Don't own Chuck
As Natasha drove towards the checkpoint at the gate she put her hair up under a ballcap then placed her Makarov down next to her seat waiting for the guard to come near. She figured she could take him out then shoot the other one in the shack but after that they'd have to drive fast to get to the house before the alarm was sounded.
"Pablito, put your window down then lean back when we come to a stop," said Natasha. Chuck realize what was about to go down and had other ideas.
"I hope you don't mind," said Chuck as he drew his dart pistol and got off two rounds taking out both men. "I'll be right back," he yelled as he jumped out of the Range Rover to dragged the one guard back into the shack where he secured them both. "Okay we can go now. Everything is under control."
"I had this in hand mister CIA," hissed Natasha. " And is that a tranq gun you're carrying? What kind of spy are you?"
"The one who doesn't like firearms and didn't we just have this conversation? Now if you don't want us to get caught let's move it before someone sees us here. We need to get to the house before anyone realizes there's no one on the gate."
"I'm just having a hard time with what I've read and what I'm seeing right now. They don't seem to match so either what was written was greatly exaggerated or something else is going on," said Natasha as she drove towards the house.
"Yes, nice and slow like we're supposed to be here," said Chuck. He caught Natasha's look in the mirror. "I know you know what you're doing but it makes me feel better if I tell you. When you talked about what was written about me… well, the things we do mark us. I don't know if you want to call it Karma or what, but all our actions will one day come back to haunt us. Tovarisch, they say old sins have long shadows…"
"What did you call me? Tovarisch, Comrade. Okay I guess that's fair Mister CIA. But back to sins if what you say is true about old ones then I've got some very long ones," said Natasha as she drove up to the house. "Okay, we're here now what? Do we go up to the front door and kick it down then start a firefight?"
"No, we can't do that or I'll never get to speak to Luiz," said Pablito as he started to get out. "I'll go inside and find him. You can just wait here."
"Hold up a moment, that's a bad idea," said Chuck as Natasha grabbed Pablito and pulled him back inside. "For all we know Miguel could be on the other side of that door and that would be the end of you. He'd take you out before you could say one word to Luiz or even know you were there."
"Chuck's right," said Natasha. This was the first time she's called Chuck by name. "I didn't come all this way for you to go throw your life away."
"The whole reason for us coming here was for me to be able to talk to Luiz. You said he and Rosenda were holding your friends because of me so let me go talk to them and get this cleared up once and for all. I should've done this years ago."
"Yes, you probably should've but waiting a few more minutes now isn't going to make much of a difference. Let me go and find Luiz for you. Park the Rover with that other one then go hide in those sheds we saw coming in… just try not to get caught."
"The same could be said for you. I'll give you an hour but if you don't show back up in an hour then I'll go with my plan… the Makarov plan."
"Just go and wait," said Chuck as he got out then he turned to Alex. "I want you to stay with them and try to keep an eye on Natasha. If Rosenda and Luiz are here Casey and Roan have to be nearby. If I'm successful everyone will be able to walk away from this."
Chuck got out of the Defender then walked around the house and started up the steps to the house. As he did Natasha drove around and parked their vehicle next to the other Range Rover. Part of the key to infiltration is to act like you belong were you are. Which was what Chuck had in minded when he walked right up to the door and was about to knock when the door opened. Standing in front of him giving he the once over was a well-built Latin-American man.
"Buenas Tardes," said Chuck as he continued speaking in Spanish. "I have an appointment to meet with Señor Luiz to discuss a business matter. If you can show me to him he's expecting me."
"I don't think so… if it's about business you should really should be talking with Señor Miguel … but hold on a moment. How did you get in here? No, one gets in without being announced. How'd you get past the gate guards?"
"I just drove in past that gate over there," said Chuck as he pointed to it. "There are two guards but they're taking a siesta inside and I didn't want to bother them by waking them up. So getting back to business… my business. Can you tell me where I can find Señor Luiz or just point me in the right direction?"
"You can forget that because it's not going to happen," said José as he tried to block Chuck from pushing by him. "I'll take care of those guards later but Señor Luiz is about to leave for town with me so he doesn't have time to talk with you…."
"That's all right I could ride into town with you that would give me more than enough the time to talk with him. I really shouldn't tell you this but you see it's about his father. I've got proof that his papá is still alive."
"You have proof," said José as his mind started to race. Chuck could see the cogs in his head starting to turn. José realized he needed to deal with the stranger too and the best way to do that was to keep Luiz and him together. Then he could whack both of them and dump their bodies in the jungle. If he could get this proof he could give it to Miguel which would put him on his boss' good side and make him his favorite lieutenant.
"Yeah, sure why not that will work. We're going out and coming back so you can leave your car here," said José as he walked with Chuck to the Range Rover. "Where'd you park anyway?"
"Right there," said Chuck as he pointed at the other Range rover.
"No, that can't be yours that's the Rover El Jefe sent into town with the…" José started to say then he realized Chuck wasn't who he thought he was. José went for his weapon but before he could draw it he felt a bee sting. He looked at his shoulder to see a dart then his eyes rolled up into his head as he dropped to the ground.
"Well this is number three… five counting the shooters in that bar," said Chuck as he dragged José around tossing him in the back of the Defender. "Then Natasha said she took out some in an alley so how many more goons does Miguel have," he said to himself as he picked José's ballcap up off the ground then put it on as he climbed in the Rover sitting behind the wheel.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
[Meanwhile back inside the house]
"Have you got that letter done yet," said Luiz as he walked into Donna Rosenda's bedroom. "I've got a driver waiting to take me into town to deliver it. You realize this time things could be different."
"If you're afraid I can get Miguel to send one of his men. But a true son of Pablito the bandito wouldn't know the meaning of fear."
"I'm not afraid but I don't like taking risks when I know they're bad and this one is bad. But I never said I wouldn't do it… it's just… well you're putting a lot trust in Miguel."
"Of course, I have and he deserves it after everything he's done for us. I see what this is. You're jealous of all the attention he's been showing me…"
"You've said that before and I told you before and I'll tell you again I could care less. But we've got a lot riding on him doing what we tell him…"
"You mean what I tell him and you needn't worry about that because he will. Which is more than I can say about some. If you hadn't had your jealousy fit at the airport Casey and Roan would be sitting in a cell waiting for their execution."
"And you've already said that too. Just give me the letter and I'll be gone but while I'm away keep your guard up as well as an eye on Miguel. You might trust him but I don't. Just now when I walked in on him he was talking some plan over with his two lieutenants…"
"Of course he was and with good reason too I'll bet. Miguel has to run his businesses even if we're here. Just listen to yourself jealousy is making you blind and seeing things where there are none."
"Then why did they clam up when I walked into the room. If they had nothing to hide why didn't they continue talking."
"Have you ever thought that what they were talking about was none of your business? Luiz, Luiz what am I going to do with you? You are your father's son."
"I guess I can't help that," said Luiz but inside he wanted to ask her what his father's name was and how she could be so certain it was Pablito. He'd heard enough now to call his parentage into question. "Well, if you've got that letter done I'll take it."
"I'm almost done just give me a moment to re-read it," said Donna Rosenda. There was a knock at her bedroom door. "Come in," she yelled.
"Who could that be?" said Luiz as he walked towards it only to be greet by Miguel standing there smiling at him. He had a sudden urge to knock some of those pearly whites that were blinding him, but he held his temper. "I said I'd be down as soon as Mom hands me the letter," he said as he put extra stress on the word 'mom'. As in mine and hands off or else but either he was to subtle or Miguel was ignoring him because he just pushed past him.
"I came up after what Luiz said sank in. You're writing to coordinate a swap with the Americans, aren't you?"
"Yes, and I've just finished it. I was just giving it one last look over before I send Luiz out to deliver it. Why? Is something wrong?"
"I was just thinking that you haven't been here in a while and as for Luiz this is his first time… what I'm saying is things have changed that you are unaware of so do you mind if I look at it? That's just to make sure that the place you've chosen will work for us."
"You're providing the manpower and it's your people who'll be risking to make this swap so I think you've earned a right to give this a once over," said Donna Rosenda. Luiz rolled his eyes in disappointment and looked away then turned back.
"I don't think that's really necessary," said Luiz as he tried to hide the anger that was bottled up inside him. "I think my mother knows what she's doing."
"It's not a question of knowing what you're doing. It's a question of logistics and making sure we have the advantage on the ground. These Americans are tricky and they'll have control from above either with a drone or a satellite that's why we need to neutralize that advantage by choosing a place that will work against them and for us."
"Luiz, Miguel is right, we can't overlook this because of… well you know what I mean," said his mother as she looked him in the eyes. He understood exactly what she was hinting at and it wasn't just about their previous conversation. "Here, take a look at this," she said as she handed Miguel the piece of paper she'd been writing on.
"Oh, I can see one thing right off the bat. That building you mention where you want to do the swap… the old Quonset hut was blown away during the last hurricane. All that's left is just some twisted metal. No, I'd have the exchange at the old sugar mill. The structure is in metal so during the day it will be impossible for the Americans to use their birds to do an IR search looking for heat signals."
"That sounds perfect. Don't you agree Luiz," said Donna Rosenda. Luiz had no option other than to agree. "Give me directions and I'll re-write the letter. In the meantime, would you like something to drink?"
"A rum on the rocks would be nice," said Miguel as he smiled at Luiz's mother then at him. How much Luiz wanted to put his fist in that face.
"Luiz, be a good boy and run down to the sitting room and fetch us two rums on the rocks. By the time you come back this letter will be ready for you to deliver."
"Yes, right away," he said but he had some other choice words to say once he was out of the room and out of earshot.
"We need something else to go with this letter," said Miguel. "We need to send them proof that we have the hostages we say we have. I mean for all they know we could be bluffing."
"You're right. Why hasn't Luiz said anything?" But Miguel knew how to play his cards and remained silent. "Yes, I understand why. It's that girl. Luiz is becoming more and more like his father turning his head at whatever skirt walks by. Maybe we ought to include a finger or an ear? That would get their attention…"
"And probably their anger too," said Miguel as he wondered if he hadn't pushed her too far. "No, I was thinking we send them their passports. That way they can see we have them and they can also verify who they are."
"As always good council Miguel," she said as she folded the piece of paper. "I'll have Luiz go get our guests' passports as soon as he returns."
"Do you really want him to go talking to that girl again? You said yourself he was… well attracted to her. So far we've been able to keep them quiet and I'd like that to continue. If he goes he might slip and say something he shouldn't or even do something. Maybe it would be better if I go and collect them that way we can keep temptation away from him."
"Yes, I can see your point and you're thoughtful to be thinking about him," she said as she thought for a moment. "All right, go and come back. I'll have Luiz wait here for you."
Miguel nodded then left. He smiled on the other side of the door thinking about what he'd done. He was happy with himself realizing he'd put another wedge between Donna Rosenda and Luiz. Back inside Donna Rosenda walked over to the window and looked outside.
"Luiz, Luiz, what am I going to do with you," she said as she watched two men walking over towards two Range Rover but the one man she didn't recognize. She was thinking she should ask Miguel about him when Luiz came in and she turned around just before Chuck tranq'd José.
"Where's Miguel? I brought him his drink," said Luiz as he sat the tray down. "Mom, I didn't come all this way with you to become a waiter."
"Miguel went to get our guests' passports to send with the letter. If you don't want to be treated like help then start showing some initiative. If you hadn't been distracted by that woman you would've suggested that we needed to send proof, but you're too worried about them or better her."
"I'm not the one who's distracted," he said as he turned red. He could feel his blood boiling and he'd taken almost enough.
"Luiz, even as a boy you liked playing with your food. Miguel is one of us but that woman and her friend up there are not they are a means to an end. I shouldn't have to remind you of that."
"I know perfectly well who they and we are. But I told you before there will be no repeat of what you did to Juanita and I mean it."
"That my dear son depends on the Americans." Luiz was fit to be tied but he knew it was useless to argue any more. He picked up Miguel's drink then downed it.
"I'll be downstairs in the sitting room getting me another. When Miguel comes back send him down with the package you want delivered," said Luiz. He didn't bother to stay to hear what she had to say. He just knew he had to get out of the room.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sarah and Morgan listened to Casey's brief and they realized they might have to break out of the room. Going out the door was out, it had an electronic lock that was impossible to pick and the windows were securely bolted shut. Even if they could get out of them there was nothing to climb on to get down and it was too far down to jump.
"We could rush the next guy who comes through the door," said Morgan. "You've still got your weapon."
"Yeah and if I fire it everyone is going to come running. Then we'll have to shoot our way out of here and I don't have that many rounds."
"John could help… he can shoot though the wall and take them out. He just needs an eye hole or listen for footsteps."
"That's just asking for friendly fire. No offense John but shooting blind is a last resort," said Sarah. Casey was about to make a reply when they heard someone at the door.
"Shouldn't you knock before you come in," said Sarah as she stood in front of Miguel as he walked in. She made sure she was between him and Morgan. "I hope you're here to tell us we can go. That hostel in town is looking better and better by the moment."
"Well, this has something to do with that I need your passports to make copies and send them to the policía. It's required by law that we register all our guests in the Comisaría and as our men are doing that we can find out more about these escaped outlaws. I'm sorry for the condition but you're staying here like this… well, Luiz is only thinking about your welfare."
"I'm sure he is," said Sarah as she took her passport out of her purse then handed it to Miguel. "I expect that back."
"One second," said Morgan as he put his hands down his pants and started digging around. "Almost got it just hold on," he said as Sarah and Miguel gave him a look. "What? You protect your money and important documents when you go abroad. Here it is," he said as he pulled it out then handed it to Miguel who baulked for a moment. "Well, don't you want it? I thought you said you needed it?"
"Yes, of course," said Miguel as he took out a handkerchief taking it from Morgan in it. However, when he did he saw that it was American. "I thought you said you were Canadian? This is an American passport."
"On my father's side but my mother is American. I move to L.A. shortly after I graduated to try my hand at acting. I've had some moderate success and I'm still waiting for my big break."
"What? I didn't know there was going to be a sequel to the Wizard of Oz?" said Miguel as he smiled. "They might be doing something with the Hobbit?"
"Right, well my agent is working on it which reminds me I really should be checking in with him. Do you suppose I could borrow your phone? I'll gladly pay for the call."
"Sorry all the phones are out and we get bad cell service out here but as soon as it comes back I'll let you know," said Miguel as he turned and left. They heard the door lock behind him.
"Yeah, like I'm sure you will," said Morgan. "Can you believe that guy?"
"Pipe down Gimli," said Casey from the other side of the wall. "I've got an exit plan for you guys. You just have to make a lot of noise."
Miguel opened Morgan's passport and started looking through it but as he did he heard Sarah and Morgan arguing from inside then he heard dishes breaking and furniture banging against the walls. One of the men with him started for the door.
"No, let them have at it. As long as they're at each other then they won't be worrying about being locked inside. This is interested," he said he noticed something missing in Morgan's passport then he checked Sarah's to find the same thing missing.
"Is something wrong El Hefe?" asked the man next to him seeing the perplexed look on Miguel's face as he studied the passports.
"I don't know and maybe it's nothing. But it's odd that neither one of them has an entry stamp from customs. I thought that was mandatory for all foreigners when they enter country."
"Should we go back inside and ask them," said the man. Just then they heard something that sounded like a chair crash against something.
"No, it can wait I need to get Luiz on his way. Besides by the time they're done in there one of them or both might be dead so it'll be a moot issue."
"More like a dead one," said the man. They both laughed then Miguel left leaving his man to stand watch outside he door.