A/N Thanks again for all who alerted, reviewed and read this story. I know this update is late but I think we all had to deal with our own feelings about the finale and the end of something so important in our lives. I know I did. That was a big part of why I wrote Permutations. I needed to kind of clear my palate so to speak. I should have an update on that story early next week. Check it out if you get a minute.

This is another long one and thanks as always to Esardi for his read through and a special thank you to BDaddyDL for taking a look at this while the site was down today. It really made a big positive difference in how this chapter ends.

As always I do not own Chuck but if I did we would have all watched episode 5.15 Chuck vs The Realtor tonight.

Chapter 18

The Beach House

Castle

03:05 pm PDT

"Hi guys, miss me?"

The long legs of the redheaded DEA Agent bound down the stairs with the joy of life that Carina Miller seemed to thrive on. The confidence, the swagger, and yes the unpredictability that defined her were things that both scared and enticed anyone who came in contact with her. Chuck liked her because he knew that she cared about Sarah, Casey, well Casey had his own stories about Carina and let's just say she was a very sore spot in his life. She had managed to seduce him and humiliate him twice and he knew that her being part of this team could lead to another incident he was desperate to avoid. 'Well maybe with this ass clown Shaw here her attention will be elsewhere. He seems her type, he does have a pulse after all or at least what passes for one.'

The General seeing her new agent come into frame addressed the group once more. "Agents, after the great work that Agent Walker, Agent Miller and Mr. Carmichael did in France we requested that she be transferred indefinitely from the DEA to this team. You worked together well and we see no reason that can not continue. Colonel Casey is 'familiar' with Agent Miller as well and we hope that his professionalism will continue on this assignment."

Casey just looked straight at the General on the monitor and didn't acknowledge the slight smirk that Carina was displaying.

"Agent Shaw, as you are new to this operation I'd like to introduce you to Agent Carina Miller. Her record speaks for itself and we expect you to give Agent Miller any information she needs on your dealings with the Ring." Shaw nodded.

"Agent Miller, you know everyone here except for Agent Shaw. Agent Daniel Shaw is a CIA 'Ring expert' according to some documents we have recently obtained. It seems he was working deep undercover for the late Director Graham. His mission was only know to Director Graham because of the extreme secrecy required to monitor this organization. They have embedded themselves into all aspects of the US Intelligence service and their reach is much further than previously known. Agent Shaw's role is to be an advisor on this team. Agent Walker is AIC and you will follow her orders to the letter, understood?"

"Yes, General."

"Agent Shaw, you mentioned earlier that you had information on a possible mission regarding the transfer of some critical intel to the Ring."

"Yes, ma'am. I have learned that disks containing certain highly classified intelligence are going to be transferred from a Ring operative in Europe to the Director who we believe to currently be in the LA area. We need to find these disks and retrieve them to try and ascertain what the Ring's next move is. Why they are interested in this intel and what they plan to do with it."

"Agent Shaw, do you have any idea where these disks are located or where the transfer is supposed to happen?"

"Agent Walker, if I may." Shaw then pulled a flash drive from his pocket and plugged it into the laptop that was sitting on top of the conference table. "I believe that this man, Karl Stromberg has the disks in his possession and will be making the transfer at a party in Malibu at the home of a wealthy television songwriter this saturday. The host is known for his parties and flamboyant lifestyle so it should be easy for Agents Walker and Miller to gain admittance."

On the screen a picture of Stromberg appeared. He was in his late thirties, slightly balding and gave the appearance of an English football goon. Chuck had flashed when he saw the picture but had managed to turn his head away and fake sneezing into his elbow to hide his reaction. He knew that he wouldn't be able to hide the fact that he was the Intersect for very long from the two new members of his team. Their lives may depend on him and their knowledge of his special abilities.

"Very well Agent Shaw. Go over the details with Agent Walker and the rest of the team and I expect a mission profile on my desk by 9am your time tomorrow. At that time we will discuss whether this mission is a go or not."

"Yes, General"

"Ok team you are dismissed. Agent Walker could you stay for a minute I'd like to speak with you privately."

Chuck looked over to Sarah and without any real noticeable expression communicated to his partner, team leader and girlfriend that he had information for her. Her imperceptible acknowledgement of what Chuck had told her in effect was a clear example of why their team was so good. She then looked at Casey and sent him a similar message. They 'big three' would need to talk later. She only hoped that the same kind of instinctive communication would be built with the new members as well but she knew it would take time. She and Carina had it from their years with the Cat Squad, something she would have to talk to Chuck about now that they were partners as well and not just working on a single mission together. Shaw on the other hand was unreadable, expressionless and she had a lot of questions for him before she gave her approval for this mission.

Once Chuck, Carina, Casey and Shaw had left the conference room and headed back toward the gym and armory area of Castle, Beckman spoke once again.

"Agent Walker, I realize that adding these two new member to your team creates a number of issues for you as team leader. I just wanted to say that it was always my intent to add Agent Miller to the team. Your work with her in the Cat Squad and her work with you and Mr. Bartowski on the Alahi and Marchon missions has shown that you make a good team. I just hope that Colonel Casey can avoid his previous run ins with Agent Miller this time."

"Yes, ma'am. I make sure of that."

"Good. Agent Shaw is a bit of an unknown here. His operations under Graham were extremely well hidden from any of us in the intelligence community. We only found out about them in the past 36 hours. Keep a close eye on him and if he is reluctant to share any of his intel with you or the rest of the team I need to know about it. We don't want some lone wolf on a crusade against the Ring to jeopardize the Intersect project."

"Yes, ma'am. I have some concerns about this mission and I need to talk with Agent Shaw before I can support it. I'd also like to talk to Chuck about anything he might flash on regarding the mission."

"Very well Agent Walker. I expect a full report in the morning. Dismissed."

"Thank you ma'am"

Sarah then turned to head towards where the remainder of her team was. She needed to talk to Chuck and make sure that Casey and Carina understood how things were going to go down on this team. Then she needed to talk to Shaw.

Castle locker area

Five minutes earlier.

"Hey Chuckles nice to see you again." Carina walked over to Chuck and gave him a hug.

"Ahh Carina, just when I thought things might get a little dull around here."

"Now why would you want that, isn't life here in snoresville boring enough?"

"Well it certainly won't be with you here, that's for sure."

Carina then turned her attention to the tall NSA Agent. "Casey, no hug for an old friend? I hope you've at least changed up the rotation since I was here last."

Casey just grunted and headed to the armory. There were some targets with Carina's picture on them he needed to kill.

Carina then walked over to where Shaw was putting some of his gear in his locker, his run bag, workout clothes and a few very expensive outfits right from the latest issue of GQ.

"So Agent Shaw, seeing we are both new to this team maybe we should spend a little time getting to know each other." Carina then stepped in closer and gave Shaw one of her patented sensuous smiles.

Shaw then turned and saw that Carina was a little closer than he expected. He put on his well practiced charm face. "Agent Miller, I'd like that. But first I need some time in the gym. I just flew in yesterday and haven't had the chance to sweat in a few days."

"Well by all means. I'd never stop a man from sweating. I'll just put my stuff in the locker right here, you never know when I'm going to need a strenuous workout myself." She then smiled and turned away. Shaw was handsome in a classic spy way but his technique seemed to lack a certain flare. Carina figured most marks would just look at the package Shaw came wrapped in and forget that seduction was an art. An art she had perfected. With Chuck taken and Casey not likely to fall for the same trick three times now at least Shaw might be fun to play with.

Sarah entered the locker area and caught the last of Carina's little verbal dance with Shaw. Having Carina on the team added a certain dynamic that might just work to their advantage this time. She could be partnered with him and that might allow for an easier route to understand what the secret was behind the unknown Agent. Hell if Carina could trap Casey in handcuffs twice then Shaw would be easy. Sarah using her 'female' spy skills had so many negatives when it comes to Shaw but Carina was a different story. One that she would have to discuss with her former partner.

Sarah turned and walked over to Chuck who was getting dressed in his workout gear. He and Sarah had planned a training session in the dojo for an hour or so before Casey was supposed to work with Chuck in the range. Chuck may not want to ever use deadly force but he certainly needed to know how to use all of the arms available in Castle if for no other reason than self-defense or the defense of his team.

"Chuck, can I see you for a minute before we start our session?"

As Chuck and Sarah were leaving Shaw watched the two carefully but made sure he wasn't noticed by either of them. Carina had stepped out to get her bag so she could begin unpacking her own gear but as she returned she did however catch Shaw focusing his attention on Sarah. She is a great spy after all. The look on his face told her this wasn't just a guy looking at a great ass but something else entirely. Shaw might be one of those male spies that felt he always had to be in charge and the idea of someone else, especially a woman, an incredibly beautiful woman, being his boss might not appeal to his ego. As she knew the other members of her team very well she decided to focus on this new unknown. She had worked with plenty of pretty boy agents in her time. Men were so much easier to read than women for her and there was something going on in Agent Shaw's head when it came to Sarah Walker.

Chuck and Sarah entered one of the cells at the back of Castle and Sarah turned and closed the door. She wanted to talk with Chuck about the mission Shaw had proposed. She had caught Chuck's reaction to the name Karl Stromberg and she wanted to talk to him privately about it before she discussed it any more with Shaw. She needed Chuck's input. Once inside Sarah went over to the control panel in the cell and entered the code that disabled the surveillance. She knew she had five minutes before Langley was alerted to the lost feed so they had to talk fast.

Sarah turned to Chuck and noticed a rather curious look on his face. She wasn't sure what he was thinking. "Sarah though I really appreciate your wanting some alone time, wouldn't the supply closet work a little better? I mean the cell door is made mostly of glass. Shaw or Carina could still see us and I don't even want to think about Casey's reaction to defiling government property." Chuck said with a rather adorable sassiness to his voice.

Sarah had to stifle a small chuckle. His idea of why she brought him in here was certainly tempting but she needed to focus on the mission first even though she instinctively licked her lips to moisten them. Seeing they were already ready wet there was no point in wasting them. She leaned in and gave him a very tender 3 second kiss.

"Chuck though I would love to take that kiss further we have to focus here. At least for the foreseeable future, Castle is off limits to any PDA, understood?"

Chuck gave Sarah a bit of sad pout but surprised her when he snuck in one more peck. "Understood, starting now."

"Starting now."

"So why did you bring me in here Agent Walker?" The grin still reminiscent of a Cheshire cat.

"Chuck, did you flash on the name Karl Stromberg?"

"Yes I did. Not much really but it just doesn't seem to add up."

"How so?"

"Stromberg is a mercenary, an arms dealer not a currier. Besides his nickname in the Intersect is 'Smooshie'. What kind of an arms dealer is called 'Smooshie'?"

"Maybe the package he is transporting is a weapon or some plans for one."

"Maybe and I think it's plausible enough that we should move ahead with going to the party but something about this guy seems off."

"Well let's talk to Casey about it later."

"Sarah, do you trust Carina?"

Sarah gave Chuck a questioning look. "Chuck, Carina is a wild card, you yourself have seen that first hand. She likes to improvise but the one thing I know for certain about Carina is that she would never betray her country. So yes I trust her."

"I sense a but there"

"Yes.. But we need to keep an eye on her. Remember what happened on the beach? She's a gamer and is always looking out for what benefits her. But we can use that to our advantage as long as we are aware of it."

"Should we read her into ..." Chuck taps his left temple.

"Not yet but we won't be able to keep her in the dark for long. She's too good a spy to not figure something's up eventually. We were lucky we had a great cover planned in Marseille and your description of how you figured out who the mole was, was brilliant." Sarah grinned with pride at her partner and boyfriend and Chuck responded with a slight blush on his cheeks. " But we might not be so lucky next time."

"So I take it no on Shaw either?"

"Definitely not. We are being told is that he is a great spy but he will have to show us how good he is first before we trust him enough to read him in on you know what. I still need to talk to him about the mission."

Just as Sarah was reentering the code to turn on the surveillance Chuck got a big Bartowski grin on his face.

"What?"

"Nothing." Chuck tried to hide his laugh.

"Come on Chuck, spill."

"Do you like the new security codes I set up for you? You can change them anytime you want if you don't."

Sarah looked a bit dumbfounded at Chuck for a second. 'Why would he ask if I liked the Security codes?'

After a few seconds Chuck's expression seemed to falter.

Sarah thought for a second longer hoping she wasn't somehow missing something when she saw the slight sense of hurt in his eyes.

Then it dawned on her. Her expression turned form confused to worried to touched in the space of about 2 seconds. She leaned in and kissed Chuck passionately but oh too briefly before she hit the enter button.

"1 4 3, every one of my codes starts or ends with 1 4 3. You big adorable nerd."

"Well if I can't say it to you here in Castle for the obvious reasons," he said pointing to the camera on the wall,. "at least you'll know how I feel every time you have to enter a code into any of the systems."

"Well 1 4 3 2 Chuck"

Carina had finished putting her stuff away and walked into the gym where Shaw was working out on the bench press. "So Agent Shaw do mind if I ask you a question?"

"Not at all Agent Miller but please when we are not on a mission call me Daniel."

"Thanks and please I'd like it if you called me Carina."

"I would like nothing better than to say the name Carina, often."

'That the best you got Danny boy?' Carina thought.

"So Daniel, what's with you and Agent Walker?"

Shaw let the weights drop a little too loudly at the question. He tried to hide it by turning and moving the pin to add more weight for his next set." I don't know what you mean, Carina."

"Just the way you were looking at her when she and Chuck were walking out. Either its you are not used to taking orders from a woman, which is a shame as some of my best moments are when I'm giving the orders to men, or maybe you were focused just a little too much on that perfect ass of hers."

Shaw chuckled out loud but he was pissed he had missed Carina watching him earlier. He would have to watch out for her a lot more closely. "Well it is a great ass but I don't have a problem with Agent Walker being lead Agent. I'm just here as a consultant and glad to be on the team. If the stories you hear floating around the Agency are even close to being accurate, this team is the best team for the job of taking down the Ring. And that is what I have spent the last five years of my life trying to do."

Carina thought for a second about his response and added while throwing Shaw a water bottle as he sat up on the bench after finishing his third set. "Well I've worked with them a couple of times before and the rumors like all rumors have basis in fact. This is the best team for the job and Sarah, Agent Walker, is the best damn Agent I've ever worked with."

"Well Carina, glad to hear it but after our time together I hope I can get you to change that ranking around just a little bit."

Sarah and Chuck walked into the gym where they saw Carina and Shaw working out.

"Agent Shaw when you get cleaned up I'd like to talk to you about the mission. I've got some questions I'd like to ask before we go through with it."

"No problem Agent Walker. I'll see you in the conference room in fifteen minutes I just need to take a quick shower."

"Fine."

Exactly fifteen minutes later Shaw walked into the conference room and saw Chuck and Sarah sitting waiting for him.

"Take a seat. I've asked Chuck to join us so he can go over any intel you have about the mission. What these disks may be, layout of the location, who will be at the party, what kind of covers do we need etc. Whatever you have, we need to know it all before I give the go ahead and develop the plan to tell General Beckman tomorrow."

"Fine Agent Walker. from a secret source I have in Europe I've learned that data from a very classifed operation in Europe is being transferred to the Director via currier. The disks in question contain this data will be passed form the currier to a Ring operative at this party and then on to the Director."

"Do you know what's on these disks?"

"Nothing more than I just old you. It's data from a highly classified project that is going on in Europe somewhere."

"I won't ask you your sources, ...yet, but at some point you will have to reveal any ask for. Understood?"

"Yes, Agent Walker."

"Do we have blueprints form the home where the party is going to happen?"

"Yes, Mr. Carmichael, excuse me Chuck." he said when he noticed Chuck's expression. I'll copy them to the servers so we can all have access. to them."

"Thank you."

The briefing went on for another ten minutes where some initial plans were discussed. It was more of a test for Shaw's organizational skills as Sarah had already come up with a plan she would probably go with. The number of added civilians at the party made this a delicate operation.

"Ok, I think we are done here. Thank you Agent Shaw we will see you here tomorrow morning."

"Thank you Agent Walker and if I may say so I'm looking forward to working with you closely. You reputation as one of the best seems well deserved. You too Chuck. I've heard some great things about you." Shaw reached out his hand and shook both of the members of his new team.

As Shaw was walking away her over heard Sarah talking to Chuck. "You ready to go home Chuck? Why don't we hit Bamboo Dragon on the way home and get some takeout. I'm starving."

"Sounds good to me."

So they live together. Shaw thought. Either it is a leftover from when he was an asset that needed protection or there really is something serious going on between them. He'd need to find out more about that and he knew just the person to ask.

Maison23

7:45 PM PDT

Seeing Sarah was now living with Chuck, 'for his protection' Carina had agreed to use Sarah's old hotel apartment as the CIA had it on indefinite lease. Carina had visited Sarah before and liked the view and central location. It was familiar and suited her needs for the duration of her stay in L.A. The green decor she could do without but it was one of the better places she had been set up in during her years with the DEA. Places like Columbia, Afghanistan and Thailand don't usually come with five star hotels. Even her hotel in Marseille wasn't as nice as the Maison23.

It hadn't taken her long to unpack. She was a spy and had virtually everything she needed in one small carryon piece of luggage. Besides she had an expense account and the thought of spending someone elses money on Rodeo Drive definitely appealed to her. It also allowed her to keep in the latest styles and fashion. A new wardrobe every extended mission was one of the perks of the lifestyle she loved.

She had thought about asking Sarah to go with her to a couple of the new clubs in town she had heard about but after a 13 hour flight from Europe she decided to order in, have a nice bottle of Cabernet, take a bubble bath and catch up on some much needed sleep. The clubs would be there tomorrow and that would give her time to work on her former partner and get her come along.

Carina threw on her robe when she heard a knock on the door. Grabbing her Beretta she quietly stood beside the door and looked through the peep hole. She hadn't had time to set up any surveillance in the hallway. She was surprised to see the tall features of one Daniel Shaw.

Putting her gun down she opened the door for her new teammate. "Daniel, this is a surprise. Did you miss me already?"

"Well Carina, I'm new in town and thought you might want to show me around. If your free." 'Textbook line again' Carina thought. 'Doesn't he know I took the same courses he did?'

"Come in. I actually was just getting ready to take a bath, have a glass of wine and get some sleep but I might let you convince me otherwise." She said seductively.

"Good, I'd like that." Shaw walked in and walked over towards the windows.

"Pour yourself a glass of wine, I'm just going to turn the water off."

"You don't have to give up your bath for me. I'd be happy to sit and talk or if you'd like I could wash your back for you."

"I would like that Danny but lets sit for a second. We're going to be teammates it seems and I'd like to figure out what makes you tick."

"True, we can always warm up the water later." Shaw held out his wine glass for Carina to clink.

Carina took notice of the word 'we'. As it was too early in this dance to sit on the bed Carina decided to sit at the small table where the wine and her leftover California roll sat. Shaw followed and sat across for her.

"Well seeing we are spies we can dispense with all the usual cover lies and talk about what we can talk about. Anything else you can tell me about the source of this proposed mission?"

"Not much really Carina. A beautiful spy like you knows all too well I can't reveal anything. Anyone on this team could very easily be working for the Ring."

"Including you?"

"Including me."

"Too bad, we might have had some fun before I'd have to shoot you."

They both chuckled a bit though Carina sensed that laughter and Daniel Shaw weren't good friends.

"Besides Agent Walker is team leader, everything I tell you has to be cleared by her."

"Ah yes, Sarah in charge."

Shaw poured them both another glass of wine. "Carina, what's up with Carmichael and why does he need Agent Walker living with him?"

Ok here we go He's probing for info too. "He's probably the best analyst I've ever worked with. Light years ahead of any in the DEA. Besides he's cuteish and it's their cover. She's his girlfriend."

"So a geek analyst has the best CIA Agent in the business living with him as his cover girlfriend? He must be one hell of an analyst."

"Hey, if she hadn't been living there I might have been heading there tonight myself. I've never been with a cute nerd before."

"He doesn't seem your type."

"And what do you think my type is, you I assume?"

"Well to be honest, yes."

"Think highly of yourself I see. But hey he's single, funny and not bad to look at in a dorky kind of way. I've had worse. And besides he turned me down last time anyway."

"Is he gay?" Shaw was a bit in shock. Why would a geek like Carmichael turn down a beautiful piece of ass like Carina? He didn't get it.

"No, he said he just couldn't cheat on his cover girlfriend."

"His loss."

"Well they make a good team. I've worked with them a few times and they are the best I've been with."

"Well maybe you and I can change that."

Just as Shaw was getting up to come over and kiss Carina, her phone beeped with an incoming text.

"Sorry Danny." She walked over and picked it up off the nightstand. After seeing the text was from Sarah, she placed her phone in the pocket of her silk robe and walked back over to where Shaw was now standing. She leaned in and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.

"Daniel, on second thought I'm kind of tired and I have to make a phone call. DEA needs some info from my last mission. I'm not sure how long it will take. Maybe we can pick things up where we left off after the mission?"

Shaw looking somewhat dejected or at least he tried to, walked over to the door and just as he was about to leave he turned to Carina and smiled. "I'm looking forward to it."

Once out in the hall Shaw smirked. 'So they are hiding behind a cover' he thought. This had been a useful visit and it looks like his new redheaded partner might be waking up somewhere else after they finished with Stromberg.

As soon as Shaw had left Carina dropped her robe and put on a beige tank top and some jeans. She grabbed her phone, her Beretta and headed out the door. She had to meet Sarah, Chuck and Casey at Casey's apartment in thirty minutes.

Casey's Apartment

Echo Park

8:55pm PDT

"Casey, Carina should be here in a few minutes. She texted me when she left Maison23."

"Ok Walker what's with all the secrecy? I take it this is about Shaw seeing he isn't here."

"First some ground rules. Chuck and I believe we shouldn't read either of them into the Intersect just yet. But they are both spies and we won't be able to keep it a secret much longer if we are going to be working with them. I trust Carina but..."

Casey gave her a look of disdain and grunted. " as a spy Casey, not as a lover." Chuck couldn't help but laugh as he said it. "She knows other ways to use handcuffs."

"Watch it, moron." Casey glared at Chuck.

"Remember Sarah has pictures."

"Enough you two." Sarah said even though she was trying desperately not to laugh out loud.

"But it's Shaw that concerns me. We can't find much of anything on him other than what Beckman told us. It's like he's been a ghost for the last 8 years. I want to talk to Carina about him and see if she knows anything."

Just then there was a knock on Casey's door.

Sarah looked at the monitor from the door camera and went over to let Carina in. "Hey Sarah, Chuckie. Still rocking the Reagan shrine I see John."

Casey just ignored the DEA Agent.

" What's with the secret meeting and why did you tell me not to say anything to Shaw, Sarah?"

"Take a seat. Well the meeting is about Shaw. We want to know if you know anything about him?"

"Other than he has better taste in women than Chuckles here, no nothing."

"What the...?" Chuck looked confused.

"Easy Chuck. I take it he came on to you."

"Yes, as a matter of fact he was in my hotel room when you texted me." Carina gave a rather sly grin towards Chuck.

"Well that didn't take long." Chuck said sarcastically.

"Hey, what can I say some men don't wait two and a half years to go after what they want."

Sarah glared at her best friend. "Carina, leave it alone."

"Well anyway nothing happened. Your text CB'd us any way. Which was probably for the best. The guy's all package with no style."

Sarah nodded in agreement while Chuck and Casey looked on with bewilderment. They would never understand women.

Sarah walked over and sat on the arm of the chair Chuck was sitting in. "Shaw is a blank slate. We can't find out anything about him. Beckman tells us he's supposed to be a great spy but we can't find any record of it. We've even called in some favors from some folks that specialize in records no one knows even exists." Sarah glanced down to Chuck with a very faint curve of her lips. "Until we either find out something or see him perform in the field I don't think we can trust him on this mission by himself. That's why I'm going to partner you with him Carina at least at first"

"So I take it we are going to go ahead with the mission then?"

"Yes Casey. Chuck and I will go in first. Our cover is that I'm an actress who just flew in from Australia and Chuck is my agent/boyfriend trying to introduce me to some TV producers he heard were going to be there. Shaw and Carina will arrive about 10 minutes later. Carina is in town on a modeling gig and Shaw will be a friend she met at a shoot last year. Casey you'll be posing as a retired Colonel and military consultant on a few films. You can choose which ones."

"What do we do when we see Stromberg?"

"Well one of us will approach him and see if we can get a read on him. Chuck did some research and thinks something isn't right about this guy. He's an arms dealer and basic gun for hire. We don't see him as anything more than someone the Ring hired to transport whatever it is they are transporting. We think the real Ring operative is the one he's meeting to drop off whatever it is he is dropping off."

"Once they meet we grab Stromberg, the Ring Agent and the package."

"Seems simple enough. What about whatever muscle they bring with them?"

"Well Chuck we should expect there will be some but not too much. Besides they should stick out like sore thumbs at a Malibu Beach house."

"So I take it if Shaw's intel on this meet is good we are letting him stay?"

"For now Casey. I'll need more than one good mission to trust a ghost like Shaw. I just get the feeling that there's a secret there and it won't go away."

Carina looked over into Sarah's eyes and the understanding from their years in the Cat Squad told her what Sarah was thinking. "Well Sarah's instincts kept me alive many times so I'm not going to question them now. So I take it you want me to cozy up to this 'mysterious super agent' "

"Well seeing he has already come on to you its easier. If I did something he'd be suspicious."

"He's already playing me for information on the team. He asked about why an analyst had the CIA's best agent living with him."

"Really? What did you say?"

"I told him Chuck was the best analyst I'd ever worked with. You guys were a great team and that you were his cover girlfriend."

"Huh" Casey let out a sarcastic grunt.

"Perfect. That should keep him satisfied for a little while." Sarah smiled.

"I wouldn't be too sure. I did find him checking out your great ass today though it did seem to be more than just for the obvious reasons."

Chuck ignored the last comment. "So are you ok with this Carina, you and Shaw I mean?" Chuck questioned. This part of the spy business is something he hated but he knew that Carina sometimes seemed to thrive on it.

"Yea, I'm fine. Besides he is handsome at least. He might have less personality than Casey's bonsai tree over there but I've had to get friendly with a lot worse."

"Carina, we need to know if we can trust him. How good an agent is he and see if you can find out what he really has been doing these last 8 years."

"No problem. If that's it I'm going to head back to my hotel room. I've got a bubble bath waiting for me. Either of you two guys want to join me?" She said looking back and forth between Chuck and Casey. "Sarah your welcome too. I'm sure that the tub misses your naked body lying in it." Carina smiled devilishly.

Chuck turned red, Sarah rolled her eyes and Casey just grabbed his scotch and drank it straight down.

"No takers? Well you're loss."

"I'll brief Beckman and Shaw tomorrow on the mission plans. Goodnight Carina."

"Night guys."

Malibu Beach House

Saturday

3:15pm PDT

As planned Chuck and Sarah arrived at the beach house belonging to Charlie Estevez first. When the security that had been hired to check out the guests as they arrived saw Chuck and Sarah get out of her Porsche all eyes were on Sarah. She was dressed in a white sundress that you could easily see her white bikini through, Fendi 411 sunglasses, matching white ankle strapped high heeled sandals and her hair in loose curls. She easily passed as an aspiring actress or model. Shaw was right they had no problem getting in to the party.

Once inside they walked out onto the balcony that overlooked the beach. The warm breeze seemed to pick up on cue as if it wanted to blow lightly through Sarah's hair. Chuck wondered if that phantom wind machine that always seemed to be blowing whenever Sarah walked into the BuyMore had moved to Malibu for the weekend.

"It's beautiful isn't it Chuck?" Sarah said with a perfect Australian accent.

"Yes it is." Chuck responded "And the ocean view isn't bad either."

Sarah turned and noticed that Chuck had been looking at her the whole time. It caused her skin to flush and she mouthed 'thank you' and leaned in for a quick tender kiss. The rest of the team was due to arrive in five minutes and they figured they might as well play up their 'cover' for the others at the party.

While they stood there drinking some champagne that had been brought around a man with rather scraggly hair dressed in khaki shorts and a blue bowling shirt walked up to the couple.

"Welcome, and who might this beautiful creature be?"

"Hi I'm Sarah, Sarah Burton. And this is my boyfriend and agent Charles Carmichael."

"Good name. I'm Charlie. This is my home and someone as beautiful as you is always welcome in my home." Charlie turned to Chuck and extended his hand. "You're a lucky man Charles."

"Yes I am." taking his host's hand.

"Australian I take it?." turning his attention back to Sarah.

"Yes, I just flew in a few days ago from Sidney. I have a couple of auditions scheduled and we heard from Charles's agency that you were having a party. We hoped we might be able to meet a few producers or other media types here. It seems your parties are legendary here in Malibu."

"Sarah is only going to be in town for a few weeks before she has to fly back to Australia to begin a new film but she is interested in maybe coming back for Pilot season later this year."

"Well I'll be sure to send some your way if I see someone. It would be a shame to not have you brighten our country again soon."

"Thank you Charlie."

"Now if you'll excuse me I have to go make sure my idiot nephew doesn't start feeding the seagulls again. I had to have the carpet replaced in his room after the last party."

"Nice meeting you."

Chuck and Sarah walked back inside and saw Carina and Shaw walk in. Carina was dressed in a ultrashort yellow tunic dress that was 5 inches above her knees. It's low cut front accented her model figure.

Both Chuck and Shaw had come in classic polo shirts though Chuck looked far more comfortable in the more casual attire. He chose cargo shorts and sandals while Shaw chose a more traditional chino slacks and topsiders.

Casey was right behind them dressed in dress slacks and a button down blue shirt. It was about as relaxed as Casey ever dressed. At least he wasn't in his traditional bartenders uniform when on a mission finally.

The spies mingled making small talk with some of the other guests for about an hour before they finally spotted Stromberg come in. He was loud, brash and certainly didn't look like a 'smooshie'.

"Target is here. I see two muscle with him."

"Thanks Casey. Carina you're closest. Make contact with him. Chuck and I will try will keep an eye out for the Ring operative. Shaw try and find out where the package is."

Carina looked at Shaw and signaled him to make his exit to free her to go talk to Stromberg.

"Sweetheart, I think I left my phone in the car and I'm expecting a call form my Agency. I'm booked for a shoot in Cancun the day after tomorrow and I need to firm up my travel plans." Shaw said loud enough for Stromberg to hear.

"Ok, but don't be too long or one of these hot guys might try to take me away from you." Carina then leaned in and kissed Shaw passionately.

"Not a chance. You're mine for the weekend remember?"

"I'm looking forward to it." She winked as he walked away.

Stromberg heard the conversation and turned his attention towards Carina. He had always had a thing for redheads. He grabbed two glasses of champagne and walked over to the now unescorted 'model'.

"Well beautiful, looks like your Ken doll left you all alone. Why would a man do something so foolish?"

"Well former Chippendale dancers are not really known for their brains. But at least the ride's fun."

"Well I'm sure I could give you a much better ride. Champagne?"

"Thank you...ah?"

"Karl, and what name could possibly be beautiful enough to fit someone like you?"

"Serena."

"Perfect. It suits a dazzling creature like you."

"So Karl what brings you here?"

"Well lets say Charlie and I go way back. He has a penchant for a particular type of 'actress' and I have some friends in the financial and distribution side of that business."

"Ahh I thought some of the girls looked familiar. Though its hard to tell when they have so many clothes on."

"True, and that isn't where their talent lies either."

"Probably not." Carina and Stromberg both gave a chuckle and Carina put her hand on Karl's bicep.

After a few more minutes of playful banter and another glass of Champagne Stromberg knew it was time to make the drop.

"Well Serena, I have some business to attend to but after that why don't you dump your wind up doll and let a real man take you for that ride."

"I'd like that. My Agent thought it would be good for me to be seen with him but he's boring as hell. Something I don't think is very likely with you Karl."

"Fine, meet me at my limo in twenty minutes. I'll be inside waiting for you."

Stromberg took her hand and kissed the back of it before he turned and headed towards the door with his two goons following along behind him.

"Agent Walker, third man just got out of a limo with a metal case. He's headed inside."

"Target's on the move again." The third 'goon' with the metal case joined Stromberg and the others and headed upstairs.

Just after Stromberg turned out of sight down the second floor hallway, Chuck and Sarah noticed another couple head towards the stairs. A woman about thirty, dark hair seemingly getting an unspoken signal from Stromberg grabbed Charlie their host and followed. Sarah had noticed the woman earlier while she and Chuck were talking to Charlie. She seemed to be watching him the entire time they were there. At first Sarah thought nothing of it as she guesses she was an old girlfriend or something as she seemed to snarl every time he talked with a beautiful woman. Like she was obsessed with him. But once she got the signal she was all business. Her flighty, slightly disturbed persona hardened into something completely different. Even Charlie lost a bit of that party boy facade once they had headed towards Karl and what she assumed was the handoff.

When Chuck saw the woman and Charlie together on the stairs he flashed.

A seagull

Rose Kovalenko

Former Ukrainian Intelligence Service

Suspected Ring defector

Husband, Charlie Estevez

A seagull

"She's Ring" Chuck whispered to Sarah.

"Carina, you and Casey watch the stairs, Shaw keep an eye out for anyone leaving. Let's tag their cars just in case. Chuck and I will head upstairs. The swap is going down now."

Sarah grabbed Chuck's hand and pulled him towards the stairs as they turned the corner at the landing she grabbed him and pulled him into a passionate kiss. Anyone watching would assume they were a couple looking for an unused bedroom.

"Wow, best mission ever!" Chuck whispered with a big shit eating grin on his face.

Sarah slapped him on the arm and looked around the corner. She noticed the group make a right turn at the end of the hall.

"Chuck in here." Sarah pulled Chuck into a bedroom on the same side of the building facing the ocean. "There's a balcony that wraps around the outside of the second floor. Stay low and follow me."

Sarah crawled along the balcony floor towards the last bedroom at the end of the house. This one had a spectacular view of the late afternoon sun over the Chuck's view was even better. Sarah's sundress had caught a gust of wind and Chuck who was crawling along just behind her was in heaven with the view he had. 'Sorry but the ocean has got nothing on God's greatest creation right in front of me.'

As they reached the glass wall of the bedroom Sarah could see the exchange taking place. Charlie pulled an identical metal case from a safe in the closet and handed it to his female companion. She opened it and showed the contents to Stromberg. He smiled and signaled goon #3 to hand over the other case. Karl and the brunette exchanged cases then Stromberg and the three goons left.

"Target's leaving. Carina head to the limo for your meet with Karl. Shaw and Casey will grab him there. We've got these two."

"Roger that."

"Chuck you ready for this?"

"Always. Let's go Agent In Charge Walker!"

Sarah smiled and gave Chuck a quick kiss. "I'll go in first through the far door and grab their attention. You go in this closer one and tranq them. But Chuck go for the brunette first, I'll have Charlie distracted."

"Ok got it."

Sarah stood up and quietly walked over toward the open slider door that led back into the bedroom. She turned and nodded slightly at Chuck just before she walked in.

"Hey Charlie, I was looking for you. Too bad you already have company." Sarah said in her most seductive Australian accented voice. Chuck decided he was going to ask Sarah to use that accent some night back at home. God it was sexy. "I thought we could have some fun."

Charlie was startled a bit and his voice stumbled "Hey Sarah ahhh.."

Chuck saw Rose staring daggers at Sarah while Charlie was stuck dead in his tracks. His attention fully on the goddess in front of him. Quickly Chuck stood up and fired two darts hitting Rose in the neck and shoulder. When Charlie turned around towards the noise he fired two more into the open V of Charlie's bowling shirt. Both dropped to the floor in a heap. Charlie looked like he had a smile on his face. Chuck could only imagine that Charlie had been in a drug educed stupor a time or two before.

"Nice shooting Chuck. I guess some of that training in Switzerland paid off."

"Well there wasn't much else to do but train and think about you."

Sarah smiled at Chuck and motioned him to come over. "Let's get these two on the bed and I'll call Beckman for a cleanup team. They'll be out for a few hours so we got time."

Carina saw two goons standing beside a black stretch Escalade. As she walked over she smiled at the two seductively. The one standing near the rear door knocked on the window and the door was opened from the inside.

Carina looked inside and saw Karl sitting in the rear seat with goon #3 sitting in the jump seat across from Karl.

"Serena, glad you made it."

Carina climbed in and sat next to Karl. "Hey Karl who's the muscle? I thought you were taking just me for a ride?" She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"He was just about to step outside." Goon #3 opened the door and joined the other goons.

"Good. I want you all to myself Smooshie."

"How the….?" Stromberg suddenly saw Carina's Beretta pointed directly at his head.

Outside the limo Casey and Shaw took out the three goons with relative ease.

"See Karl sometime you really should stay away from the redheads. It's a shame. I thought we had something real."

Just then Casey opened the door of the limo and put 2 darts into Stromberg's neck. They then put the goons in the limo along with Stromberg and tied their wrists and ankles with zip ties.

Shaw went around to the trunk opened it and grabbed the case full of cash. He knew getting the disks and the money would mean a very pleased General Beckman. It also meant he was one step closer to his goal. Walker and the rest of the team would now have to trust him.

As Shaw headed back towards the front of the limo he saw Chuck and Sarah approaching. Chuck was holding the silver case that contained the disks he was waiting for.

"Ok Carmichael, I'll take that if you don't mind."

Just as Chuck was about the hand over the case Sarah put her arm out and stopped the transfer. She then took another step forward and was right in the face of the taller agent. "Agent Shaw, do I need to remind you that I am the Agent in Charge of this team and you are just a consultant? The only reason I let you come on this mission and didn't just keep you back at Castle monitoring the communications was to see how you perform in the field."

Both Casey and Carina tried to suppress the grins that wanted to take over their faces.

Shaw however was clearly trying to hide the fact that he was pissed. 'You bitch. There is no fucking way you are keeping that intel from me. I'm going to enjoy watching you suffer just before I put a bullet right between those perfect tits.'

"Do I make myself clear 'Agent' Shaw?" Sarah noticed for just a moment intense anger and disgust cloud Shaw's face before it became passive again.

"Of course Agent Walker. Not a problem." Shaw backed down. He knew he had to tread lightly. Challenging Walker would not end well as she had the backing of her team and more importantly, Beckman. He would need to bide his time till he could take down the woman who killed his wife and deliver the Intersect to the Ring. His future as a Ring elder was far more important than a battle to see who had the bigger balls, him or Walker.

"Casey, take both of these cases and we will meet you back at Castle. I'm very curious as what is so important in them to Agent Shaw." Sarah knew that Shaw wouldn't cross Casey and although Chuck could certainly take care of himself with the Intersect she wanted to keep that knowledge a secret for a little bit longer. Shaw's reaction told her that there was something he wasn't telling them and she was determined to find out just what that was.

A/N 2 Next chapter lots of movement on a lot of fronts and a story favorite makes a return appearance.