Don't own Chuck

Chuck and Sarah were driving ninety miles an hour down the 134 with an Audi and a Range Rover in pursuit. Sarah was trying to shake them but every time she thought she got rid of them they reappeared. They barely got out of the parking garage and that was only because they went on the offensive. Instead of going straight for the car they divided up and took out some of the men who were hiding. Together they cleared a path so that Sarah could make it to the Lotus and picked Chuck up on the fly on the way out. It was in the parking garage that Chuck flashed on one of their attacker's tattoos.

"I don't understand what the Mexican Cartel wants with us?" said Chuck as he kept looking back through the rear windshield. "They're back and trying to gain on us." A black Audi Q7 and a black Range Rover cut off motorists and pushed their way past to get at them.

"What I don't understand is how they keep finding us? Someone had to have planted a tracker on the car," said Sarah as she accelerated pulling away.

"If that's the case, we can't go back to Echo Park. We'll lead them to the girls as well as to Emma and Jack. I've got an idea but when I yell we need to put some distance between us."

"I'm tired of running," said Sarah. She applied the brakes cut the wheel and pulled up on the emergency brake effectively spinning the car around backwards then dropped it into reverse.

"Chuck, I need for you to tell me right or left," said Sarah as she drove with one hand and fired out the window.

"This reminds me of our first date when Casey was chasing us," said Chuck as he smiled and waved at the terrified occupants of vehicles they passed driving backwards down the freeway.

The windshield shattered on the Audi as she concentrated fire on the driver's side. It ran off the road, up the embankment then rolled out into the middle of the road. An eighteen wheeler happened to be coming through at the same time. He honked his big air horned but plowed right through it as he tried to brake but there just wasn't enough room. The Audi literally disintegrated.

"I guess that will work too. Christ, Sarah we got another one up ahead," said Chuck. The Cartel evidently set up vehicles ahead of them to cut them off. Sarah did the same maneuver as before righting herself. The Cartel vehicle ahead of them tried to run them off the road but Sarah dropped back so they had to slow down to try to squeeze her off the road but as soon as they started decelerating she punched the gas. The Lotus had a faster response time and by the time they could do anything she was already past them.

"Chuck, it's time to do some magic. I don't have a lot of tricks left," said Sarah but Chuck was ahead of her. A half hour later and after a couple of near mishaps everything was ready.

"Did someone call for a lift," radioed Casey from the tractor and trailer that pulled up alongside of them. But Chuck didn't have time to answer, up ahead Carlos had a panel truck waiting for them and as they got close the back opened up. Inside were two men with automatic weapons.

"This dance is mine," radioed Casey. He blew his air horn and before they could open fire he moved over in front of Sarah's Lotus blocking the line of fire. The men in the truck got angry and fired warning shots in the air above the rig to try to intimidate Casey. That just made him madder; he floored the pedal tapping the back of truck sending it into a tailspin off the side of the road.

"Thanks Casey. Open sesame," radioed Chuck. Sarah looked over at him. "What it seemed like we had forty thieves after us? I could've gone with Papa Bear and Goldilocks."

"You're impossible sometimes," said Sarah as she glanced over at him smiling. "I bet you'd like me to dress us in that bedlah and dance for you?"

"Well the idea might have crossed my mind but I think we've got other things to do first," said Chuck as he pointed ahead. The trailer on the back of the rig lowered its tailgate then two ramps extended. Sparks flew as metal scrapped across the asphalt. "But we could revisit that idea later."

"Hold on Chuck, there's not going to be much room to brake," said Sarah as she drove up braking and downshifting as soon as she was inside. Chuck, white knuckled the dash as they just barely stopped touching the forward wall.

"Are you guys okay back there," radioed Casey as the tailgate came up and lights came on inside.

"Chuck, I swear if you give me a 10-4 good buddy I'll slap you silly when I get a hold of you.

"We're all good," radioed Chuck then he turned to Sarah. "We're safe inside here. The walls are shielded so they won't be able to track us."

"Good, let's get out and try to find that tracker so we can go home. Chuck, why do you think those people from the Cartel were after us?" said Sarah basically repeating Chuck's original question.

"I don't know it could be because of some mission we did in the past but I find it awfully strange and a little too much of a coincidence that we get this assignment, have dinner with the members of the team then this happens. It's like someone's trying to tell us they don't want us as part of this group."

"Let's start the inspection," said Sarah as she got out and handed Chuck a mirror on a stick that they used to check the undercarriage of her car. "I got one here," said Sarah as she flashed almost simultaneously Chuck yelled too.

"I got one here," said Chuck as he flashed. "It's one of ours a GLG-4000. Lucky for us this trailer is shielded.

"Yeah, these things were designed specifically for use in the mountainous, cave-riddled border regions of Afghanistan and there supposed to transmit through six feet of solid steel. Are you sure we're safe in here?"

"Yeah, the shielding will dampen any signal. The only reason we can speak to Casey via our comms devices is there's a peer to peer transmitter between the truck and the trailer. But Sarah, I hate to tell you but we need to take your car downtown and have them go over it. We can't risk missing even one. I wonder how they got these though."

"No you're right. They probably picked them up on the black market" said Sarah as she let out a sigh looking as her reflection on the hood. "I swear if I see one scratch someone will be dead."

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On the other side of the border things were changing rapidly. Mr. Brown had already hung out the sign 'under new management' and he was bringing to task everyone he though was shirking. Needless to say he wasn't happy when Carlos called and told him the two targets had gotten away.

"What do you mean they got away? I thought you had tracking devices planted on their car. This was a sure thing. Weren't you the one who said no problem, piece of cake or do I need to go on?"

"Listen, I don't know who these people were, but they aren't ordinary gringos. I've dealt with just about every kind of agent that carries a badge and these are like nothing I've seen before. No, the problem Señor Brown is you or Señor Robinson gave us bad intel did, either way I expect payment."

"You expect to be paid," said Mr. Brown with a laugh. "Okay I've got your pay. There's just one thing I need for you to do. There's an office building located downtown L.A. I need for you to bring me anyone coming out in a dark suit and wearing an earpiece," said Mr. Brown. Then he gave Carlos the address. "I need you to bring me the man alive and unharmed."

"I understand I'm not deaf," said Carlos getting even more upset. "Why do you want this guy anyway? What do you plan on doing to him?"

"Carlos, did you ask Mr. Robinson so many questions? I don't think you did because if you had he would've shot you. The why and what is my business I just need for you to deliver. If you can't I can find someone else who will at a more reasonable rate."

"Don't get cocky with me Señor Brown just because your Papi went away and left you the keys to the car. I'll deliver then I expect payment and I mean payment in full. This isn't Large Mart or the Buy More where they have home layaway. This is a cash and carry enterprise. I expect to see stacks of green when I get back. Remember I don't work for you so you can't order me around.

"You take care of your end I'll take care of mine. But the only person who's done what they said they'd do is me. Carlos this is your last chance," said Mr. Brown as he hung up.

In a Subway shop off the 134….

"Why you…." Carlos started to say but he stopped when he saw the face of the little girl sitting across from his eating her sub.

"Turn around and finish your meal," said the kid's mother but the kid took a few bits then turned back around staring at Carlos' tattoos.

"Here you go Carlos I got you your favorite sub, meatball marinara with extra jalapenos and southwest chipotle sauce."

"Where's my cookie? I told you I wanted a chocolate Macadamian nut, and the card, did you remember to get the card stamped? Go back to the cashier and get the card stamped. Once we've got enough we get a sub free. Oh just give it to me I'll do it," said Carlos as he got up.

He went over to the cashier explained what happened and the man stamped his card for him he was only one stamp away. On his was back he noticed the kid was still staring at him.

"Excuse me lady but how much?" said Carlos. The woman's eyes grew wide and she thought about slapping him. "Oh not for you, sorry I didn't mean any disrespect but I'll give you five dollars for the kid."

"Why I never," said the woman as she got up grabbed her child and headed for the door.

"I'll throw in a Sub too I'm missing only one more stamp," said Carlos as he laughed. "Okay guys let's pack it up. Take everything and let's vámonos. We've got one thing to do then we can go home."

Back across the border…..

"I want you to do some talking with the Mexicans," said Mr. Brown to one of his men in Farsi. "I want to know Carlos' command structure. Who does he answer to and who are his lieutenants. Find out if they're happy and if anyone of them is looking for a promotion."

"Yes Sir I understand, but didn't you just tell him you were giving him one more chance. I don't understand."

"Don't worry you don't have to. I know what I said and what I want. You don't have to understand I'll do that for everyone. This is the last time I want to hear you question me."

"Yes Sir I didn't mean anything I swear. I was… Well Mr. Robinson didn't mind if… if we asked questions so I thought..."

"See there's your other mistake you thought. Mr. Robinson isn't here anymore and the ship is mine to command so make sure everyone understands that. You can go now and get me what I asked for." The man didn't need to be told twice he turned and left.

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The three, Casey, Chuck and Sarah got a lift back home after they dropped the rig off downtown. Sarah gave special instructions about how she expected her car to be treated and a warning that no one was to smoke inside. Chuck thought it was kind of funny the way she intimidated the mechanics. But now they were walking across the courtyard going home.

"Good you guys are here," said Morgan as he met them in the courtyard. "The General's on the monitor in your apartment."

"Morgan, what are you doing here at this hour?" said Chuck as they followed him back to their place. Inside was Alex sitting in their living room.

"We couldn't sleep so we decided to come over and find out how your evening went. Kat told us the Big Guy got called in then Emma feed us goulash. You know it's pretty good you ought to try some."

"I will if I ever get a chance and someone leaves me some."

"Sorry but I think you're out of luck this time around. You know we went to the beach and the ocean air just builds you an appetite."

"Everything builds you an appetite," said Chuck as he heard the General clear her throat and Sarah gave him a nudge to turn around and face the monitor. "Oh sorry General," said Chuck as he turned around to face her.

"If you're done discussing Agent Grimes digestive disorder we can get on with the mission at hand. I've been made aware of the incident this evening. The man who was behind your attack is one Carlos Mendez," said the General

"Alias Carlos the Butcher," said Chuck. Visions of severed body parts, missing person's reports, and kidnappings all with alleged Cartel connections flashed through his head.

"Yes Chuck's right. He's the man the Cartel calls when they want to make a point so this begs the question, what point did they want to make?"

"Don't you think it's odd and a bit more than a coincidence that this happened after we got this new mission," said Chuck. "What if someone doesn't want us to go with this team to Africa? I think we need to look closer at this. Maybe even delay the departure date."

"No that's impossible. You received a briefing on what this research is about. This technology is of vital strategic interest. Clean alternative energy that could also give us gain energy independence. No, this can't be delayed. If anything we need to accelerate the mission that's why I want Agents Carmichael on a jet tomorrow to Zamibia. You two are to go and scout out the location for the mission before they land. I want to make sure there are no surprises. Colonel Casey you and Agent McHugh will oversee the team's departure. Beckman out.

"Great, I've got to nursemaid a bunch of nerds," said Casey. "Oh Chuck, I've got something for you in the apartment. I was going to give it to you tomorrow but considering you need to do packing I'll give it to you now."

"Lead the way," said Chuck as he followed Casey across the courtyard back to his place. "So what've you got for me?"

"Here you go," said Casey as he handed Chuck a dart rifle with scope. Chuck flashed.

"Model 193en Stock and Action - Marlin Model 925R .22 cal. 5 Shot Clip ships with 3-9x32mm scope, Dart Barrel - .50 cal. Rifled Barrel 16", Dart Action - Toggle-Side Lever - Single Shot, Cartridges - .22 cal. Power Loads, Weight 8.4 lbs., Range - 0 to 100 yards with 1cc Type 'C' Disposable darts and ships with a standard gun case."

"Impressive," said Casey as he tossed him a dart belt. "They're color coded by weight look at the fletching elephant size are red, large feline are blue, and bunny size are white."

"Funny Casey but I think Sam would be offended," said Chuck as he noticed pink darts.

"You never know Chuck. You might run into a killer rabbit and not have the holy hand grenade to throw."

"What are the pink ones for?" asked Chuck. "I assume there for two legged animals but what happens if I get confused?"

"Oh I've had them for you for a while. I was going to give them to you if you and Sarah didn't work out. I figured they'd be about the only way you'd get a date. What would happen, they'd go to sleep and not wake up."

"Funny John, are you moonlighting at the comedy club? You're on a roll tonight with the quips. What do I do for refills?"

"I'll have refills shipped with you. You understand the principal you load the clip with .22 blanks and they act as the propellant for your dart so you're no messing around with CO2 cartridges."

"Thanks I guess," said Chuck shouldered the rifle and belt. "Why do I feel I'm going big game hunting?" Then he started to leave.

"Hold up Ace Ventura, there's one thing I wanted to talk to you about. Something happened today," said Casey as he explained what had happened that morning and how Kasper tried to escape and he and Alex gunned them down.

"So John what are telling? Kasper is now an un-friendly ghost? Casey, how many people have you killed? Don't answer that that was a rhetorical question. The answer would give me nightmares…"

"Chuck, I'm about thirty seconds away from slapping you silly. I've got no problem with what happened. I shot him. He died. So much for my recreational activity, I need for you or Sarah to talk to Alex. I tried to talk to her but I don't do so well talking about certain things."

"What kind of things are we talking about? Female emotions as you put it."

"You know what things," said Casey. Chuck started to speak again but Casey cut him off. "I swear we're down to T-minus fifteen seconds if you open your mouth again."

Back at Chuck and Sarah's…

"Morgan, can you clear away the dishes," said Alex. "I'm going to help Sarah pack then I'll meet you in the car? We should go home so they can get ready." Alex didn't wait for Morgan to reply. She went down the hall and knock on their bedroom door.

"You don't have to knock. Morgan never does. In fact he usually comes through the window," said Sarah as she pulled things out of their closet laying them across their bed.

"I know he does the same at home. He says it's a force of habit. His mother never trusted him with a key to the house so he used to get lock him out. His only way in was through the pet door then he got too big and had to use the window."

"That explains a lot," said Sarah as she finished clothes then moved onto weapons. "What do you think the HK MP5A or the Colt M4A1?"

"I really wouldn't know which one to take?" said Alex as Sarah held up both.

"One is small with a large clip, puts out more rounds per minute but the other is loud, has a longer range and greater stopping power. I'll take both, but I don't think you came back here to talk about weapons. Crap, Kevlar I'll definitely need that."

"Yes, well I don't know if you know this but today Dad and I were in a firefight, a prison break downtown. That guy they arrested broke out and we happened to be going in at the same time and well we met on the stairwell."

"And did you or Casey get hurt?" asked Sarah as she stopped to listen to Alex.

"No, no they, well they didn't really give us a choice and… well we took… Just say they didn't escape or they didn't go out the way they thought they would."

"That last remark sounded like Casey," said Sarah trying to add a bit of levity but she could tell something about this was bothering Alex. "Sorry, but what's the problem? You did your duty and like you said they didn't give you a choice."

"I think my father executed Kasper. I was supposed to interrogate him, Beckman's orders. Dad was worried I think about me having to get my hands dirty and well the opportunity arose and he put a round in the man's head."

"But you said that they, Kasper didn't give you a choice," said Sarah as she looked at Alex. "That's true isn't it?"

"At the time I believed so but now thinking it over I'm not so sure anymore. What do I do about it? I keep wondering every time I see him. He thinks I'm upset because we gun downed those people on the stairs."

"Well you could ask him but you might not like the answer he gives you. If he did do it then he did it because he loves you. I know this is going to sound screwed up. But in a certain sense it's Casey's way of showing you affection. Like I said I know it sounds screwed up. I've done things before I met Chuck. Things I hope he never finds out but I'm afraid he knows. We never talk about it and that's the way I want to keep it. I love the way he looks at me and I'm not sure he'd look at me the same way afterwards. I'm telling you this because all of this is in my head. I'm almost sure he does know but he doesn't care he still loves me."

"I'm not sure I understand."

"Make sure this isn't something you have in your head and even if it is true don't let it get in the way of the love you and your father have for each other."

"I'm back," yelled Chuck as he walked into the bedroom laying the rifle on the bed. "Casey's present," said Chuck as he tossed the dart belt next to it.

"Oh no you don't, you pack your own things. Just try not to over pack," said Sarah as she continued putting things in her bag.

"Well I've got to go Morgan's waiting in the car," said Alex as she left. Sarah waited for her to leave. "You know it's not polite to listen and before you deny it remember I'm a spy."

"I might've overheard a little," said Chuck as he got close to her and kissed her. "You sure you won't help me pack."

"You're terrible," she said as she kissed him. "Okay you pack then I'll throw out everything you don't need which will be almost everything."

""Does that apply to me."

"No, you're a keeper."