A/N: My apologies for any confusion. I changed the title for the last chapter at the last minute and forgot to change my notes. This is the quote from Gary Owens and Laugh-in. Okay folks I hope this works for you. it's pure stream of consciousness. This is how I picture the team being; day to day.

A Heart Torn

A Charah Tale By Lord Rapier

Edited and Guided by ParaDocs

Chapter 33:

Beautiful Downtown Burbank

Sarah spreads the blanket on the sand; Chuck helps her down then joins her. He wraps his arms around her shoulders. She puts her arm around his waist and leans against his shoulder. "I love you Original Bartowski."

Chuck pulls her in tight, "I love you New Bartowski."

As the sun starts to lower in the sky a red glow is cast across the water. The temperature starts to drop little by little. Sarah shivers and sighs, "Want to hear something weird Baby?"

Chuck snorts, "Hon, I'm sure you can find something to talk about besides me."

"Ha ha, very funny. The only thing weird about you is your taste in women. Now are you going to stop interrupting me or are you tired of seeing me naked?"

Chuck runs his fingers across his mouth like a zipper, "My lips are sealed."

Sarah chuckles, "Wise choice. What's weird is how for years, work was my reason to wake up, my purpose. Looking for the next mission was all I had. Then I ran. In Italy my sole purpose, my obsession, was to find the courage to ask you to take me back. As the days passed that preoccupation changed, I started to think, how can I be the woman Chuck would take back? I changed Baby, I didn't even realize it until Ellie asked me about our missions. I don't want to kill anymore. Not because of you, or what you might think of me. I wanted to become the woman I wanted to be. When I wake up now, I still want to work, to be busy, to be of value. The difference is my reason. I used to live to work, now I work to live. I know we're well off, but I still want to contribute. To help make the world a better place.

Here comes the weird part; I owe it all to Shaw. The harder he worked to keep us apart, the more the universe pushed us together. He was an example of who I could become. An example of who I didn't want to be. I wanted to be a real girl. Chuck Bartowski's real girl."

Chuck sits quietly. After a couple of minutes Sarah asks, "Nothing to say?" She can feel Chuck shrug. Sarah laughs, "You can speak now and keep your naked privileges."

"Whew, that was close." Sarah laughs. "Thank you, Baby, for sharing that with me. You are aware I've been madly in love with you since the moment you walked into the Buy More, and through all the rest. You don't have to be anybody but you."

Sarah stretches her neck and kisses his cheek, "Chuck, I know that. I think that's my greatest motivation to be the woman you deserve. The mother our children deserve."

"Well Sarah Bartowski, you can relax, that's exactly who you are. It's getting nippy are you ready to go home. We do need to get that food Momma sent into the fridge."

"Yes Baby, let's go home."

The couple grab the blanket and walk across the sand to the parking lot where they left the car. Climbing into the Mustang Chuck starts the car and heads towards home. "Hon would you give Ellie a call and let her know that we landed safe and sound and we're heading home."

"On it Baby," Sarah hits the speed dial, the phone rings. "Hi Ellie, it's Sarah"

Ellie's voice is joyous, "Hi Sis, glad to hear from you." Sarah thinks, wow what a difference. "I take it you got home safely."

"We're in the car and heading towards our apartment at CI. How's everyone at your end?"

"We're doing okay. Clara had a rough time in the limo, she really misses you guys, but April was right there for her. She's a sweetheart. We may just keep her."

Sarah laughs, "Sis, you know she's not just a nanny. She's a highly trained operative, and very expensive."

Ellie is quiet for a moment, "How expensive?"

"Ellie, you don't need to worry about that for now. We're covering her assignment, but that can't be long term."

Ellie is persistent, "I like having her here. Clara loves her, and we feel safer."

"Hold on a moment Ellie, I'm going to put you on speaker. Chuck, Ellie is interested in April working for them long term."

Chuck purses his lips and lets out a long breath. "Sis, this is a business situation. Remy, the manager of my Chicago office, is taking a hit numbers wise. I can't ask him to keep absorbing that loss. I know we own the company, but we have a responsibility and obligation to our people. Let me offer this; first talk to April, see if she's even interested in a long-term contract. Then give Remy a call. Talk to him, see what he's willing to do for you. I'm afraid I'll have to stay out of it unless he invites me into the discussion. I hope you understand, I can't undermine my managers and expect loyalty from them."

"I understand Chuck. I'll talk to April and go from there. Chuck, I'm really proud of you. You're the man I always knew you would be."

They can tell that Ellie is on speaker when they hear a tiny voice. "Mommy is that Uncle Chuck?"

"Yes Baby, It's Uncle Chuck and Auntie Sarah. The important question is why you are out of bed, do you know how late it is. The special weekend is over, you have school tomorrow." Chuck and Sarah smile at each other as they continue to listen. "Where's…" Ellie looks up and spots April watching from around the corner, she nods and smiles. "I can see that you woke April as well. Young lady, you have gotten very spoiled."

Clara whines, "But Mommy, I miss Uncle Chuck and Auntie Sarah."

Ellie sighs, "I know Clara, I miss them too. If I let you say good night, will you go right to bed?"

Chuck and Sarah can imagine Clara's head nodding vigorously. "Very well make it quick, then you go potty and right to bed. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Mommy, I promise. Uncle Chuck Auntie Sarah, I miss you so much, are you coming back soon."

Sarah wipes a tear from her eye, "OH! Sweetie, I miss you so much too. I want to come back right now to hug you. I wish I could. I know that we'll see you soon. Uncle Chuck is going to work really hard so that you and Mommy and Daddy can come live here, near us. Then we can see each other all the time."

Chuck speaks up. "Leetle Mamushka, theese Uncle Boris. Is verry important you listen to beeg Mamushka. She vants you grow up strong like ox and smart like doctor. Get goot sleep."

They can hear Ellie laughing in the background. Clara is quiet, then, "Auntie Sarah who was that man? He talks funny."

Sarah laughs, "That was your Uncle Chuck being silly. Chuck talk to your niece, so she can go to sleep."

Chuck laughs, "Hi Munchkin, what are you doing on the phone? Shouldn't you be asleep?"

Clara screams, "I miss you so much, Uncle Chuck. My heart hurts and Beauty keeps crying."

Chuck is heartbroken, "I know Clara Doll, I miss you lots too. But you have to behave for Mommy and Daddy. Promise me you'll behave, and Auntie Sarah and I will promise to be with you as soon as we can. Deal?"

Clara cries, "NO! I want you here now."

Sarah speaks softly, "Clara, it's Auntie Sarah, will you calm down and let me tell you a secret?"

Clara sniffles, "Uh huh."

"If you behave for Mommy, and give us some time, Uncle Chuck is working very hard so that we can invite a special guest to our next tea party. Will you give him time to do that?"

Clara is intrigued, "Who is it?"

Sarah laughs, "Well If I tell you that, it wouldn't be a secret or a surprise. Remember how surprised you were when I came to your house?"

Clara reluctantly, "Yeah."

"Well, you go to sleep, and I promise it won't be too long we'll have an even bigger surprise for you. Okay?"

Clara's voice reflects her sadness, "Okay, Auntie Sarah. I love you. Uncle Chuck too. Can I call you soon?"

Chuck answers, "Anytime Clara Doll, if I'm busy I promise to call you back as soon as I can. Good night, have sweet dreams. Give Beauty a hug for me."

April takes the hint and picks Clara up, still crying, and carries her back to her bedroom. Ellie speaks into the phone, "Your niece hates to sleep. She takes after her uncle. His brain was always working, he hated to go to sleep. And you two are the biggest pains in the ass. How come we love you so much?"

Chuck laughs, "Sorry Sis, I can't help it if we're so lovable, I think it's mostly Sarah's fault."

Sarah exclaims, "Hey! Now I know how Devon felt when you threw him under the bus. Ellie, to be clear, Clara's not the only one we miss. Your brother has been miserable all day. I promise we'll see you as soon as possible. Take care, love to Devon."

"Be well. We'll be talking soon. Good night, Sarah, Chuck, I love you."

Chuck yells out, "Wait, wait, I forgot, I told Jeffrey I would ask if you knew any Jewish doctors you can introduce him to."

Ellie laughs, "To him or Momma?" The three of them laugh. "I'll look into it." Ellie hangs up.

Sarah puts the phone away and reaches over to hold Chuck's hand. He smiles. The car comes over a rise and the lights of the city shine below them. Chuck looks at the lights and squeezes Sarah's hand. "Well Honey, welcome to beautiful downtown Burbank. We're home."

Five minutes later Chuck has parked the car and they load the elevator with their stuff. The door starts to open, before it's fully open, they hear a grunt followed by, "bout time you got up here. The perimeter alarm went off ages ago."

Chuck laughs out loud, "We missed you too Casey."

Sarah jumps over the packages to throw her arms around Casey and kiss him on the cheek. "I love you, John Casey."

Casey grimaces, "YECCHHH. Damn it Walker, Bartowski when are you going to train your woman to behave."

Sarah laughs as she bends to pick up packages. "Riiiiiiight, he's going to train his woman." She shakes her head, laughing as she opens the door to their apartment.

Chuck is laughing so hard he can hardly walk. Casey picks up some of the packages, "Shut up nerd. I can't believe I waited up for this abuse."

"Come on in John. Are you hungry? We brought back a bunch of Polish food."

"Abuse and Commie food, is there no end to the indignities I suffer at your hand?"

Sarah is unpacking food into the fridge, "Okay, Mr. stuck in the past, how about a cup of tea and some cookies?"

Casey sits at the dining room table, "That sounds good, if it's not too much trouble."

Sarah smiles, "No trouble at all, my pleasure. By the way you missed out on my chocolate soufflé again."

Casey grunts, "Poisoned or plain."

Chuck laughs. Sarah sneers, "Very funny."

Sarah pours the tea and puts out some of some of the cookies they brought back. Chuck smiles as Casey eats one after the other. "So, fill me in, What'd I miss?"

Sarah is smiling wide as Chuck starts to talk. "First, everyone sends their love." Casey grunts. My mom was confirmed as the new Director of Central Intelligence, and Mei-Ling is now working for the NSA. The Chicago office is on the edge, but on the way up. Oh yeah, she's Mei-Ling Cohen now, she's married and has a son."

Casey stuffs another cookie in his mouth as Sarah smiles. "Wait, wait, slow down. How the hell did the NSA get involved and where the hell did Mei-Ling come from?"

Sarah slides the plate with cookies in front of Casey, "John would you like another Kołaczki (CO-lāch-key)?"

Casey looks at her, "What are you talking about, what's a colonski?"

Sarah points to the cookies, "That's the Polish cream cheese cookies you've been eating."

Casey's eyes go wide, "ARRRGGGHHH, YOU DID IT, YOU FINALLY POISONED ME. Commie cookies." He grabs the tea and starts to swish it around in his mouth then gargles with it. Chuck and Sarah are laughing so hard they can't breathe. "I'm gonna kill you New Bartowski."

The couple laugh even harder. Chuck gasps to catch his breath, "Come on Casey, it's just a cookie."

"Don't think you're free and clear, nerd. You were complicit. There will be a comeuppance."

Sarah is still laughing as she gets up and puts her arms around Casey's neck from behind. "I'm sorry John, please forgive me for tricking you. Pretty please, If you forgive me, I promise not to hug you for a whole month."

Casey stops raving, "A whole month? I guess they weren't all bad. Deal."

She squeezes him hard. Casey cries out, "Hey!"

Sarah snickers, "Sorry I had to get one last one in. It has to last me a whole month."

Casey growls, "Chuck, you're off the hook, living with this one is punishment enough."

Chuck laughs, "Baby, I've been bad, come punish me." Sarah laughs as she falls into his lap.

Casey shakes his head. "I think I liked it better when you two were an ocean apart. Are you going to finish briefing me so I can go brush the commie off my teeth?"

Sarah sits up and wraps her arm around Chuck's shoulder. "Okay quick and dirty. Frank called to offer Mary the director's job, she took it and headed off to D.C.. I had this weird feeling, something Frank said about having Ellie in D.C. felt icky. I had this feeling like the house was bugged. I did a sweep, found nothing. We heard something outside and caught an Asian guy prowling around. Chuck called Beckman; she still loves him, and still denying it. She sent a team in and with more sophisticated equipment, they found bugs all over the house.

The team leader sent her team away and showed us her face. It was Mei-Ling, we're not supposed to know it was her. She became a U.S. citizen; her parents were smuggled to Taiwan. She's the lead on all things Chinese for the NSA. They took the prowler and bugs; we're waiting on word from Washington on the situation. Oh, and we went to Medieval Times, a great show, we have to take the twins sometime. Our driver picked up a tail. Turned out it was one of Mary's people. She heard about the prowler. She was pissed that we caught him. Chuck was magnificent." She stops long enough to kiss him. "Chuck posted one of his operatives in the Woodcomb home to help Ellie feel safer. Clara loves her." Sarah takes a deep breath, "Did I miss anything Hon?"

Chuck thinks a moment, "Only Jeffrey and Momma, but I don't think John would be interested."

Casey listens patiently, "John is interested in what POTUS said that put New Bartowski on high alert."

Sarah shrugs, "I'm not sure. He made a big fuss about Ellie's research. Research connected to the Intersect inside Chuck's head. She came up with the data when she helped Chuck develop the new version. I'm still not sure why, it just made me take notice. It's like an itching in the back of my mind."

Casey sits up, "Former Bartowski knows?"

Chuck nods. "She helped me work the bugs out and she monitors me medically to make sure that the old side effects don't show up."

Casey nods, "Makes sense. Okay, are we concerned that Frank isn't on the up and up?"

Sarah sighs, "I have nothing solid to hang my hat on. I suggest we proceed cautiously and keep things close to the vest. As far as I'm concerned, I trust our team and our families, that's it. Everyone else is need-to-know."

Chuck nods, "That works for me."

Casey nods agreement, "And where does your future houseguest fit in?"

Sarah groans, she gets up off Chuck's lap and paces the room. "I forgot about Gretchen. Casey, you've been spending more time with her than us. Morgan says he's getting good vibes. The kids love her, that says a lot to me. However, I'm not sure she needs to know everything. She still doesn't know that we're married. I'll have to tell her before she hears it from someone else. Damn, I just realized she may not clear White House security vetting. She may not be able to come to the wedding."

Chuck grimaces empathizing with Sara's pain, "You may be right Baby. On the bright side she didn't commit any crimes. She was given the option of resigning; she wasn't let go for cause. A lot will depend on what her supervisors put in writing."

Casey stands up. Crossing the room, he puts his hands on Sarah's shoulders, "Relax kid, no decisions have been made yet. We still have stuff to get done before the wedding. If it helps any, I agree with Grimes' read. She does seem to want a different life. My grandsons do love her. I can see that she's inexperienced, nervous with kids, but she's working hard to be good with them. Somehow, she's under the misapprehension that Original Bartowski walks on water. Given that, I don't see her being disloyal to the team."

Sarah tilts her head back to look him in the face and smiles. Casey, "You know I want to hug you right now, right?"

Casey releases her shoulders, "Hold it in, shove it down, deep and hard. A deal's a deal."

Chuck laughs, "Come here Baby, I know it's not the same, but maybe you can settle for a hug from Boris."

As Sarah walks towards Chuck, Casey exclaims, "WHO THE HELL IS BORIS?" Am I surrounded by commies?"

Chuck laughs as Sarah wraps her arms around him. "Relax John, you're safe. Boris is preoccupied with moose and squirrel."

Casey is aghast, "Oh my god, were those cookies laced, am I going to start tripping too."

Chuck and Sarah are laughing hard, "Good night, Casey. Partners meeting tomorrow 9 A.M., we need to get Morgan and Alex caught up too."

Casey moves to the door. "Bartowski, I hope you realize; you took a top agent with a killing edge and turned her into a housewife."

Sarah runs up and kisses his cheek, "Oh! Thank you John, that's the best compliment I've ever gotten."

"WALKER! what the hell are you doing? You said a month."

Sarah shrugs, "I said no hugs, I never said anything about kissing."

"Damn it, you Bartowski's are more trouble than you're worth." Casey opens the door and looks back. "Good to have you back, I missed you."

Casey leaves and closes the door behind him. Sarah walks back to Chuck,

climbs into his lap and kisses him. "We're very lucky people, aren't we?"

Chuck smiles, "Hmmmm. Let's see the most beautiful, intelligent woman ever created is sitting on my lap. I have a wonderful loving family, and the best friends a man could have. Yeah, I guess I'd say I'm pretty lucky."

"MMMM, Thank you Husband. I think you just got lucky again. Time for bed, but don't count on getting a lot of sleep."

The alarm sounds and Sarah groans and pushes back to get closer to Chuck. His arm is around her and he uses it to pull her little spoon into his big spoon. "Chuck, do we have to get up? You're so nice and warm."

Chuck nibbles on her ear lobe and speaks while releasing his warm breath on her ear. "Baby, I never want to let you go."

Sarah moans, titillated by Chuck's mouth. "You're going to say but, aren't you Baby? I feel a but coming."

"Sorry Love of my Life. But it's time you got with Alex and get going on learning your job. I'd hate to have to fire my wife for goofing off. Gretchen will be starting today. I think it's important that you keep her busy. Idle hands, devil's workshop, and all. Plus, you need to get our guest room ready for your friend. Which you'll do while I make our breakfast.

I also need to get moving if I'm ever going to find Ryker. I'm going to lock myself in my office. It's a great opportunity for you to learn how things run. All the partners have to be able to step in and run any department. Except Cyber of course, that's all mine. I'm considering bringing in Margret Mae from Chicago to be my back up. I have to test her first. I'll bring it up at a partner's meeting when the time comes. Soooo, Love we need to get moving."

"Aye, aye Colonel, but you forgot a couple of things."

"Really, do I hear insubordination amongst the ranks? What exactly did I forget?"

Sarah rolls over and kisses him. "You forgot the part where you make love to your wife, insatiable slut that she is. You also forgot the shower where you wash her naked body with your bare hands."

"Tsk, tsk did I forget those very important things. I guess it was a coincidence that I set the alarm an hour earlier then I needed to."

Sarah squeals. "I love you husband; I think I may keep you."

Chuck is putting breakfast on the table. "Baby is that Huevos Rancheros? Did you make those tortillas? They look homemade. When did you learn to cook like this?"

Chuck shrugs, "I uploaded the recipes, then it was just a matter of practicing the technical parts."

Sarah puts her hand behind his head and pulls him in for a kiss. "I am one lucky woman. A whiz in the kitchen, a gentleman in company and a stud in the bedroom. Hey! Do you flash to make love to me?"

Chuck laughs, "Nope, that's all nerd." They laugh together.

Sarah is clearing the dishes when there's a knock at the door. Chuck checks the monitor and opens the door. Casey and Gretchen are standing there. Chuck looks at her bruised face then down at her wrapped foot and crutches. He grimaces as if feeling her pain. His sadness is apparent. "Gretchen, please come in. I'm so sorry."

Gretchen drops her crutches and hops over to wrap her arms around him. "Nothing to be sorry for. You're a wonderful man. I'm jealous as hell of Sarah. Now hand me my crutches and quit moping. I'll be healed before you know it and I'll be looking for a rematch. Speaking of Sarah where is she?"

Sarah yells from the kitchen, "Right here partner, just cleaning up from breakfast. Are you hungry? My man is a great cook."

Gretchen hobbles over to the breakfast counter, "Not hungry, but I could go for a cup of coffee."

Chuck helps her get seated. "Good thing, because my woman spoke out of turn. Her man is going to work."

Gretchen laughs, "Oh oh, trouble in paradise."

Sarah laughs, "He thinks he's safe because he knows how horny I am."

"No Baby, I feel safe cause I know how much we love each other." Chuck kisses Sarah. "Here's a thought; talk to Alex at the meeting, have her come up here so the three of you can work on your training program. Remember my office will be locked. I will be unreachable. I may stick my head up for air, but no promises. If there's an emergency John and Morgan can handle it. Gretchen, take your time, get settled in." Chuck takes Sarah in his arms. "I'm gonna miss you Baby."

Sarah kisses him, "I'm gonna miss you too Baby."

Casey calls from the door as he drops Gretchen's suitcase, "Jeez Bartowski, can we get the hell out of here before I retch?"

Sarah and Gretchen laugh. Gretchen points at Casey, "You could learn from him Johnny. Women like a sensitive man." Casey grunts.

Chuck grabs his travel case and joins Casey to head to the elevator.

Sarah pours two cups of coffee and sits next to Gretchen. She sits quietly, sipping her coffee. Gretchen looks over her cup at Sarah. "So that's your play, make me talk first."

Sarah shakes her head, "No play. Talk don't talk, your call."

"Walker, what the fuck is up with you people. First your honey beats the shit out of me, and I'm grateful for it. Then he sic's Alex on me. She's so damn understanding and kind. It freaked me out. If all of that wasn't bad enough, you, yes you, made me fall in love with two little kids who stole my heart. Sarah I hardly know which way is up anymore. And Johnny, oh my god, Johnny has been nice to me. It's enough to make me insane."

Sarah raises an eyebrow, "To be honest, I can't tell if you're bitching or bragging."

Gretchen shrugs, "Why can't it be both? Sarah, I'm scared, I don't know what to do with scared. Do you have my back?"

"Oh good, You've decided to start off by offending me. Are you scared or stupid? No, I don't have your back." Gretchen looks shocked. "We have your back; the team has your back. The bigger question is… will you have our backs?"

Gretchen looks ashamed, "That's a fair question. I guess I don't have the best track record."

Sarah gets up and refreshes the coffee cups. "I can't deny you've had your moments of questionable decisions. I also know that you were a top agent and could be a great operative for CI. My concern is, can you function in an environment of trust and teamwork?"

Gretchen stares into her coffee cup. Sarah relaxes and allows the silence to give her friend time to ponder. Gretchen pushes out a deep breath. "Sarah, I don't know. I told you I'm scared. I don't want to let you down. I don't want to let Chuck, or Johnny, or the Grimes down. I especially don't want to let MJ and LJ down. Sarah, they call me Aunt Gretchen." The tears run down Gretchen's cheeks to splash on the counter. "Damn you Walker, I've cried more in the last three days then the last ten years."

Sarah nods, knowing exactly what Gretchen is going through. Having been there herself, not that long ago. Damn it Chuck do you always have to be right? She sits quietly allowing her longtime friend to have her feelings. A couple of minutes pass. "Sarah, you had it easy. You had Chuck, this is so hard."

Sarah sighs, "I know Gretchen. I know it's hard. This isn't a contest, but I didn't have Chuck. We were incommunicado for two years. I was alone, in pain. No that's a lie, I had Zondra, but she hated Chuck and I couldn't talk about him with her. That was when I decided that the spy life was not what I wanted. I wanted real. Chuck and I have been back together less than a month. You can wallow in your fear and self-pity, or you can realize how lucky you are and be grateful."

Gretchen laughs as she wipes the tears from her face. "Seems you've learned a little about tough love, Walker."

Sarah smiles, "Not tough love, just love, and the name isn't Walker."

Gretchen screws up her face, "You decided to go back to your birth name, too?"

Sarah shakes her head, "Nope, I took on a new cover name. Sarah Bartowski."

Gretchen's eyes go wide, her jaw drops. "BARTOWSKI? As in Mrs. Sarah Bartowski? You're married?"

Sarah smiles and nods. Gretchen leans over and wraps her arms around Sarah. "Congratulations, now I'm really jealous. Why the big secret?"

Sarah hugs her back, "We had to tell his family first. His sister wasn't as happy as you at first, but we worked things out."

"I guess this is your day to piss me off. First you take a great guy off the market, then you tell me you got married without me there to be your backup."

Sarah laughs, "Can't argue, I don't think there are many like Chuck. However, I did find one, that I think you would like. Chuck admonished me, he said I should give you some time to figure out who Gretchen is first. I'm telling you this to give you something to look forward to. Jeffrey is a great guy. We hired him, he'll be out here for training in a while."

Gretchen shrugs, "Chuck hasn't been wrong yet, maybe I should take some time."

Sarah nods, "You should, but it doesn't hurt to know that there's something to look forward to."

"Thanks Sarah, sometimes I forget that good things can happen."

Sarah takes a deep breath, "On that note there's something I need to tell you. Something that might not be so good."

Gretchen sighs, "Of course, go ahead."

"I wasn't totally fibbing. Chuck and I are engaged to be married." Gretchen looks at Sarah like she's crazy. "We had a very different wedding, it was overseas. The only family there was Casey. We're planning a wedding for our family and friends."

Gretchen shrugs, "How's that bad news, I get to wear an ugly dress and cry."

Sarah sighs, "You may not be able to come to the wedding."

Gretchen throws her hands up, "What could stop me from being at my best friend's wedding? That's ridiculous."

"The Secret Service. The Secret Service could stop you. We're getting married at The White House. We don't know if you can get clearance."

Gretchen slumps in her chair, "Yeah, I guess that is sucky news. For me I mean, for you I think it's great. Seems there's a lot you haven't told me. The White House huh?"

"Casey, I'm going to need you to cover for me. I have to get this coding done or Sarah will never be free of the guy stalking her. I'm not even sure I can find him, but I have to try."

The elevator stops at the admin office level. "I'm going to lock down my office, it's time for the routine. John, would you let the others know about the meeting? I have a couple of things I have to take care of before then."

"No problem Boss, we'll see you at nine." The two men go their separate ways. Entering his office Chuck sits behind his desk and presses the button that turns on all the security protocols. The doors lock, the shutters close and the signal jammers turn on. Chuck presses the hidden button that opens the hidden drawer under the desk. He reaches in and grabs the flip phone.

Opening it he presses the redial button. He waits patiently. Three rings and a beep. "I have a feeling the government is trying to recreate the intersect. They may try to drag Ellie in. There was also a Chinese incursion at her home. Waiting for word on whether it was state sponsored. Be well." Chuck closes the phone, ensures the sound is turned off. Sighing, he places the phone back in its hidden compartment. He turns off the security devices and opens his case to retrieve his laptop.

Okay first order of business, an Email to Remy. "Hey Buddy, thanx for the referral. April is great, my niece loves her. I'm back at the Home Office, however I'll be tied up with some business only I can take care of. If anything comes up, get in touch with Casey, Morgan, or Sarah. Thanx again. I have nothing but confidence knowing that you're running our office in Chicago. Chuck." Chuck reviews the letter. Sure that it conveys what he wants it to, he hits send.

He opens the files that Mrs. Sawyer sent him over the weekend. Contracts, numbers, costs, profits, Liabilities, insurance, on and on. Chuck sends files over to the printer. As it spits out paper he leans back in his chair and rubs his eyes. So many balls to juggle. Maybe Buy More can use a good tech. I didn't realize how good I had it. Makes me respect Big Mike. I'm really not sure I'm equipped for this corporate bullshit.

As if on cue the door opens. Sarah comes bouncing in, "Hi Hon." She stops short when she sees the frustration on his face. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" She rushes over and kneels in front of him, she takes his hand. "Baby are you okay?"

"Nothing is wrong Sarah. I'm happy, I'm so damned happy."

Sarah looks at him like he's crazy. "Baby, you seem to be freaking out."

Chuck reaches down and pulls Sarah up into his lap, he kisses her hard. "I am Baby, I'm freaking out. It's all become clear. My life is wonderful. I have it all. The best woman, the best friends, a great business. Love, my life is filled with love. Baby, while we were apart all this corporate stuff kept me busy, my mind occupied. Now it seems so unimportant and intrusive into my real life."

Chuck's head snaps up quickly. "Holy shit! Baby I think I just figured out how all of this affects you. Being a wife, Ellie, Clara, the Ryker mission, it's all about becoming real. Your spy life is like my business life. For the longest time it was all you knew, all you had. Then all of sudden all this new stuff, new feelings burst into your life. Baby, I'm so proud of you. I always knew you were brave, but now I appreciate how truly brave you are. I love you, Sarah Bartowski."

Sarah is kissing Chuck when there's a grunting sound from the door. "Didn't I just escape this? Get a room you two." Casey marches into the room and falls into a chair in front of Chuck's desk.

Morgan walks in, followed by Alex and Mrs. Sawyer. Alex and Morgan fill the other two seats. Mrs. Sawyer stands over Chuck and Sarah. "Mr. Bartowski, how do you expect me to control traffic and information into this office, if I don't know you're here? I was also not made aware of a partners meeting taking place. Will you need notes? Welcome back, Ms. Walker, good to see you again, I hope you had a pleasant weekend. Thank you for that splendid Mexican dinner, Mr. B., Thomas, and I enjoyed it. He asked me to say thank you."

Chuck smiles, "It's good to see you again Mrs. S., you're welcome. It's not my fault, I was on my way out to tell you I was here, and Mrs. Bartowski took me captive. Look, you can see she's holding me prisoner."

"PLEASE! Mrs. Sawyer, my husband is lying through his teeth. He's been in here working for the last half hour. We had a wonderful weekend. Clara loved her unicorn; she named her Beauty. She takes her everywhere. By the way, the secret is out; I'm officially Mrs. Bartowski. However, for business purposes I may use Walker. I'm still considering it."

"Of course, Boss, whatever works for you. Perhaps you can get your man trained to be more responsible." Casey snorts, Alex, and Sarah laugh. Morgan shrugs when Chuck looks at him.

"Will you need me to take notes?"

Chuck shakes his head, "I don't think so…"

"Excuse me Mr. B. I was talking to the boss." Chuck's jaw drops, everyone breaks into laughter, including Sarah. Her laughter stops when Chuck pinches her butt unseen, "HEY!" Chuck looks at the ceiling innocently.

"No thank you, Mrs. Sawyer, but Mr. Bartowski may need some help finding a motel room later."

Mrs. Sawyer heads to the door, "No problem, Boss. I'm sure I can find something roach and rat infested." The partners laugh again as the door closes behind her.

Casey sits quietly in his seat waiting for the meeting to get serious. I'm really happy for the nerd, we put him through the wringer in the early days. And Walker didn't get much of a break in life. I'm happy they have each other. I wish if it were me. I wonder what Ilse is up to.

Chuck helps Sarah stand up. She remains at his side and puts her hand on his shoulder.

"Okay folks, time to get down to business. I have good news from Chicago. Remy is handling things nicely. While we aren't showing a profit yet, we aren't in the red. The office is catching up on startup costs and hopefully will be making a profit for us soon.

Sarah and I spent some time with the staff. I was impressed. There are a couple of people that really stood out. The best news is, I may have someone who can share the cyber load with me. I'll know more with time.

The staff is really excited about coming out here for training. Let's see if we can get that training program up and running by winter. Then we can rotate them in for a little relief from the cold. I did make a new hire. A driver, his name is Jeffrey Kozlowski. He has great instincts; he starts for Remy in a couple of weeks. His mom makes the best cream cheese cookies, right John?" Casey grunts.

Chuck passes out stacks of papers. "I'm not going to bore you all with the numbers. Read at your leisure. Morgan what's the status on those government contracts?"

"Chuck, if the government moved any slower…, still in process. But Dad says that's a good thing. I did get a chance to speak to General Beckman. I gotta say I was shocked; she was actually nice to me. She said that things are moving along and that we should be prepared to check off some boxes that may be uncomfortable but required. She was a little vague, it sounded a touch ominous."

Chuck nods, "I wouldn't worry too much, Beckman is on our side. Do I understand you Morgan, are you in a holding pattern on the contracts? Does that mean it's not eating up too much of your time right now?"

Morgan shrugs, "You got it, I'm in a holding pattern. I'm still vetting and watching over our other contracts, but I have some bandwidth left."

"Good I have a couple of new projects that I'd like us to work on. The Stephen J. Bartowski Foundation for Brain Health. It would be a place for Ellie to work on her research without the government trying to take control. For us it would be a huge tax shelter. The name is, of course, negotiable. The second project is the Carmichael Industries in house medical clinic. The purpose would be to serve our employees and their families. Devon and Ellie will be our in-house doctors. They'll be working on getting privileges at a local hospital if need be. I'm guessing there would be major startup costs, but in the long run we would save on medical insurance and a solid wellness plan will cut back on lost productivity due to illness."

Alex looks at Chuck puzzled, "How is Ellie going to run a foundation and medical clinic from Chicago."

Chuck nods good question. "I contacted Reed Richards. He figures that if we expose the Drs. Woodcomb to cosmic rays they'll be able to stretch from Chicago to Burbank as needed."

Morgan cracks up laughing, Casey shakes his head and grunts a big smile revealing that he gets the joke. Sarah and Alex just stare at him.

Sarah sighs, "My husband is a barrel of laughs. Ellie, Devon, and Clara are moving back to Burbank."

Alex jumps up and hugs Sarah, "Alright, sisters united. I'll be glad to help on that project. OOOOHHH! I'm so excited for the twins to play with their cousin."

Chuck interjects, "Let's not get too excited, that move will take a minimum of six months, they're still under contract. However, they will be visiting more often to help with planning and for house hunting. Speaking of the Woodcombs, we captured an Asian man prowling around Ellie's home. We turned him over to Beckman.

Also, you'll be hearing it on the news soon enough. My mom is the new Director of Central Intelligence. The President took your work on vetting her and ran with it immediately. Seems that the First Family is impressed with all the Grimes. Speaking of the Grimes, you really seem to have had an impact on Gretchen."

Sarah smiles at her, "Alex, I don't know what magic you used, but Gretchen has a lot of respect for you. Morgan, she speaks highly of you as well. However, neither of you are even in the ballpark with your boys. She fell madly in love with them. Hon, Gretchen is waiting for me and Alex. I'm caught up and I'm sure Alex will be bored with the mission aspects."

Alex perks up, "Not at all, I'd love to hear about it."

Casey stands up and opens the door, "Bye Alex, you have work to do."

Alex gets up and pokes Casey in the chest, "Dad, I'm not some delicate flower that needs to be protected. I can take care of myself."

Casey nods, "Yes Sweetheart I know, but I also know I'd prefer you be around to take care of my grandsons. If it makes you feel any better your husband gets to listen, but he's only involved inside these walls. I'm not going to risk my daughter and son on some stupid mission."

Alex is shocked, "Your son?" She smiles wide, "Okay Dad, I'll go." She stands on her tip toes and kisses him. Sarah joins her at the door, and they leave. Casey closes the door.

Chuck leans back, "Casey I understand where you're coming from, but there's not much to say yet. I've been trying to get this search algorithm worked out, but it's been one thing after another. I'm going into lockdown, nobody bother me. Morgan, John, you guys are in charge. Make the decisions, deal with the day-to-day stuff." Chuck gets up and opens a file drawer. He pulls out a bottle of Rombauer Chardonnay, and a set of headphones.

Morgan nods and smiles, "Time for the routine. Do you have your protein bars?"

"In my desk, Now gentlemen if you'll excuse me, get out. If anyone disturbs me there'll be hell to pay." Chuck opens the door and Casey and Morgan walk out. "Mrs. Sawyer, I'm not to be disturbed. Forward all of my calls to either Mr. Casey, Mr. Grimes, or Ms. Walker. I am not to be disturbed, by anyone for any reason, period."

Mrs. Sawyer raises hand, "But Boss, what if Ms. Walker….?"

"Not to be disturbed, by anyone for any reason. PERIOD!" Chuck slams the door closed. The three people in the office jump, startled.

They can hear the security protocols locking into place. Casey looks at Morgan, he pulls out a cigar. Mrs. Sawyer gives him a dirty look, "Don't you dare."

He puts the cigar in his mouth, "Boy, why is everyone so edgy? Come on Grimes, I'll buy you a cup of coffee. We'll be in my office if you need us Mrs. S." Morgan and Casey walk down the corridor and turn the corner.

Mrs. Sawyer turns to her computer and smiles, "It's good to have everyone back."