Don't own Chuck
Sarah sat in a chair across from the Principal's desk holding Bunny with Chuck and Mary standing behind her and Sam next to her. On the other side of the room Marleen sat in a chair with the three boys beside her. Behind them were the parents of the other children involved along with Mrs. Martin their teacher who explained what she did and didn't see.
"I looked over and saw the three boys with a group of children at the slides then I looked away and when I looked back I saw this little girl standing over those three those three boys on the ground. So I rounded everyone up and brought them here to you."
"Then you didn't see the actual altercation just the result," said Doctor Dean as she tried to get down to the bottom of what had happened or so it seemed.
"I don't know if there was one. I looked away for just a few seconds watching the other children then looked back and the deed was done."
"See my poor Baby and his friends were assaulted by that she beast. We're going straight to the hospital from here then to our lawyers."
"Just hold on a minute," said Sarah getting angry. "My daughter is no she beast and I bet if I check the browser history on Ms. Martin's phone I'll find out what she was really doing instead of watching the children. We haven't heard the other children tell what happened so let's not jump to conclusions."
"What? You're going to listen to what an obviously undocumented immigrant's child has to say and let's not talk about that poor boy who's as obviously mentally challenged."
"He just stutters when he talks that doesn't mean anything," said Sam as she turned red in her face. "And don't insult him. He's my friend and so is Maria."
"I see you've got a temper," said the Principal as she looked up at Chuck and Sarah. "Mrs. Martin is a competent teacher and if she says..."
"What she said is not doubted," said Chuck. "What we're saying is she hasn't told us the whole story. If you want to get lawyers involved then I want her phone impounded for evidence before she can get rid of it."
"I can't do that. This isn't a court of law and as I was trying to say if this is what Mrs. Martin saw then I'm afraid I have to side with her."
"Then I'll impound it," said Chuck as he dropped his Homeland Security badge on her desk. "I'm also going to want all the security footage from your CCTV cameras that cover the playground."
"I'm sorry... but... well you see the cameras are for show. We didn't have the funding to complete the installation and as soon as we get more money then..."
"But you completed the computer lab. You realize if you had cut two computers you could've installed the cameras around the perimeter."
"That funding was earmarked by Marleen's husband for the computer lab. We had to use it for that or give back the money."
"Wait a minute, just hold it a minute. Did you bid out the contract or was there a sole source stipulation in the donation," said Chuck as a man walked in.
"What's going on here," said the man. "Marleen, what's going on? Why did you call and tell me to come down here? You said our son was attacked by who?"
"You mean by whom," said Chuck. "I'm going to be sending people down here to have a look at that donation paperwork."
"That she beast over there attacked our son and now her father is questioning your kind donation. I want you to do something."
"I think we're getting off track here," said Doctor Dean. "You can't wave a badge and throw up some sort of smoke screen thinking that will get your daughter off the hook."
"I don't but what I do recognize is a money laundering scheme. Frank here makes a donation and I'm sure it was a nice one. However, in the donation he requires you to outsource the purchase of the equipment from a specific provider who happens to be his friend. That provider gives you a cheaper product costing much less than the donation but he bills you for the full amount. Frank and his friend split the profit then he uses the donation also as a tax write-off."
"Frank tell him he doesn't know what he's talking about," said Marleen then she looked at Chuck. "How do you know my husband's first name?"
"Shut up Marleen," said Frank. "I'm sure this is just some big mistake. I mean kids will be kids and a little dust up is normal."
"What are you saying Frank? You know where that little animal hit your boy? Well, let's say there might not be any little Frankies."
"Some people oughtn't reproduce," said Mary. Everyone looked at her. "Think about. If Hitler's parents hadn't had Hitler would that have been a bad thing? And what about Stalin's or Mao's?"
"That may be true but they didn't attend Barnum Elementary School and got into a fight. I'm going to suspend your daughter and your son as well as his friends for a week. School for them will begin a week from Monday. That's my final word."
"But I'd planned on being in university by then, and Medical school the week after that," said Sam. "This is a load of crap."
"Keep it up and we can make it two for you," said Dr. Dean. "You have a discipline problem young lady. But we can take care of that."
"If we find out you knew about Frank's scheme that's collusion and you'll have a bigger problem. But that will be taken care of in eight to ten years with good behavior," said Sarah as she got up. Just then the Major came busting into the office.
"Ma'am, something has come up and we need you outside. Agents Carmichael, we need both of you too. The Colonel has found something."
They turned around and started to leave as Doctor Dean and everyone looked at each other wondering what was going on but Chuck stopped at the door.
"I need to tell you before we go that the Major and what he just said cannot be repeated to anyone. If you do you will be prosecuted under that patriot act. Best case scenario you'll spend time in prison worst case... well let's just say you wouldn't want that."
"Come on Chuck," said the Major. "Don't worry about them. We're going to gas the whole building with X-13 when we get outside."
"That stuff can't be good for you and it won't work. How are you going to explain to them why they all forgot a day?"
"They'll all wake up in hospital where they will be told the police busted a meth lab down the street which was vented down the storm drain that passed under the school. The fumes came up in the school and caused everyone to black out. The police found them after they busted the lab just in time but one side effect was memory lose."
"Okay, that just might work. Now what did Casey find out? I assume it has to do with the algorithm I left running on the main frame."
"Yes, he found a link between the General, Roan and the other General," said the Major. "I mean Generals, Fry and Beckman and Roan."
"Too many 'ands' and too many 'generals'," said Chuck as they reached the van. Sarah stopped outside with Bunny and Sam. "You can bring them inside."
"No, I think it's better if we wait out here. You can brief me once you're done inside," said Sarah as she looked down at Sam.
"Oh, okay, but if you want to come inside just knock on the side and I'll open the door. Sam, I want you to know I'm not angry with you. You took up for your friends and that took courage. In the past I got myself sent to the principal's office more than once for taking up for mine."
"You're taking about Morgan. I heard some of the stories from Morgan," she said as Chuck gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"Will you get inside and close the door," yelled Mary. Chuck smiled at both of them then gave Sarah a kiss then climbed inside closing the door behind him.
"That being said I want to know exactly what happened and who trained you to take on those boys. I know I didn't and I don't think your father did so who was it? That's leaves Mary or... yes, Casey," said Sarah as she remembered how tired and sore Sam was the other day. "Just tossing the ball around."
"Please, it wasn't his fault. I asked him to teach me. You wouldn't let me take my hammer and I don't want to be a victim."
"Sweetie, I don't want that for you either. You could've come to me and I would've helped you. If you want to train and are serious about it then I'll teach you," said Sarah as she put her free arm around Sam. She wanted to tell Sam the first rule in getting even was not to get caught but she wasn't sure Chuck would agree with her.
"School isn't what I thought it would be," said Sam. "So what happens now, do I start on Monday or a week from Monday. I've got my timetable."
"I think we need to find another school for you. If your father goes through with his threat then this one will be closed down by the police and local school board until the investigate is over. Marleen might even have to sell her stole and that Jaguar which will be a shame considering that body damage will depreciate it."
"But what about Maria and my other friend? What will happen to them?" said Sam. Sarah didn't have the heart to tell her that after they were gassed they wouldn't remember her.
"Don't worry about them. I'm sure everything will work out for them."
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It was getting dark in the Caribbean and the Annabel Lee was making good headway but as night set in the cooling air and warm water caused a mist that formed on one of the islands then rolled out to sea. However, what was mist quickly had become fog. This was a concern for Tory since their radio and radar was down. He set lookouts forward and aft then dug out his handheld foghorn. He started sounding it at half hour intervals.
"What's going on? Is something wrong," said Diane as she and Roan popped their heads topside and looked around.
"Yeah, What's up with all the racket? And where did all this fog come from? It's actually a little nippy makes me want a drink."
"Yes, this can happen out at sea. Land cools faster than the sea so that causes the nice costal breezes but it also causes fog to form and blows it out to sea making these fogbanks which is what we're in right now. Normally that wouldn't be a problem but our radar is out of order so I'm being a little cautious. The last thing we want is to bump into someone."
"Like an iceberg," said Roan. "We wouldn't want to be like the Titanic or that Italian cruise ship. What was its name... Oh, yes, the Costa Concordia and I think I remember it ran into an island or something like that. How do islands suddenly appear?"
"Well, we're far from land so there's little chance of us ending up like her and there are no icebergs this far south so you can rule that out. Please, it would be better if you went below and stayed there until we sail out of this bank. With visibility this poor it would be safer for you if you stayed below decks. In weather like this you can't see your hand in front of you so it would be easy to trip over something..."
"And if you go overboard in this it would be difficult for us to find you," said Spike. "I went below looking for you but you weren't there. I'd like it if you put on these life vests and kept them on. There's an emergency light that activates with contact of salt water and a whistle for you to blow so we can find you if the worse comes to worst."
"That's right and you should've been given that as soon as you came onboard but it's especially important that you wear them now."
"Here let me help you put these on," said Spike as he fit the one over Diane's head then checked the straps to make sure it was snug. After he put Diane's on he did the same for Roan. "I heard the Skipper ask you to go down below. If you follow me I'll take you down and I think Spud is putting together cocktails to serve in your cabin."
"Maybe he could use a hand," said Roan. "I'm a little bit of an expert when it comes to mixology but maybe I could learn something from him."
"Spike, do me a favor once you take our passengers down below turn them over to Spud then come right back up. I want to talk to you."
"Sure thing Skipper," said Spike. Roan wondered if Spike wasn't in trouble for not giving them their life vests as soon as they pulled out. Diane read Roan's mind and nudged him after they went down the ladder to the main deck.
"Don't interfere with the Skipper and his command," she whispered. Roan looked at her puzzled but he waited until Spike left.
"Spud, is through there and you know the way to your cabin from here. I really need to get back up to the wheel house and to see what the Skipper wants."
"Sure we can see our way from here and thanks for the vests. Now I can take a bath and not worry if I'm going to drown." Beckman jabbed Roan in the side. "Ouch!"
"What he means is simply thanks for the vests," said Diane then they watched and waited for Spike to leave. Roan rubbed his side.
"Ouch that really hurt. What did I do? I just thanked him for the vests. What's wrong with that? You did the same thing."
"Without the joke at the end about being safe in the bathtub. The guy is probably going to be chewed out because he gave us these late and you make a joke about it."
"Who says I was joking? I can drink in my bathtub now and not have to worry about passing out and drowning. Come on I want to see how Spud makes these cocktails. I can guess the principal ingredient is rum but I want to see what he puts with it."
"I bet you do. But what happens if he doesn't want to share?"
"Oh, he will. If nothing else out of professional courtesy."
"What from one alcoholic to another?"
[Meanwhile back in the wheelhouse]
"I know I should've handed out those vests as soon as they got onboard but I was busy doing other things like the inventory you asked for of provisions."
"What? No, that's not why I wanted you to come back up here. I'd like for you to stay here with me and keep watch for a moment. I keep thinking I'm seeing lights in the fog but then they disappear."
"I know you don't want to hear this but it was around here that my boat was boarded," said Spike but Troy cut him off.
"I don't want to hear anything about this being you know who has come back from the grave. That's just an old wives' tale and it will just agitate the men."
"Are you sure it will only be the men that will get agitated? If you think it is just a folktale then why don't you say his name? Or are you afraid that it really could be him and I was right all along."
"Look over there," said Troy ignoring what Spike had said. "Look off there off the port bow do you see that," he said as he pointed off into the fog.
"No this can't be happening again. We need to get out of here," said Spike as he engaged the diesel engine. But the lights through fog grew brighter and brighter
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[Over on the other boat]
Luiz had been playing cat and mouse with the Annabel Lee all day. He kept them in sight close enough to pounce at the right moment but they wanted to wait until night fall. The area the Annabel Lee was sailing through was noted for dense evening fog so it was agreed that would be the time when they boarded and as soon as the mist started rolling in Luiz knew that the time to jump was rapidly approaching.
"Okay, everyone in costume," ordered Luiz. Donna Rosenda watched as her son and his gang of thugs changed into pirate costumes.
"Remember, I want the Americans unharmed and brought back onboard. They're going to be my guest at the villa."
"Yes Mom," said Luiz. "everyone knows but what about the Annabel Lee? What do you want us to do with it? and do we bring our man back with us?"
"Boating is a hazardous activity and accidents happen all the time. Secure their crew below then send them to meet their maker." Luiz nodded then started getting his boarding part ready.
"Okay, everyone gather around and listen up," said Luiz as his motley crew drew near him. "This is what we're going to do. As soon as the fog gets thick we'll make our move. I want our boat brought in close then blind them with our search lights. While they're looking at our lights the rest of you will board them with me using the Zodiacs. We'll go out then circle around coming in on the opposite side fast cutting our engines before they hear us then we'll let out forward movement bring us in. They won't know we're there until they see us on deck."
"Very smart," said Donna Rosenda as she stood next to her son. "They'll think Black Bart has returned from the grave."
"That's the idea. I'm glad you approve Mom," said Luiz. "Now if you don't mind we need to put the Zodiacs in the water. Okay, everyone needs to get in position."
"Just remember why we're doing this. This is for your father and after this is over he can finally rest in peace."
"Yes, I know Mom," said Luiz then he climbed down into the motor raft. But he couldn't help wonder who was going to be at peace after this, his dead father or his mother. However, there was not the time to think.
"Okay cast off and let's start circling them. Their radar is down and in this fog, they won't be able see us," said Luiz as the trap was set now and they were ready to take their prey. He radioed back to their boat to see where they were in relation to their target.
"We're in position now, cut the motor," said Luiz. This took a lot of faith because the Annabel Lee was nowhere in sight. There was a low cheer when they heard the foghorn ahead of them.
"Okay, we've done this before. Get ready to those lines over and tie us off then everyone one onboard with me. Remember we need to take those Americans unharmed. They should be down in the guest cabin. Everyone else... well we don't have to be as nice. Get them all down into the machine room. We'll lock them in there."
"What do you want us to do with this?" said one of the men as he picked up a crate they'd loaded. "We can just toss this over."
"Will you please put that down gently. There's enough C-4 in that to blow us pieces. That gets hand carried over and no tossing it," he said as the outline of the ship came into sight.
"Here we go. Hit them with the search lights," radioed Luiz. In an instant, it seemed like day suddenly broke as a blinding light suddenly shone on the Annabel Lee. They heard scared voices as they came along side and the sound of their diesel engines starting to kick in.
"Get those lines over in a hurry. Two of you get down to the engine room and kill that diesel before they make a break for it. Remember what I said about the Americans. Donna Rosenda wants them taken without a scratch. Now let's go."
Luiz and his men were onboard in seconds screaming like banshee warriors striking terror in the crew of the Annabel Lee. Taking the boat was like a walk in the park for Luiz and his men.
"We've found the Americans and took them to the Zodiac. The crew is all locked up with their Skipper in the engine room like you wanted."
"Good, let me set the bomb then let's get out of here. Did any of the crew say he was with us or asked for special treatment?" but before the man could answer Luiz got called via radio form their boat.
"You mother wants you to get out of there now. A Coast Guard cutter just appeared on our radar and they're heading this way."
"I can't leave now I still need to place the bomb and set the timer. After that we can leave," said Luiz as he looked at his watch. "I just need ten minutes."
"You don't have ten minutes and Donna Rosenda wants you guys out of there now. She doesn't want to risk losing your cargo."
"Roger that," said Luiz as he cursed. "Mom and her precious revenge is going to be our fall. Okay everyone out of here and back in the Zodiacs," he said as he set off a couple of flares tossing them below decks. "That should keep the Coast Guard busy."