in the van. They were the most important people in his life, even at one point were the center of his universe. He looked at Sarah who was the love of his life. Casey his new best friend. Andy his little sister and his mom. This could be all over today and he'd be back home, and this nightmare would be over, or it could open up another door that once it was open it couldn't be closed.
Mary had her helicopter ready, and they flew to where Chuck believed the beacon was pinning from. Chuck walked over to Casey as Casey got his guns ready. "Can you keep an eye on Andy and keep my mom at arms length."
Casey looked at him. "You don't trust her."
"Would that be bad if I didn't."
Casey looked at him. "No that's what makes you a good soldier."
Chuck padded Casey's shoulder with a closed fist. Chuck turned then turned back. "Casey, thanks for taking care of Sarah while I was gone."
"You never give up on a good thing and if it were me, you would have done the same thing and it was my pleasure. Chuck and Sarah stood facing the others as Sarah looked around for a ride. Sarah waved at Chuck getting a hit and hot wiring a car leaving Casey to go with Mary and Andy. Chuck headed towards Sarah as Andy called out to him. Running she caught up to him. "Chuck." Chuck turned around. "Be careful."
"I will."
"I just got you back." Chuck smiled.
"Bartowski's always stick together."
Chuck hugged his little sister, then got into the car with Sarah. They turned around and sped into the distance.
They drove for an hour as Sarah pulled over to the side of the road. Chuck got out as Sarah turned the car off. He grabbed the map and laid it on the hood of the car. "Andy said that the beacon started going off here."
"Which puts us here." As Sarah pointed to the map.
"Right, but then it moved."
As Sarah dragged her finger across the map looking at Chuck giving her a look to stop.
Chuck leaned in and looked at the map. Circling the area, he looked up at Sarah. "It has to be a building, but all that is here is trees."
"Then it has to be under ground?"
Chuck turned and grabbed a pair of binoculars from his bag and looked along the horizon. Sarah looked down the road. "I think we have company. Help me roll this car into the trees." Chuck pushed as Sarah steered the car not wanting to start it. They let it roll and hid nearby. A dark truck drove by and stopped shy of where Chuck and Sarah were hiding. A muffled voice could be heard at first then as they came closer. "Your seeing things." "Maybe I am." Sarah laid her head parallel to the ground and saw their feet. She got her gun ready. "We better head back."
They heard them walk back towards the truck. Sarah got up and rolled out of the hiding spot, then Chuck followed and crawled up to the back of the jeep. Chuck watched as she switched on a small device and attached it to the back bumper.
Then rolled back just in time as the truck turned around, once more shining their large light in their direction. They both ducked again as the lights beam shone just above their heads. The truck disappeared as Sarah looked up. "Let's go Chuck."
Chuck helped push the car back out as Sarah gunned it. "Chuck got in." Sarah tossed him her phone. "See where they went, and we will follow them. It's obvious that they work for someone who doesn't want to be found."
They followed the tracker and came upon a small, deserted town. Chuck looked at the sign and flashed. "Käppele, Volkoff industries bought this area forcing the people who moved here to either work for him or move." Sarah pulled over and called Casey. "Hey Chuck and I are in Käppele we followed some men that came by and we tracked them here. Chuck flashed on Volkoff and that he bought this town or forced the people out of here." They could hear Mary. "He mentioned once that he planned to build an empire. So, look for a building or." Chuck looked up ahead. "Would a castle do it." Casey looked at Mary. Mary turned toward the phone. "It could."
"Andy?"
"Yeah Chuck."
"See if you can find any hidden buildings other than the castle, maybe a hidden entrance or something, the infra red stuff."
Andy sat back with her laptop and started searching the area hacking into satellites. "We'll call you back." Casey put the phone to his face. Chuck and Sarah sat back and waited.
Fifteen minutes later Chuck got a text. "We are on our way, be there by morning. Chuck looked up. "Looks like we have a hit, they will be here by morning."
Chuck looked at his phone then at Sarah. Sarah looked at him. "Get some sleep." Chuck looked at her. "Really, sleep?"
"Well, there's not much else we can do till they get here."
Chuck grabbed her hand and kissed it. "Are you sure?" Sarah smiled and leaned back in her seat and slid up and over to sit on Chuck's lap. Sarah reached down and released his seat making him fall back. Chuck looked up at her. She slowly unbuttoned his shirt and looked at him. "Do you know how many times I wished we could have done this on a mission." She released another button. Chuck looked at his shirt. "No tell me."
"The one where we were going after Mei – Ling." Sarah released another button. She leaned back slightly releasing his shirt as it clung to his body, then released his belt. Chuck lifted Sarah shirt over her head as she worked taking her jacket off. He grabbed her breasts and kissed them. He kissed her lips. "Mission sex. I like this."
"Shut up and kiss me."
"Yes ma'am."
Chuck held her body close to his. As the seat fell back further it allowed Sarah to remove the rest of their clothes. The sensation overwhelmed them both. Maybe it was the thrill or the need to be together.
Chuck watched the love of his life look at him. He loved how they moved together, touched each other and held each other. Chuck sat up knowing that nothing could ever separate them again. He looked at her. "I love you."
"I love you too."
They got dressed and held each other as Sarah leaned into him stretching her legs over to the other seat.
Chuck woke hours later and got up to relieve himself. When he came back, he saw that someone had a gun pointed at Sarah. Sarah caught his eye as she shook her head hoping that he wouldn't flash. The taller guy motioned with his gun and led Sarah down a rocky path. Chuck kept his distance as he followed her watching her till, she slipped out of view. Chuck heard his phone beep. Andy had found a way in. it was like she had read his mind. Chuck could see shadows leaving the area and headed in that direction.
Stephen looked up from working on the other Intersect. He welcomed the distraction but when he saw who they were bringing in he instantly was concerned. He saw her face and knew that his son wasn't dead. He had a feeling that there would be no other reason why Agent Sarah Walker would be walking down into this dark abandon castle basement. He kept his eyes low as Sarah was forced to sit down. "Back to work Bartowski." The taller man left. Both Stephen and Sarah watched as he left.
Sarah got up and walked over to Stephen. "Mr. Bartowski I am."
"I know who you are, and you wouldn't be here unless my son was still alive."
"He is, they took me and he's outside."
"He's okay and you?"
"Yes, but we don't have much time."
"How did you find me?"
Sarah crouched down and started picking the lock that was attached to a chain that chained his ankle.
Sarah got up. "You will know everything once we are out of here."
"Where's Chuck?"
Sarah gave a little smile as the chain fell to the ground. Stephen got up a bit shaky and grabbed the device and headed out. As they headed out Volkoff's goons were blocking the exit, then Volkoff appeared. Sarah looked at him and the years hadn't been good to him. He looked older than she had pictured but I guess when you have all the money you want looks don't mean a thing.
"Where are we going Stephen and who is this lady?"
Sarah turned around and Volkoff's face went long. He didn't expect to see Agent Walker standing in front of him. He composed himself as he tried to hide his guilt, but Sarah was good at reading people. He cleared his throat. "Agent Walker what brings you here. I heard my men had captured someone, but they didn't say who it was. And Stephen, you're leaving me too?"
"I am done."
Volkoff raised his voice. "Far from it." You owe me an Intersect and I am going to get one, and if you and the Agent have to die then so be it."
The men shoved Stephen and pried the Intersect capsule from his arms, forcing the two of them to sit down.
Volkoff walked up to the two and took the capsule and looked at it. "Is it ready?"
Stephen looked at him. "It will do."
Stephen looked at Sarah and whispered. "When he opens it, shield your eyes and run."
Volkoff set the capsule on the table and set the switch. "Sorry that your son couldn't do this for me, it was a waste that he had lose his life but sometimes good comes out of it. Now I can have the Intersect for myself and when I am done with it, I am done with you. It has been a pleasure, too bad that it had to take over twenty years to make it happen. You never learn, if you gave me what I wanted back then, your son, and family would be safe and alive."
Chuck crept further hearing voices and catching the last few words of Volkoff's speech. Chuck saw Volkoff set up the capsule and waited for it to start up. Chuck looked at the device and it was not like what he had uploaded, but maybe he thought it was just one of the ways that the Intersect could be uploaded. But why would his dad make another one unless he was force to but still why would he go to all that trouble. Chuck looked at the device again and noticed the same set up as was in a flash he had back at the cabin. He came to and knew that it was a fake and not the original. Chuck looked up to see Sarah and his dad sitting with their backs to him. Chuck crept to get a better look at the system and get the attention of Sarah and his dad. Chuck managed to sneak past the men and come in behind. Sarah looked up and made a subtle cough getting Stephen's attention. Stephen looked up and saw his son. His eyes watered with happiness and joy. Chuck looked at Sarah and made some consensus to what to do next. Stephen sat up then stood up as a handheld him back. "If you want this to work, I need to set it up." Volkoff stepped back as Stephen walked up to it and tinkered with a few buttons and made it sound like it was ready to go. It made a soft sound like a computer starting up. The cube inside the capsule spun and turned, lightening up which made Volkoff excited. Volkoff stood in front of the capsule. Stephen stepped back." When your ready press this button. The system will go dark then a bright light will appear. Don't close your eyes or it won't work."
"Tsk! I know what it does, don't make me look stupid."
Stephen looked at Sarah then at Chuck as he finally saw his dad. "Again, when the system goes dark, and a light appears."
"I know."
Volkoff looked at the system. "I have been waiting a long time for this."
Stephen stepped back grabbing Sarah's wrist. Sarah stepped back and watched what Stephen said would happen. The room got dark then a bright light lit up the room. Stephen looked at Sarah. "Run!" Sarah didn't have to be told twice. She ran in the direction that she had come from. She saw Chuck and yelled. "Run!"
Chuck saw Sarah and his dad and as they passed, he followed.
Casey pulled up to the coordinates and followed Mary and Andy down the rocky path. Mary followed the path and saw a shadow getting her gun ready. Sarah came
around the corner and ran up the steps. "Where's Chuck?"
Sarah looked back and she was sure that he was behind her.
Chuck followed then stopped. "Dad the Intersect!"
Stephen stopped and turned. "Don't worry, it's not the real one. You have the real one and always will."
"But the explosion and me being dead and all."
"I never really felt that you were dead, when he came back so soon and then when I saw Agent Walker, I knew that I was right. You did survive so I made one for him and as far as he needs to know it is real."
"What is going to happen."
"I don't want to be here to find out. We need to get out of here now."
Stephen stopped in front of Chuck. "It's good to see you." He padded his shoulder and smiled.
Mary looked at Sarah as she came up the steps and looked behind her and heard an explosion. The four looked behind them as the far walls of the castle lit up like the fourth of July. Sarah ran back to the steps and was stopped by dust and smoke. She fell to the ground as the fears and anguish overcame her. All the emotions she felt months ago came rushing back. She yelled and screamed down the steps. Casey grabbed her as Andy held her in a tight embrace. Mary looked at Casey. Casey waited till the dust settled and stepped towards the opening. Looking up he saw a faint shadowy figure coming up the steps. Casey looked up and behind him. "Sarah."
Sarah turned to face Casey. Casey saw an older looking version of Chuck and reached out and grabbed his hand. Stephen looked up. "Major."
Casey grunted a smile. Then saw Chuck coming behind him. Casey grabbed his hand and pulled him up. Sarah ran towards Casey and fell into Chuck's arms. "I'm okay."
Andy ran into Stephen's arms as Mary slipped her arms around him as well. Casey felt a bit left out of the reunion, so Chuck walked over to him. "Thanks Casey."
Casey felt a bit better. Andy ran over and hugged Chuck. "I'm okay."
Stephen looked around. "We better get out of here; this place will have Interpol here in no time."
Mary laid out fresh clothes for Stephen to wear as he showered and shaved. He came out and embraced Mary. "It's over."
"Is it really?"
"He's dead and he will never hurt anyone in my family again."
They held each other for a bit longer.
"So, Chuck and Andy?"
Mary grabbed his wet towel. "To peas in the same pod."
"And Ellie?"
Mary looked at him. "She still thinks Chuck is dead."
Stephen sat down.
"When we brought Chuck here and he recovered he went back looking for Sarah and then told Casey. They agreed that Ellie wouldn't be told anything till the threat was taken care of. Chuck came back here, and he found out that Andy was his sister which was a whole other situation. He also wanted to know why we left and through out all that Andy and he managed to find you. "
"So, he's not talking to you?"
Mary went quiet.
"Did you expect him to just welcome us and say all is good. He's a Bartowski."
Mary wiped a tear despite being an iron soul. Stephen put his arm around her. "One day."
Days later
Chuck kept his distance as his family sat waiting for their flight to LA. Chuck had stepped away to speak with Beckman as Casey kept an eye on Chuck's family. Sarah hated standing by and seeing Chuck go through all of this and not being able to help. His words still haunted her when he looked at her and told her as they left for the airport, that he'd rather be dead, than tell his sister that he was alive this whole time and that his parents were spies. She knew he didn't mean what he had said. He wouldn't want to put her through that, but it was one of many things that had put a wedge in their relationship since getting his dad back. Sarah remembered waking up a few nights ago hearing Chuck and his parents arguing about everything and Andy trying to mend the whole situation. Sarah got up and when Chuck walked past her, all he said was 'don't'.
Chuck walked out putting his phone into his pocket. He looked at his family then at Sarah. He walked up to her and grabbed her hand. His eye showed pain, his body was tired, and his spirit flickered with little hope. Sarah placed her hand on his. He looked at her. "I'm so sorry for what I said. I would never want to leave you again and even hypothetically saying it is not what you need to hear from me. I don't know what to do." He leaned in and rested his head on her shoulder and slid his arms around her. Sarah slid her arms around him. "You don't have to do anything. Casey and I will go talk to Ellie first okay."
Sarah felt Chuck head nod. She kissed his temple and brought him closer.
Casey walked up to them. "We can board now."
Chuck looked at Sarah as Sarah kissed his lips. "I love you."
"I love you too, I really do."
Sarah took Chuck's hand and held his hand tight as they boarded the plane.
LA next day
Sarah took Stephen, Mary and Andy down to their room two floors below Sarah's place at Maison23. Beckman had made arrangements to have a security detail on call and having Sarah there made it easier to do that. Chuck went upstairs to her room leaving Sarah to answer the many questions.
"Everything you need is here. If you need anything else just ask the detail outside. We can't take any chances. Casey and I will head over to Ellie's in a few hours and will call and let you know when it will be a good time. We are not expecting an instant reunion."
Stephen looked at her. "No, wouldn't think it would be. Is Chuck going too?"
Sarah walked to the door. "Not sure, how this will play out for him either." Sarah grabbed the door. "Get some sleep."
Mary came to the door. "Sarah."
Sarah turned around.
"Thank you. I don't say it enough but thank you for loving our son and looking out for him and Ellie."
Sarah smiled. "Get some sleep."
Sarah headed to the stairs. Hearing her phone, she stopped shy of the door. "Yeah Casey….I think so….I hope so."
She put her phone away and opened the stairwell door and got halfway up and collapsed on the steps. Tears and shaking over came her. Her tears got the best of the veteran agent. The quietness of the stair well echoed the tears and sobs. She hadn't cried like that since Chuck was gone and she had to tell Ellie and Devon that he was gone. Now in a few hours she had to tell them that he wasn't dead, and it was just a huge. 'A huge what? What do I tell her? How is she going to react? And Chuck, poor Chuck what can I do for him. She broke down again and finally her breathing settled and as she wiped her eyes then dragged her hands over her jeans. She got up and headed to her room. Chuck had ordered Chinese, which was a surprise, she didn't think that she was gone that long. He grabbed a carton and sat down by the window and she joined him. They ate in silence and made love just to feel connected, but it was more than making love it was to make sure that they knew that they were committed, and nothing was going to ruin it again.
The next morning
Sarah grabbed her jacket as they headed to her car. Chuck sat back watching the scenery of the ride back to Echo Park disappear along with his thoughts. He wanted not to think, maybe not to feel but when Sarah grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze it was all he needed.
Sarah drove into the back and shut the car off and sat in silence till she knew it was okay to go. She got out and walked over to Chuck's side. Chuck looked at her. "Casey and I will go in and talk to her then I will call you okay." Sarah leaned in and kissed Chuck.
Chuck watched as Sarah rounded the trees towards the walkway that led to his place.
Casey walked out of his apartment. "Where's Chuck?"
"He's in the back."
"How is he?"
"A wreck."
"And you?"
"I will be glad when everything is out in the open."
Casey grunted then nodded.
Sarah nervously walked up to the door and knocked. The two waited then as the door opened and a cheerful Ellie opened the door. Their guts got another punch to them.
"Hey guys, good morning."
"Can we come in?"
"Sure."
Sarah and Casey walked in. "Devon, Sarah and Casey are here."
Devon walked out. Sarah smiled. "We aren't interrupting, are we?"
"No, we finally have a day off and we planned not to do anything eventful today."
Sarah looked at Casey. She could have vomited.
"What brings you two here. Haven't seen you around for awhile."
"I have been out of town."
Casey looked at them. "Been busy working."
"Coffee?"
"In a bit. Sit, we need to tell you both something and it might not make a whole lot of sense. It didn't to us for the longest time."
Ellie put up a strong front. "Okay."
Sarah sat up straighter looking at Ellie and began to speak. "Ellie what we are about to tell you will be a huge surprise, but we also want you and Devon to keep an open mind till we tell you everything, then you can ask us anything you need to ask us. Okay."
Ellie looked nervous as she looked around the room.
"About a year ago Bryce Larkin sent Chuck an email on his birthday. This email had contained highly sensitive Government files. This email was stolen from the DNI. Bryce was following orders from an Agent and because of that Chuck was the one who received the email. Once Chuck opened the email all the files and documents that were included in it, we're embedded and uploaded into his brain." Ellie laughed.
Sarah continued. "These files were part of a project called Sandwall led by a team on a mission called Omaha. Once the files were reported stolen, John Casey by orders from the Secretary of Defence shot and killed Bryce Larkin."
"Bryce Larkin from Connecticut, he was a spy?"
Sarah nodded. Ellie replied. "This just gets better." As she clasped her hand in front of her face. Devon squeezed her leg.
"Once Chuck opened the email, he knew things that no one should know. He had knowledge of Top-Secret Intel, names and files. John was sent by the NSA to locate the missing files assuming that they were just a file on a hard drive. And I was sent by the CIA to do the same. It was not until Chuck explained to us after a huge misunderstanding that he didn't have a hard drive or that the files were saved. Then once our orders changed, John and I were signed his detail and we're to assigned to protect him at all costs and in return keep him safe and his family."
Ellie stood up. "Well, I guess you failed." Sarah sat straighter. "Ellie please sit down."
Sarah waited till Ellie sat down. You could feel the anger building up. Sarah stuck with her guns and kept talking. "About six months ago the three of us were on a mission where we followed a lead which led us to a warehouse downtown. Unbeknownst to us the place was rigged, and Chuck and I were caught up in an explosion and the result of that explosion Chuck died." Ellie looked up. "After I recovered and got back into looking into his death. I got a few letters in an envelope to meet someone who knew a lot about Chuck and I. So, I had to follow through as it was a lead and anything at this point was better than nothing. I needed to get some answers or better yet closure. So, I followed their instructions and it led me to a cabin north of here. When I got out."
Ellie looked at Devon then back at Sarah. "Ellie, Chuck is alive. Chuck sent the letters and when I saw him, I couldn't believe it."
"He's alive? Where is he?"
Sarah continued to talk. "Ellie once we found out where he went and how serious his injuries were. He told us that your mother and her team came to rescue us from the blaze."
"My mom? This just gets better. So, you're probably going to tell me that my dad was involved as well."
John looked at Sarah. Sarah got up and walked to the door, she grabbed her phone then left. Chuck stared out the window till he heard his phone ring. He locked the car and got out of the car. He hadn't walked through that door in six months. Chuck walked towards the fountain where Sarah met him just shy of the fountain.
He saw the look on her face. "It's not going well, is it?"
"No." Sarah hugged Chuck.
"What have you told her?"
"That you uploaded a file from Bryce, that he was dead, that your mom and dad are alive."
"Well, that's a lot."
Sarah leaned back. "There's no point in telling her anymore till she sees you. When Ellie is ready, she can come by the hotel to meet them."
Chuck took Sarah's hand and walked towards the door.
Ellie paced the floor as Devon tried to converse with Casey. "It's all true?"
"Yeah, hard to believe, but there's so much more to this and every day we are learning something new."
"How's Chuck?"
Just then the door opened, and Ellie stopped, turned and stared at Chuck. His hair was longer reminding her of the animal shapes it makes when it is longer. Ellie noticed that he had a slight limp and that he was holding Sarah's hand.
Sarah closed the door as Devon was the first to greet him. "It's so good to see you." They hugged as Chuck eventually walked back still holding Sarah's hand and Sarah holding his arm in a slight hug. Ellie walked up to her little brother and carefully touched him making sure that he was real. Sarah let go and urged Chuck to move forward. Ellie eventually hugged him. Ellie cried, sobbed as she held her brother. Chuck tried not to cry but as hard as he tried not too, he couldn't. So, he closed his eyes to prevent it from happening. John grabbed Devon and headed next door. Ellie finally let go of Chuck and took his hand and sat down. She continued to look at him. Sarah walked towards the door. Chuck grabbed her hand. "You got this; I'll be outside." Sarah touched his face then kissed him and headed outside. Chuck sat down nervous but excited at the same time. Ellie looked at her little brother continuing to touch him, retracing the memories of what she remembered. She looked at him. "How?"
"What did Sarah tell you?"
"Bryce, a bomb, files, mom and dad?"
Chuck looked at her. "The bomb did go off, but it wasn't until recently that it wasn't for me but intended for Sarah. Those responsible wanted me and what I knew. And they figured that if they got rid of her and Casey then they would have me. Mom and dad do work for the CIA, always have. Mom's an agent and dad was at the 1st an engineer then turned agent. Dad created what is now in my head. Years ago, people whom dad worked with decided they wanted more. So, they tried to capture me now, but mom found out and as she was following her lead; her team came and took me from the blast. Replaced my body with a John Doe from the University and got Sarah to the hospital. Her team got me settled and we flew to Germany. Once I was there, I was unconscious on and off for weeks. Dad was taken by the same people who came after me. They only found out where I was because, they beat the information out of him." "They beat him up?"
"He was taken just weeks before the blast happened. That's when mom came to LA. Ellie, she wasn't alone."
"She and her team?" "Yes, but there was someone else."
"Spill it, Chuck. There's nothing more that you can say that would surprise me."
Chuck swallowed hard. "We have a sister."
Ellie looked at him with shock and disbelief. "A sister?"
"Yeah, her name is Andrea, but she likes to be called Andy. She's 18 and she looks like you and me, she has curly brown hair, long like yours. She loves computers, is well trained in combat and security. She was the one who came and took me. She was the one who helped me come back here to see Sarah. I wanted to see you then, but Sarah felt that whom ever was still out there would come after you and Devon. So, I headed back to Germany to get some answers. So that is where Sarah, Casey and I have been. That's where Andy and I started looking for dad and we just found him a few days ago. "Found him."
"Yeah, there was another blast hence the way I look. Dad was taken and forced to create another Intersect like the one that is in my head. Andy and I found out where he was, and Sarah and I headed there. We came across the man who was responsible and the one who took mom and dad from us."
"Where is he now?"
"He didn't survive."
"I heard him tell dad how he was pleased with himself that he was able to keep our parents away from us and that he was responsible for dad and mom leaving when they did. Mom and I had a long talk, and we are working things out, but I haven't forgiven her yet and she knows that. Dad and I have talked a bit but Andy, has been the one that has probably hurt the most. She was expected to keep us a secret her whole life. Not able to say or do anything. She is who I feel sorry for. She found out around the age of three when she found a picture of the four of us."
Ellie stood up and went to the kitchen. Chuck followed. Ellie grabbed a glass to get some water but then went to the harder stuff. She gave Chuck a glass and poured it half full. Ellie took sip then allowed the alcohol trickle down her throat. "When you walked in, I noticed a slight limp."
Chuck instinctively ran his hand down his leg. "When the blast went off, I was thrown from Sarah and landed on some shrapnel. Andy said that it had tore into my leg. I must have hit my head and I suffered a few broken ribs. Sarah told me that her leg was broken in two and she wasn't given a good prognosis. But thanks to you, Devon and Casey for taking care of her."
"She's family Chuck and I see from that kiss there's something more?"
"Ellie, we were so close to death and I felt that when I saw her, I had to tell her I loved her. There has always been something there, so we went for it."
"You love her?"
"With all my heart."
"So where are they?"
"They are at Sarah's hotel."
"There here in LA"
"They wanted to come and see you before they head to DC and give their report to General Beckman."
"So, what will happen to them?"
"I don't know and it's not like they faked their deaths, or yeah that was me."
Ellie smiled.
"Sarah figures that they will have to give their report and explain their reasons for being away for so long."
"And Andy?"
"She's 18, so she may not have to explain herself."
"So, she's going to stay here, with you?"
"No, she will stay with Sarah and me at the hotel."
"Chuck, you have your room, and she can stay in the spare room."
Chuck smiled. "Thanks, but right now, Its better this way, at least for now."
Hours later
Chuck got up and headed to the door. "You don't need to worry anymore. Tomorrow is another day." Chuck hugged his sister then opened the door. Devin looked out of John's window and shook his hand and thanked him for everything. John looked out to see Chuck and Ellie standing out by the fountain. The three joined Chuck and Ellie. "You can pop by in the morning. It's safer for you to come to us." As Sarah looked at Ellie, Devon then back at Chuck. "It's been a lot for one day, try and get some sleep."
They all said goodbye as John followed Chuck and Sarah to the back. John looked at Chuck. "She had to find out."
"I know, but the hurt in her eyes and I don't know how tomorrow will go."
"If Ellie is anything like you, she'll do just fine."
Sarah looked at Casey. "So far there's no one looking for him or chatter regarding his parents. Beckman called and she expects them by the end of the week."
Sarah nodded. "Goodnight Casey."
Chuck was already in the car. Sarah slid inside and backed out and headed back to hotel.
Sarah tossed her jacket on the bed as Chuck walked back to the door. "You going to see your family?"
"I better."
Sarah walked up to him. "I'm not leaving you alone, I'm going with you."
Chuck and Sarah headed down a few flights then knocked on the door. Andy opened it and hugged her brother. Chuck and Sarah walked in and saw that they had just finished eating. Stephen and Mary stood up. Chuck spoke. "Ellie will be by in the morning."
"It didn't go well son?"
"She's happy that I didn't die, but to hear that she has a sister and her parents disappeared and even after I told her why it's going to take some time to comprehend."
Mary walked up to Chuck and kissed his cheek. "I'm proud of you despite all that is on your plate."
Chuck looked at his mom. "She's going to be tougher on you."
"You were pretty clear as well."
Chuck backed up towards the door. "We will bring Ellie here around 10. Ellie and Devon both."
Andy pushed her way through to say goodnight. Chuck hugged his sister again. Andy who didn't want to let go. Finally let go when Stephen took his son's hand and shook it then embraced him. Chuck tensed up at first but slowly relaxed into the hug. Chuck turned and Sarah turned before exiting the door.
"Call if you need anything."
Mary looked at her. "Take care of him."
"I will."
Chuck walked around Sarah's room not sure what to say or do. Sarah walked up to him, smiled and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Chuck smiled back and grabbed a few of his items from his bag. "Going to take a shower."
Sarah turned to see him walk towards the bathroom door. "You hungry?"
Chuck looked at her but didn't say anything.
Sarah ordered but sat there longer than she should have. She got up from sitting by the table to check on why Chuck was taking so long to come out of the bathroom. Along with her worry other things ran through her mind. Sarah knocked but got no response, she could still hear the water running. She opened the door and saw Chuck sitting down in the shower. It wasn't hard to see that he had been crying even with the water running down his face. She turned the water off as it was no longer hot. Chuck reached for her hand and pulled her down. She sat in his lap as he wrapped his arms around her.
Sarah finally convinced him to get up and put on some dry clothes. They crawled into bed and curled up holding each other. The room was quiet, but their minds raced around what tomorrow would bring. Sarah didn't fall asleep till she knew that Chuck was sleeping. It took an hour, but he eventually closed his eyes.
The Next Morning
Sarah made arrangements to use a small conference room that housed a table and chairs. Just in case they all needed their space. Sarah waited with Chuck's family as he came walking through the lobby. He paused when he saw his mom then looked at the entrance and saw a younger version of his mom walking in. Devon had her close to him as she walked in nervous and unsure. Chuck walked towards Ellie and gave her a hug. "Morning guys."
"Morning Chuck." Devon scanning the room making sure his girl would be taken care of. Casey walked out and stood between the lobby and the conference room. Chuck looked at his sister. "You ready?"
"No."
"Me either."
The two older siblings walked down towards now where Sarah was standing. Chuck reached for her hand as they walked in.
Sitting by the window in order left to right were Mary, Stephen and Andy. Chuck walked in first with Sarah then Ellie, Devon and Casey taking the back. Mary stood up despite her lack of height she stood tall. Stephen looked at his daughter and smiled. Andy stood nervously with her cuffs of her hoodie near her face.
"Guys I would like you to meet, well you know each other already."
Chuck took Ellie and walked to the nearest set of chairs. Mary was hoping for a hug but when Chuck made Ellie sit down, she understood.
As the room settled all looked nervously around the table. Sarah and Casey each took an end almost ready to slide across the table just in case it turned ugly.
Chuck wasn't planning to be mediator or the leader, but he was the only one that could.
"Good morning everyone. I don't want this to be a meeting that will just point fingers at certain people but a start to answering all the questions we have. Ellie and I have many and I had my chance to say what was on my mind and heart and now it is Ellie's turn to ask those same questions. So, we will let her talk then mom, dad, Andy you will have your turn." Chuck looked around the room. "Understood."
Chuck got up and stood beside Sarah.
The room was quiet till Devon whispered in her ear. "You got this."
Ellie rolled her chair closer to the table. But as she spoke, she pushed her chair back and ran out of the door. Chuck held his hand up. "I got this."
Mary and Stephen both stood up and Andy wiped a tear.
Chuck ran after her the best he could. "Ellie."
Ellie turned around. "I can't do this."
"Yes, you can. You tell them how you feel otherwise none of us can move on. You can't help what the heart wants. And if you don't want a relationship with them that is fine, but they are our parents. It is up to you. Someone told me once, that our parents will always be our parents no matter what. But you can't fix what they have done or what they will do. I put you, Devon, Morgan, Casey and Sarah through hell. All because of our parent's choices. The more I think about it yes, I hate what they did but I can't change that. Ellie it's not just you and me anymore. It's Andy too. She didn't ask to be born. She grew up knowing all of this, well most of it. We are just learning about it now."
"So, what's she like?"
"She's in there go ask her. Start with her."
"Can you go get her?"
Chuck hugged Ellie and walked back.
Chuck walked through the door and the room looked up. "Andy, come."
Andy looked at her parents. She got up and headed to the door. Chuck looked back. "I'll be back."
Chuck walked with Andy. "She wants to meet you alone."
"Okay."
"You got this."
Andy nervously walked to the front lobby and saw her older sister. Ellie got up and it was like seeing her at 18. Chuck slid his hands into his back pocket and watched as they nervously hugged. Andy melted in her sisters' arms and it was the most natural thing Ellie had ever done. Tears where shed and laughter followed at Chuck's expense, but it was a start to healing.
Andy got up and headed back with Chuck as Ellie was ready to meet her dad. Stephen nervously walked towards the lobby and it took some time, but Ellie did give him a hug.
Ellie got up asking Chuck to come with her as she finally had the strength to sit down with her mom. The room cleared except for Chuck, Ellie and Mary. Ellie rolled a chair near her mom as Chuck rolled one next to her. Mary wanted to touch Ellie, but Ellie held her hand back and out of reach.
Mary looked at her two oldest. "My have you grown. Chuck has told me a lot about you and what you did after I left. I am not apologizing because it wouldn't make a difference now, but I need you to understand why we did what we did."
"Chuck told me why and I guess I need to accept that but what I don't get is there had to be moments that you could have contacted us or let us know that you and dad were okay. And to have Andy."
"I didn't know that I was pregnant till I left so she wasn't conceived while we were in hiding. She was about three when she found out so I had to tell her and she begged me, us for years to see you two but when the threats resurfaced, she resorted to that fact that she may never see or meet you. She made sure she was ready and what your dad had taught her was almost like he knew that one day Chuck would end up going to the cabin and that something like this would happen. We didn't want to leave you like we did, we tried to take you with us but Volkoff was always ahead of the game so we just resorted to the fact that you and Chuck would be on your own."
"And the bomb?"
"When your dad was taken, I knew why, after Bryce had met with him, we knew that Chuck was given the Intersect and one day someone would figure it out. So, when Chuck, Sarah and John were following their lead she got word that Sarah and Casey were targeted and that they would take Chuck. We had to make them think that they had won but when Chuck was pronounced dead, they had to go with plan B and that was for your dad to make a new one. We kept Chuck safe, and we had people watching you and Devon. Chuck and Andy did the rest."
Mary and Ellie continued to talk as Chuck got up and walked towards the lobby. Minutes later Ellie and Mary headed out walking out the back. Casey followed just in case.
Stephen looked at Chuck.
"It's a start."
"Yeah, I guess it is."
"Chuck."
Chuck turned to face his dad.
"Chuck you, Ellie and Andy are the most important people in my life next to your mom and I would do anything for each one of you."
Stephen pulled out a key chain with the word ACES on it.
"What's this?"
As Stephen placed the key chain in Chuck's hand. "You three are my aces not always one or the other."
"One or eleven."
"Right but even better – Andy, Chuck, Ellie and me."
Chuck looked at the letters and saw what they stood for. Aces were the word for Chuck and his sisters.
"Aces Charles."
Chuck turned and embraced his dad. A long-awaited reunion finally happened. The next few hours and day were filled with tears and laughter. What made the most impact was Ellie joining them on their flight to DC to meet with Beckman.