Don't own Chuck

Chuck and Casey pulled up in front of red brick house with bougainvillea growing up the sides giving it a story book atmosphere. The front lawn was well manicured as were all the other houses down the street. Chuck saw the tree house in the oak in the lawn that gave shade on the front of the house with buttercups growing around the base of the tree. It looked like the American dream.

"General, what made you stray so far from home," said Chuck as he stopped and took everything in. Casey looked back over his shoulder and grunted.

"This is no time to stop and gawk Bartowski. Will you keep up and remember why we're here before you open your trap and put your foot in it then I have to shove my fist past it."

"I know exactly why I'm here," said Chuck as he hurried up. He was here to get some answers because things didn't add up and that bothered him. Casey had his itch but Chuck had his too. He hated when things just didn't make sense and he was resolved to get to the bottom of it.

Casey and Chuck were at the front door about to ring the doorbell when the door opened. On the other side of a screen door stood a mid-aged redhead. She looked at them then opened the screen door waving them inside.

"I've been expecting you for over twenty years," she said as they stood in the entrance. "Come on in and tell us what happened to him. That is why you're here?"

"Yes, Ma'am, I'm afraid so," said Casey as he started to follow her. Chuck stopped in the entrance looking at a small table below a mirror. On the table was a small bowl filled with change from various parts of the world.

"You can admire the furniture another day. Now don't make me regret bringing you along," whispered Casey as he pushed him along giving him the look of death.

"This way," she said waiting for them down the hallway then she took them into what looked like the living room. There sitting in a chair next to the sofa was the daughter. She was a carbon copy of her mother in her younger days. The only difference was the daughter was a brunette instead of being a red-head. Chuck looked around the well-kept room that was when he noticed neither the mother or daughter had shoes on and the mother wore an old safety pin on her blouse.

"Mrs. Fry, I presume? My name is Colonel John Casey and this is Agent Charles Carmichael and as you have guessed we have some bad news for you," he said as she motioned for them to sit down.

"You can call me Marta and no I never got around to changing my last name back. I knew this day would come eventually. I knew the job my husband was in would eventually kill him one day and it seems I was right. I can't say that knowing this would happen has helped me to prepare for this."

"You say that as if you're still in love with the General, yet you've been divorced for how long now," said Chuck. Everyone went silent. "Well it's true, isn't it? Or have things changed?"

"My Dad did call a few weeks ago and talked with Mom about a reconciliation. Isn't that right Mom, tell them not that it's any business of yours."

"No, it isn't," said Casey as he gave Chuck another look. "We came here to notify you because you're still listed as his only next of kin."

"That's right. I'm sorry this is Nina my... our daughter. You see Frank was an only child and an orphan. His story is kind of tragic. Both his parents were killed in an automobile accident and since he had no other relatives he was sent into foster care. He went into the Marines at sixteen and rose up through the ranks. I'm sorry, I'm being rude can I get you gentlemen something?"

"I'll take a cup of tea, if that's not too much trouble," said Chuck. Casey gave him another look. "So how long have you been living near the base? I would've thought you would've moved back home after the divorce. Where are from? I can't quite place your accent."

"Oh, me, I'm from all over. My parents were in the military so we moved all over. They too were killed in an accident while we were stationed in Japan… a skiing accident in Hokkaido. Let me put that water on for your tea. Is Earl Grey fine for you?" Chuck nodded as he got up and walked over to a table with photos on display. "Colonel, are you sure I can't offer you anything? Maybe something a bit stronger?"

"No thank you, l'm in uniform," said Casey. He was confused by the way Chuck was acting which was quickly getting him pissed off and what was worst was it seemed that Chuck was fueling the fire.

"John that's never stopped you before. The Colonel's just being polite Marta but I think he's going to need a scotch. John, come over here you need to see this. Isn't this you with the General?"

"What are you talking about? He wouldn't have a picture of me," said Casey as he got up and walked over to Chuck. "I don't know what's gotten into you but I don't like it," he said in a low voice.

"Just be patient and everything will be clear. See look at this," said Chuck as he handed John the photo. "This is you where? And there Keller in the background."

"Crap, that's the day my unit arrived in Honduras. I'd just stepped off the C-130 and thought we'd been dropped into hell. Looking back I think I was right but why did he keep a photo of me? I thought the guy hated my guts. What does this mean?"

"The water's on and here's your scotch. Oh, you're looking at those old photos. Those are photos Frank asked me to keep for him. He called them his pride and joys."

"The Colonel found himself in one," said the daughter. "Judging from his look, I think he needs that scotch now. So, you really did serve with my father?"

"Not for long I'm afraid, that was taken in Honduras," said Casey. "I was being looked at for Spec Ops and he decided I didn't make the grade so he cut me lose. That was supposed to be that but things happened."

"I remember him talking about you," said Martha "I hear the tea kettle. I'll be right back but he called you by a different name… Coburn... yes Lieutenant Alex Coburn I think it was. He said you were some sort of hot shot sniper I believe."

She disappeared then came back with Chuck's tea on a tray. He noticed there were three cookies next to the cup. She sat the tray down then handed him the cup and saucer.

"I'm sorry what was I thinking, I forgot to ask if you wanted lemon or cream with that," she said. However, she saw something else in Chuck's eyes and she knew this day too would come but not like this and not in her own house in front of her daughter.

"Like this is just fine," said Chuck as he sat it down then started eating one of the cookies. "These are very good tea cookies. Did you make them yourself?"

"Yes, but you said your name was Casey but that is Coburn in the photo and the Colonel introduced you as agent Carmichael. Just what kind of agent are you? What's going on here?" She asked as she reached behind her back.

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Sarah, Sam and Bunny made a morning of it shopping for all her school supplies. They went down aisle after aisle shopping around until they'd ticked everything off. The one who was having all the fun was Bunny who was giggling from the back of the shopping cart looking up at Sarah then over at Sam. Sam played a game of peek-a-boo which made Bunny giggle even more as Sarah talked with one of the store assistants.

"Are you sure these markers haven't got anything toxic in them? I don't seem to find it written anywhere and these are supposed to be for small children."

"Lady, we just sell them we don't make them. If you want them they're there on the shelf and if you don't you can go look somewhere else."

"With an attitude like that you must've worked at the Buy More. Now, I know you didn't mean to be rude to me but if you don't get me an answer pronto then you'll be walking funny after... well you get the picture."

"Well I never," said the man as he started to walked off in a huff but Sarah grabbed him by the shirt collar and pulled him back.

"I have... so Mister you won't be my first. You've got fifteen minutes and don't you make me come looking for you. Take my word you won't like, although I might," she said looking him in the eyes then she let him go.

"Lady, you're crazy," said the man as he scrambled away. It wasn't long before the store manager came walking towards her.

"Sam, how's Bunny doing," asked Sarah. "How are we doing on the list? I think we're almost done after the markers."

"Bunny's doing fine and everything has a tick by it except the markers and the lunch bag. "I don't know why I need a lunch bag. Can't I just pack it in my backpack?"

"No, it will get all squished inside and get everything in your backpack dirty. No, you need a bag," said Sarah as the store manager walked up to her.

"Excuse me, are you the lady who threatened my worker? We cannot condone acts of aggression in our store. Our workers are..."

"Rude and lazy to begin with as well as incompetent. I asked him if these markers were toxic and his only answer was you don't make them. That's unacceptable for a product targeted for children. Do you know if the ink inside is toxic? It doesn't say anything on the outside about what used to make them."

"That's the way they come but we cannot allow aggressive behavior inside our store. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"Oh, really," said Sarah. "You see this. It says I work with Homeland Security. Let me make a call and I'll have Customs down here inspecting these markers and the rest of your school supplies. We'll have to close you down until all this can be sorted out and I hope you haven't cut any corners and gotten off market brands passing them off as the genuine thing."

"You can't do that," said the manager as he took a big gulp trying to push the knot in his throat down.

"It's already been done," said a voice behind him. Mary walked up with a phone in her hand then she put it away. "A team of Customs agents are on their way as we speak. You can explain to them why you can't tell this agent whether those markers have anything toxic inside them. In the meantime, you need to shut down and clear everyone out. This store is impounded until further notice."

"But you can't... how am I supposed to explain this to my boss and to the corporate managers. I'll lose my job."

"You should tell them to standby because if this is a trend in all your stores then Customs will be paying them a visit too. Sarah grab the girls and let's go. I think we can do better elsewhere."

"And we were almost done," said Sarah as she picked Bunny up from the cart. Sam grabbed Bunny's bag and they all walked over to Mary.

"Well, now you have me to help you so we'll be done in half the time. Then we can go clothes shopping like I promised. I know a cute shop that has some nice things."

"About that," said Sarah as they walked outside. "Sam and I have been talking and she really doesn't want any skirts. She has good reason too," said Sarah as she went on to explain.

"I hadn't thought about that but you're right. Sam, why didn't you tell me? I would've understood. I know what we can get you... yes, we can get you some culottes."

"Culottes? What's a culotte?" said Sam as she made a face looking at Sarah and Mary. "I have to say the name doesn't impress me."

"They're skirts that are really pants or shorts. That's really not a bad idea," said Sarah. She'd already thought of it but it didn't hurt to let Mary think she'd saved the day. "Okay let me get Bunny buckled in. Everyone else get in. Where's this little shop at anyway?"

"Oh, it's near here on Rodeo Drive. Now remember to drive slowly you have a baby onboard. I don't know why you have to drive so fast all the time. You know there's a speed limit," said Mary as she braced herself with her hands on the dashboard as they pulled out.

"I wish I had Casey's passenger seat in my car," mumbled Sarah as she signaled pulling out of the parking lot.

"What did you say? You know you and Chuck need to learn to speak up. I swear half the time I can't understand a word you two are saying."

Sarah looked up at Sam smiling at her from the back.

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Things outside of Camp Pendleton seemed to spiral out of control as Chuck and Casey found themselves on the wrong side of a Makarov 9mm looking down its barrel. Casey seemed a bit bewildered but not Chuck, he knew exactly what was going on. Nina was beside herself asking her mother what she thought she was doing and where she got the gun from.

"That's her service pistol and your mother is doing what she's been trained to do," said Chuck as he walked over to the sofa and sat down. That divide Martha's targets making her back up to keep them both covered.

"Neither one of you gentleman move. I need to think this thing through," she said as she looked back and forth at Casey and Chuck.

"I don't understand," said Nina. "What do you mean 'she's doing what she's been trained to do?' Trained to do what? My mother hasn't been trained to do anything? Tell them Mom... put the gun down and tell them this is a big mistake. Please just put it down."

"Yes, tell us but I'd do as your daughter said put the gun down before someone gets hurt," said Chuck but Marta didn't. "Well, are you going to tell Nina or am I going to have to?"

"Never mind Nina," said Casey. "I want to know what the hell is going on," said John. He tried to move towards Marta but she turned quickly.

"No John don't. Marta listen to me there's no need for anyone to get hurt here today. Nina, your mother is a spy. My guess is she started out KGB S branch and is now working for SVR."

"How did you know? Are you really here to notify of my husband... ex-husband's death or did he send you to arrest me."

"Sister, if we were here to arrest you I wouldn't be dressed like this and we would've already hauled you in for a little chat. Chuck next time a little heads up would be nice."

"Who says there's going to be a next time? I can get rid of both of you then we can hightail it across the border into Mexico from there we're home free."

"I can see two things wrong with your plan... three, if you count I ... well we... don't want to be shot but I don't think you care about that."

"Do you rattle on like this all the time?" said Marta as Casey nodded his head. "Can you get to the point? What two things are wrong with my plan?"

"Thanks, John, okay, first of all we're supposed to report in after we're done here. If we don't our people will come looking for us and when they do... well how fast can you get over the border? But more importantly and this brings me to my second point, Nina isn't going to go with you."

"I can't Mom... I just can't. I can't watch you kill two people and then what we run for the rest of our lives looking over our shoulders. What kind of life is that?"

"We can go to Russia. My people will watch over us. We'll be welcomed as heroes and we'll be well treated," she said. Chuck laughed.

"You ask what kind of life you'll have? A very short one because our people will come looking for you and you're going to have to dig a very deep hole and stay in it. Even then it will only be a matter of time before they find you and believe me they will."

"How did you know? How did you know what I was?" said Marta. "You've ruined everything for me. Why did you have to come?"

"Because your ex-husband is dead and now you know he kept your secret to his grave. You asked how I knew... well you can take the girl out of Russia but you can't take Russia out of the girl. I wasn't certain at first. But you live in the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood... a little too perfect if you ask me. Then you greeted us inside the house not at the door because over the threshold is bad luck. You have these little bowls of change lying around... money brings money. You and your daughter don't wear shoes in the house. I bet it was hard for you not to tell us to take our shoes off..."

"You will never know," she said as she glanced over at her daughter. "I'm sorry Nina. I never meant for you to get caught up in this."

"Then there's the safety pin on your blouse for good luck. But all that was circumstantial until you served me the tea. You just couldn't serve naked tea, could you? You had to put three Russian butter cookies... the perfect number next to it."

"Mr. Carmichael, you are a very smart person... maybe too smart. Now I have to decide what to do with your two. Maybe we go for a ride?"

"If I were you I'd go outside flatten the tires of Casey's Crown Vic then run to the Russian consulate. However, if you don't make it I will personally call Igor Trotsky and see about a prisoner exchange for you. Igor and I are well acquaintanced."

"You and your commie friends... you know I hate when you mention them. What kind of American spy has friends on the other side?"

"They're just doing a job like you or I. It doesn't mean we can't be civil about this and need I remind you that my relationship with them has helped us out like now. Marta, if you pull that trigger... remember when I told you that our people will be looking for you... well your people will too. You won't be getting the hero's welcome you think you're going to get. If you don't believe me I can get Igor for you right now," said Chuck as he pulled reached for his phone.

"Don't move," she yelled as she raised her weapon at him. In that of moment of distraction Casey dove on top of her, but in the process of wrestling the weapon from her there was a loud ripping sound of fabric.

"Yes, John, I think your trousers shrunk on you. Now why did you think your ex-husband sold you out? That was the real reason for your divorce, he found out about your extra-curricular activities but he cared for you so much he didn't want to turn you in."

"Like crap he did," she snapped. "He was afraid of what it would do for his career if people found out he'd been married to a KGB agent. His career was everything to him and he didn't want to lose it so we came to an arrangement. He went his way and I went mine."

"I take it all that changed when he retired. Suddenly, he didn't have a career to worry about anymore so what happened then?"

"Yeah, what happened then Sister," said Casey. John's tone had changed. He didn't like being made a fool of. "So, what happened? You had your people off him while he was on vacation before he could finger you?"

"I don't know. I don't think so. I don't know. After he called here saying we had to meet I got nervous and called my handler. That's all I know... I didn't even know he was dead until you people showed up."

"And when you saw us you assumed your handler had handled it. I'm sorry but you're going to have to come with us. I promised you I'd call Igor and I will," said Chuck. He took out his phone, dialed a number then started speaking Russian.

"What kind of spy is he?"

"The good kind but I'll never tell him that."