The choices we make

by mssupertigz

The jist of the story is Chuck and Sarah Casey too are team up but General Meriweather has other plans. As the team tries to justify his actions, they are given their final answer that doesn't sit well with any of them especially Sarah. Will the team get back to their glory days or will their final decision be their last?

6. Chapter 6

Hahha here is the latest for you fans. Thanks for those who have taken the time to read and review I appreciate the comments. Thanks goes out to MRW who were my eyes and my travel agent in this chapter. Thanks buddy. Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Chapter Six – The truth beholds

"So is it true! Bartowski's gone?"

Meriweather loosened his tie and sat down as he placed the phone into his other hand. Dreadging the conversation or more like it, a lecture that was about to happen.

"Yes sir but we can still move on with our plans. We have enough data to proceed."

"How did he escape?" The voice on the other end.

"He just did sir, but we are…." Meriweather still trying to maintain his composure.

"You do that, and I expect to see you as soon if you can make it a priority to get here."

"Yes, your right yes."

Meriweather hung up the phone as Alexis and Thomas waited to hear the outcome.

"Marcello wants to move forward."

Alexis turned towards Meriweather to show the data. "Are you sure? We don't have all the data that we want."

"Alexis by then our team will decipher the data. We have submitted the numbers they just need to come up with the right code."

"Yeah but wasn't that what Bartowski was supposed to give us?"

Meriweather stood up and walked up to Thomas and looked him in the eye. "You worry about your job and leave mine alone. We leave within the hour. Find that little weasel Will wherever he's been hiding. I want to talk to him. And you two better come up with a good reason why Bartowski is gone and you better find him like yesterday."

Meriweather grabbed his suit jacket and left the room.

Alexis and Thomas scurried around the security room visually blaming each other.

Beckman's Office

Diane sat at her desk and smiled as she got a text from Casey. It was a little cryptic but she knew what he wanted to tell her. 'little boy blue is out of the meadow, and jumping over the moon.'

Beckman knew that Meriweather would be knocking at her door or rather storming through it at any minute. She had to prove to him that she knew nothing (Which in hindsight she knew nothing, remembering that Chuck wanted it that way). Beckman looked at the clock as her phone rang informing her that Meriweather would be right in.

Meriweather saved the pleasantries and came right out. Beckman played it cool but had a few cards to play and a few choice words to say as well.

"How could he break out? Didn't the Major put him out of commission?"

Meriweather looked up. "Yeah one of yours did put him out of commission but somehow he managed to escape."

"Sounds like an inside job to me. You promised to watch over him. That is what I agreed to when you…."

"Don't blame me."

"And why not? He was in your care and now he's not. Do you know where he is?"

"Not yet." As Meriweather walked to the door. "But I will and if Bartowski makes contact with you I can count on you to let me know?"

Beckman held back a smile. "Yes if he gets in contact with me."

"One more thing." As Meriweather faced the hallway, tilting his head ever so slightly. "Diane, don't go too far and inform the Major of that as well."

Beckman loathed that man more every day but bringing him down would make her day.

LONDON ENGLAND

Marcello Benetio hung up the phone as it wasn't the way he wanted to be awakened. He gained his composure and stepped outside to see the bleak cloudy weather circling in the sky. He loved London but he wished that he was back home. The sun, sand and blue skies that he grew up with warmed his heart but barely chipped away at the thought that if these codes didn't work his whole purpose and wealth would be up in flames. Marcello walked over to the side table and grabbed his morning drink along with his briefcase.

Sitting down he opened the lid. Flipping through the files he grabbed the red file. It had been a thorn in his side for over ten years. He was promised a quick recovery but when the files went missing and all the data was stored into something called the Intersect his hopes for a fast pay out was slipping away. He unfolded a news article and rescanned the article.

The USS SCORPION fell to its watery death off the coast of Europe on May 22, 1968. It was making its final journey home. Approximately four hours away from its home from Gibraltor to Northfolk Virginia, the USS Scorpion failed to respond to a routine check. Several attempts were made to make contact the crew of 103. Reports stated that the sub had been subjacked and under scrutiny for mismanagement of its contents. No proof has proven this to be true. The USS Scorpion was seen as the end to all underwater Naval expeditions. It was a highly sophisticated sub used for Military and Naval missions far beyond its time. It was home to several nuclear tipped torpedoes, nuclear propulsion systems and its mobile undersea telecommunications circuitry. The CIA, NSA, MI6 and several other secret services organizations were in talks to obtain its components. 99 Naval Personal and crewmen were presumed dead 4 were never recovered….

Marcello turned over the article and saw a picture of Chuck. He placed the picture up onto the mantle and stared at him. How one man could determine someone's fate? Walking away he quickly turned and aimed his gun penetrating a bullet right into the marble tile right above Chuck's picture. "I never miss."

La Havana

Chuck walked back up to Sarah's room. He walked around looking at her home for all these months. Her canopy bed, the small kitchen and the French décor and washed out colors on the wall. He dragged his fingers across her things like the book Of Mice and Men and his blue shirt. He smiled as he picked up the tattered shirt, a leather covered book fell to the bed. Chuck tossed the shirt and grabbed the book. Looking at it he knew that it was her journal, he didn't want to pry and he knew that Sarah would come to him eventually so he put the book down. Sarah had watched him from the door, and wasn't surprised that he didn't feel the need to read into her personal thoughts. She knew her Chuck and she knew that she could trust him with everything. But what got her was what happened to him after she left. Chuck turned around as Sarah's presence startled him. Turning around he smiled and opened his arms as Sarah walked into them. "I didn't read it."

"I know."

Chuck held her tight, a favorite place he longed to be a part of again.

Sarah looked at his scruffy look.

"What?"

"Nothing, it's just that you look so different."

"Different good or different bad?"

Seductively, a Sarah runs her fingers over his cheek. "Oh very good…."

Chuck leaned in and kissed her softly taking his time with every touch.

"But…" As Sarah licked her lips after the kiss.

"There's always a but?"

"Go sit down outside and take your shirt off."

"Well Ms Walker, what do you have in mind?"

"First a trim then the works."

Chuck laughed and took his shirt off and sat facing the street. Sarah walked back and kissed Chuck's shoulders and ran her fingers down his bare chest. Chuck leaned back embracing the feeling and the moment.

"I thought that I was getting a trim and how do you know how to cut hair?"

Sarah slid the table over and placed the items that she had borrowed from Rosa on the table. She sprayed Chuck's hair with water and ran her fingers through his thick curls. "Well I do have a selected skill set."

Chuck looked up with a mischievous smile.

"Oh stop it. If you want to know I learned to cut hair while on a mission with Carina. She and I were undercover as hairdressers. So I had to take a crash course in hairdressing."

"You always surprise me."

Sarah grabbed the scissors and started trimming his long dark curls, snipping here and there trying to shape his hair. She stood in front of him and grabbed the shaving cream. She lathered her hands with the white foam and ran her hands under his chin. Grabbing the blade she carefully held Chuck's face as the cold blade moved along his jaw line up to where Sarah wanted his beard to end. She continued to move across his jaw line, as Chuck leaned back. Sarah wiped his chin and neck area as she clipped and trimmed the rest of his beard. Sarah grabbed the towel that she had placed over her shoulder and wiped his face. Chuck moved closer to her allowing her to sit down on his lap facing him. She drew out the beard cleaning a little longer as Chuck started to caress her lower back and shoulder blades. She marvelled at his long arms as she feared that he wouldn't be able to wrap his arms around her. (Little did she know about the changes a mother to be could go through.) Chuck leaned in and kissed her one shoulder then the next. Sarah could feel the temperature changing and it wasn't the weather. Chuck picked her up and carried her to the bed.

Sarah turned and laid on her back with Chuck's arms cascaded over her. She was amazed that after all those months her feelings for him were as strong maybe even stronger than she realized. Chuck took her hand in his when Sarah looked up. She didn't like the look on his face. She hoped that it would be his post love making look but it was a worried look that she had seen before.

Sarah leaned back and tilted his face with her hand to face her. "You want to talk now?"

Chuck sighed then nodded as he kissed her hand. Chuck fixed the pillows and sat up straighter as Sarah grabbed his shirt and put it on, then resumed her spot next to him. She knew that this talk was eventually going to happen but preparing oneself would never be enough.

"Where did you go after you left me? The truth."

Sarah continued to hold his hand in hers as the sun set and her last few months were out in the open.

"After we made love and I wrote you the letter I headed to the airport and took a few side streets just in case I was being followed. After a few flights I ended up in Miami when I called Rosa and Alfie to meet me in Havana. They knew that if that call came one day I needed out. So I waited for the next ferry and arrived here over 5 months ago. I stayed low for a few weeks then ventured out. I couldn't be sure that I was safe. I didn't know that Meriweather had played me, us. But each day I thought of you and where you were.

Sarah lay silent hoping that her version of her story at this moment would be enough. What else could she tell him, a lot but Sarah saw her story as taking the cowards' way of doing things something that a spy wouldn't do but the girl yes. Chuck continued to hold her hand and fearing he'd let go she held on tighter just in case. Looking at his hand she finally could see that at one time recently his hands were bruised. She took both hands then sat up and really looked at Chuck. Words could not describe what was going on in her head, the bruises and the cut above his eye, how she failed to see how he looked and how he never said anything. Chuck knew he had to say something.

"Come back here."

"No."

"Let me explain?"

Chuck waited for Sarah to lean back. It took some convincing but Sarah finally laid back.

"I am surprised it took you this long to notice."

"It wasn't a priority I guess, too wrapped up in…"

"Well before you freak out. The bruises are from a fight I had with Casey."

"CASEY!" Sarah leaned forward.

"Relax please I told you not to freak out."

"FREAK OUT, WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT I WOULD FREAK OUT?"

"Because, you are?"

Sarah sat crossed legged looking at him. For this she had to be face to face.

"When I arrived that evening of, well you know."

Sarah nodded.

"Casey came with me. Beckman felt I guess that having someone there who was familiar/family would make the transition easier and because you were nowhere to be found, Casey was the next best thing. Security was tight. We drove for what seemed liked hours. Then one check after another we ended up arriving and exiting the car and were directed to head down a long hallway which resulted in messing with our sense of direction. Meriweather had put together a room similar in size to Castle maybe a little bigger, with a TV room, kitchen, full bath, weight room and a separate bedroom. Artificial light and accessories made it tolerable. There was a security room where they monitored my existence. All the fears of the bunker were now reality. The next few days I did nothing well actually I did very little and if it wasn't for Casey's visits and later Beckman's I would have gone stir crazy."

Sarah sat there listening, knowing what she had missed not being there but how could she be there for Chuck and in the role of his handler after what happened between them. She had crossed that line that she couldn't do over and personally she didn't want to but just the same, did she make the right decision.

"About a month or so ago Meriweather came to me and wanted to know if I was willing to help him out. At first I played it cool and just listened to see what he actually wanted and the real reason why I was there. I found out that he wanted to do some tests to determine that the Intersect was still doing its job. So I agreed."

"You what?"

"SAARAH please. I am here now so that shows you everything worked itself out. I had to go along with what Meriweather wanted.

Sarah wasn't too pleased with what she was hearing, but refrained from reacting.

"So after a few eye exams and other tests and the amount of equipment he was using and who he had working with him, I knew that he was definitely looking for something. There were times that drugs were used and big chunks of my day even weeks had been erased. "

Chuck saw the horror in Sarah's eyes as he tried to make the story of the last few months less painful.

"I knew several times that Meriweather was up to no good. Casey had arrived after a few weeks as he went back to LA to close up Castle and he came back I assumed that it had been a few days but it was actually weeks. Casey told Beckman and she came to visit. We needed a plan and we needed to get me out of there. So after a few more tests and making Meriweather believe that I was working with him I snuck into the security room late one night to find a file with my name on it. I grabbed it and came back breaking few items as I fell through the ceiling on my way back to my room. As the noise alerted security I had to come up with a reason why my room looked like it did so I smashed a few more things. I told them that I was having a bad day, but when I calmed down it hit me that you were gone, you left, you just left."

Chuck let go of Sarah's hand and crossed his arms over his chest. Sarah reached out to touch him but was stopped with a cold shoulder and a hurt stare.

After a very silent time Chuck continued to tell the story which surprised Sarah. But that was her Chuck.

"Casey and I came up with a plan well I did actually he just had to obey. I told Beckman very little. The less who knew my plan the better it would be for any of them if Meriweather came a knocking. So one night Casey came by as he usually did and we went outside. Beckman had made arrangements to allow me to go outside, which I looked forward to. Casey had told me that we were outside DC somewhere but that somewhere exactly even Casey didn't know. Casey didn't know what my plan was at the time even I didn't know how it would play itself out but when the time came I told Casey to hit me. Of course he didn't want to but I told him, he had no choice. I told him that I couldn't use the Intersect to fight him because I wanted to make Meriweather believe that the Intersect had been compromised and having Casey beat me up and I couldn't flash could prove that. I surprised myself that I managed to hold my own but Casey gave me a licking. I ended up with bruised ribs and lacerations but you should have seen Casey, acting all tough when they pulled him off me. I was escorted off to the infirmary which I knew was nowhere near my room. A few days later I flashed and knocked out a guard and broke out. I found another room where I flashed on another list of files that read more like a shipping log or something to do with the Navy. I printed the list and slipped out the back door. I came to an open area that housed large meshed satellite dishes, and a lot of outdated equipment. Two large probe type machines, proving that Meriweather was up to something but with the outdated equipment I wondered how far he could actually get.

The bunker like I said was hundreds of feet below ground so I had to find a way to get out and the only way was to go up. But the amount of pain I was in I didn't get too far. I managed to convince myself to jump onto the fast moving elevator, which as you can see I made it, was then helped by this guy named Will, who showed me directions to get out of the bunker. I met up with Casey who had been camped out over a hill for days. It was luck that he was so close. He drove us out of DC and ended up at a motel outside Richmond Virginia. Casey left me the next day to head back so it wouldn't look like he helped me. I stayed low for a few days. I knew that I had to find you. Casey had brought a box from Castle with a few odds and ends in them and I came across a photo and all it had on it was the words Rosa's Cantina on it. I knew it wasn't mine and it wasn't something that Casey would hold onto. So it had to be yours. I didn't think that it would be of any help. I assumed that you didn't want to be found."

Chuck got up and went to his bag and pulled out the photo and gave it to Sarah. Sarah looked up hoping that Chuck would come back to bed. He got dressed and kissed his child and headed to the door.

"I told you my story, each moment as painful as the next. But I fought for us, for you. You were the sole reason I had to get out, I didn't care what Meriweather wanted but the fact that he forced you to make the choice you did and all you left me was a note, then to find out that you're carrying my child. My child Sarah! Didn't you think that I should have known? And the picture well I guess I am a spy after all. You trained me well."

Chuck walks out the door as a tear fell to the picture.

Sarah looked at the picture. She remembered when it was taken and all the events that followed after that. Leaving La Havana, going to new school being bullied, her dads arrest, and the last day that she was the only person she really knew after that her life was not her own. The picture was more than a picture it was her past, what she knew what she could count on. Life was easier when this picture was taken, life had meaning. She remembered that at the Farm they told you that once you became a spy your past was just that your past and nothing more. Being a spy you chose a life greater than yourself even a picture couldn't change that but the thought or the hope that one day it could.

Sarah never thought that anyone would figure out where she was let alone from a picture. But Chuck was right, 'Did I want to be found?'

Sarah got up and walked over to the leather book that Chuck had picked up earlier but didn't read. She sat back down on the bed contemplating what to do next.

Downstairs

Chuck could hear the music in the Cantina as soon as he headed down the stairs. It had spurred his curiosity but he hated how he left things but he had to make his point. She left and he wanted to know why. Not because she thought that Meriweather would put her in a bunker or worse but because she just left after they made love. It put the line love on the run into a whole new perspective. Chuck didn't know what if anything would have been different if she stayed, would they be together now? Would she have gotten pregnant still, would Meriweather let him see her? Chuck sat down in the corner as Alfie got Rosa's attention.

Rosa was busy with the rush so she motioned for Alfie to go talk to him. Alfie got up and carried two bottles to the back booth. Chuck looked up as Alfie gave him the beer. Alfie sat down much to Chuck's wishes but at the same time wanting the distraction. Chuck had been in La Havana less than two days and already his hopes for a happy reunion weren't going as plan.

"Drink up boy. The night is young and there is no point in wallowing in self-pity unless you're to blame for it."

Chuck took a swig. "Not sure this time, if I am."

"Trouble in paradise?"

Chuck smirked. "Good one. I bet you say that to all the visitors. Being in paradise and all."

"Paradise is anywhere you want it to be. And I know that your paradise is upstairs."

"Well paradise has just been hit with some bad weather."

"Storms come and go bringing new surprises. Yours just need to be seen."

Alfie knew that Chuck wasn't doing the best, he didn't know much about the man but he respected the fact that he came for his woman and child. In Alfie's book that made him a good man.

"She is a wandering spirit with fire in her veins."

"Yeah and spits vinegar."

"You see that too!"

"From day one, but I fell for her just the same."

"And she you?"

"Yeah but we couldn't express how we felt, because of our jobs."

"But you seemed to get over that."

"Maybe it was a mistake."

Alfie signalled for more beers as Rosa acknowledged.

"Why do you say that? It's obvious that you love that woman and she loves you and the result of that love is that little bambino she's carrying."

Rosa came back with more beers and some food.

"Eat my son please." As she kissed his cheek.

Chuck smiled and took another swig and eventually started to eat.

"Charles, give her some time. She didn't expect anyone to find her. Though it crossed her mind many times, but never in her wildest dreams did she think that the person would be you? You found her with pure determination because you still love her no matter how she left things. And the fact that your future is growing inside her tells you volumes. And you know how she keeps her secrets and it's not because of the job. Charles she has always been a private person, her secrets are what keeps her going. They are that driving force to who she is and not what she is. Think about what attracted you to her even before the job, even before the truth and lies. She's not going anywhere and neither are you."

Alfie got up as Chuck sat alone wondering if he was right.

Sarah looked at the clock and saw that it had been a few hours since Chuck had left. She grabbed a light shawl and few items and headed downstairs hoping that he hadn't gone too far. Rosa saw Sarah standing in the arch way that connected the stairs to the Cantina. Rosa walked around the counter to greet her. Sarah greeted her and Rosa could tell that she was looking for someone. Rosa pointed to the corner booth where Chuck was sitting.

"He's been here the whole time. He's eaten and Alfie has shown him some Cuban hospitality."

Sarah kissed Rosa and walked towards Chuck. The table was full of empty dishes and bottles. She couldn't blame him for the drinking but the eating Sarah could have sworn that Rosa had cooked the whole menu for him. Chuck looked up as Sarah sat down.

"I can explain this."

"No, you don't"

"The mint ice cream kind of sobered me up a bit."

Sarah shook her head. "It's ok."

"No its not ok the way I spoke to you but I had to make my point."

"I know. I should be the one that should apologize but I am not a woman of words. I don't do relationships well."

"Well neither do I."

"Chuck you were right you deserve an explanation and the only way that I can tell you is."

Sarah slid the journal out from under her shawl and placed it on the table. "This is how much I love and trust you."

Sarah got up leaving Chuck speechless and said goodnight to Rosa and Alfie and headed upstairs. Rosa came by to see what Sarah had left him. Rosa knew that this was a big step for Sarah. She grabbed a tray and removed the dishes and brought a cup of strong Cuban coffee for Chuck.

Chuck stretched his legs and took a sip of his coffee as he opened the leather clad journal. He took a few breaths and started reading.

I don't write I don't say much either but when I found out that you were on your way I had to tell someone how I was feeling. So the next best person is you and your dad. Your dad loves you even though he is away. If he knew that you were coming he'd be here telling me to stop writing and video tape it or flickr it or something to do with computers. Your dad is a very smart man. I fell in love with him the first day I met him when I walked into the Buy More. Oh the stories of the Buy More. When your older we will tell you all them. But as I write this I am sadden at the fact that I left your dad, well he wasn't your dad at the time I left cause I didn't know I was pregnant so technically. This is where I would say to your dad your spiralling. So I will stick to the facts or the truth as much as possible.

Your dad and I have jobs that protect a lot of people but we failed at protecting each other. And because of that I made the decision to leave the night we made you. I didn't want to but I felt that if I left the bad people would leave your dad alone. It hurt me really bad that I left him when he needed me and I needed him. But I did it anyways.

I flew to Miami and called Aunt Rosa and Uncle Alfie. You will love them and I guarantee you will be spoiled. I have been here in La Havana for two weeks. I wasn't feeling well due to a lot of things but ventured to the doctors to find out that you were arriving. I was scared, angry and hurt. All typical emotions but the main reason was that your dad wasn't here to share this with me. I didn't know where he was and that scared me. Angry because I couldn't do anything about it and if I did would I be taken too, or worse? Hurt because I left, hurt because the only man I ever loved is alone too and doesn't know this wonderful news. If he knew, he would want to get married and live in a big house with a dog, a big swing and fort in the back yard. His sister and her boyfriend Devon would love you to death and of course your Uncles Morgan and Casey, which those two are a whole other story but that can wait for another time.

The sad part is I don't know if your dad is alive but I still feel him. I know it sounds strange but love is like that. There are days that I can feel him and there are times when my body reacts to something and I tell myself that it's your dad.

Chuck remembered times in the bunker that he too reacted to an unfamiliar feeling that overcame him.

So as I cherish this journey. I will try and write everyday but I won't promise myself that. And then there will be days that I can't stop writing. Those days I will cherish because I want you and your dad to hear all about this trip that we are all on. Even if not here in person we are a family and family stick together.

Week 8

Well I just came back from another check up. Haven't been feeling well enough to write. They call it morning sickness but seriously morning ends at noon. Honey I know you're doing your job by growing inside me but could you give your mom a break.

Been working in the Cantina for a few hours a day to keep busy. It's not like my other job. Do I still have that other job? Anyways I like living here. I use to visit here lots with my parents when I was younger then after my mom died my dad left me here while he got things settled in the US.I lived here for several years and called this place home because it was the closest thing to a home that I knew. I ended up going back to the US when I entered highschool and that was the beginning of my nightmare. Years later my dad got arrested and I was bullied at school. When all hope was gone a nice man named Langston Graham took me under his wing. I went to University and got a very interesting career. Years after that I was given a job to get to know this guy. He had a special gift that needed to be protected so your Uncle Casey and I helped him keep this gift a secret. We were like the three musketeers. We had lots of adventures together and we will tell you all of them one day when you're old enough to understand them. Your dad's gift still needs to be protected and I hope where he is that is to be true.

The sun seems hotter than usual or it's me. My feet are so swollen that Rosa has put me into sandals. I haven't worn sandals for ever. I am so use to combat boots or designer boots and high heels. There would be no way that these feet of mine would step one toe in a high heels now.

I bet your laughing at me if you knew me.

Chuck laughed and took another sip. 'But what a sight that would be.' Chuck continued to read into the wee hours of the morning. The Cantina was still open with a few regulars but Chuck could care less. He wanted to finish reading as much as he could. He wanted to know Sarah, really know her and this was her way to tell him that.

Week 10

I lay awake most nights as I can't bear to close my eyes not knowing where your dad is. I have not heard anything through the grapevine – which is our way of finding things out. So no news is good news I guess but when people don't know your gone or haven't cared enough to go looking for you start to feel this way, but I haven't made easy either. I can hide very easily and it would take a miracle to find me or one determined soul.

Went to the market this afternoon. Can't wait to show you the sights of La Havana. My memory of the language is coming back to me but today I asked for an onion and got a turnip so I guess I still have a lot of work to do. Not sure if you're moving much down there but I swear that I feel you, maybe it was you or just gas but I look forward to more.

The rest of this entry is for your dad eyes only sorry baby - My body hasn't changed much but you would notice a few changes here and there and not to get to personal you know what I mean.

'This just got interesting' as Chuck down another cup of coffee.

I wish you could see me now the once tough spy is now in maternal mode. I can describe it as spy mode x 100 and anyone wishing to cross my path well they'll wish that they hadn't. My senses and instincts have gone into overload but too bad I can't do what you do. Chuck where are you? Are you ok? Do you think of me like I think of you? Sometimes my brain should be on lock down for what I think about and when, cause we only had one night together but it was a night worth the struggles and obstacles we had to go through. Even worth losing my job cause it's just a job. I'm not anyone without you. Our time together, I would never trade it but wish that it hadn't ended like it did. I hope that one day we can finish or at least try to pick up where we left off.

Friday Aug, 10 2006

I am surprised that I am writing so quickly. But like I said if its important then I will write. I forgot to mention weeks ago that your dad gave me a book called Of Mice and Men. I finally finished it, I'm not a reader. You're probably wondering what kind of mom you have who doesn't read nor write but I seem to be doing a lot it these days. I know, laugh but I have surprised myself a lot since I met your dad. He has opened a lot I mean lot of windows that I have not been able to see out of for a long time - I saw the world through rose colored glasses for so long that I was not seeing the whole picture but your dad opened my eyes to see what I had been missing. Our first date we went to a Mexican restaurant and he told me that he could be a baggage handler. I laughed at first but in reality he has been carrying me all these years and now I can truly say that I am ready to stand on my own. But I wish that his arms were still here holding me, us. But I still haven't heard anything. Its late so goodnight my child till next time.

Aug 15

I woke up in a fright tonight something hit me like a tonne of bricks. I felt that I had been punched in the stomach. I sat up to feel something from you but I thanked the man upstairs that I did feel something but whatever it was it scared me. It felt like or I dreamt that someone I knew was hurt or worse. I tried to close my eyes but everytime I did I thought of your dad.

Aug 17

Morning my child, the last few days haven't been the greatest. Not sure if I am hoping this to happen but what I wish is for your dad to walk through that door and sweep me into his arms. I know it sounds strange because he doesn't know where I am but I wish that by some miracle it could happen. Stranger things have happened I fell in love with a nerd. The sun is shining and there is a cool wind that helps with the heat. You are growing so fast can't wait to meet you. You are almost 5 months old well in my eyes you are.

I wonder what you will look like. You'll probably look like your dad with lots of hair and big brown eyes. You might have my personality but I think that you'll be a little version of your dad. The more you grow inside me the more I miss your dad.

I still wonder if I made the right choice. Leaving him to save him. But was it because of the job and the fact that I let my emotions get in the way of protecting your father or was it because I truly loved him and I couldn't have others tell me what I could do or not do. After what happened between your dad and I - I couldn't continue doing my job in the same fashion as I did before. It would be too hard to see him every day and not be able to tell him how much I love him. At least being here I know that one day I could see him and if that day came the job wouldn't be an issue anymore. If only meeting your dad had happened at another time and another place.

Aug 30

Not much to say today sweetheart. It will be 5 months tomorrow since I left LA. I called that number and there were no messages I even tried to call Beckman, well you can call her Auntie Beckman but I think that she isn't too pleased with me because I left and I didn't tell her. She's a good woman but very strict. But if you're anything like your dad you'll probably get along with her.

Got to head down for the lunch rush. I wonder what today will bring. You never know who will walk into the doors of the Cantina. Love you! Mommy

Chuck flipped to the next page and a saw that Sarah had stopped writing, then is occurred to him that it was the day he arrived and Sarah had written up to his arrival. Call it coincidental but Sarah stopping on the day she did had an eerie feel about it – almost like the world had told her that this day was the day. But how could she have known – Chuck didn't know himself.

He closed the book as Rosa walked over to him.

"It's late my son."

"Sorry for taking up your time."

"No worries, the last customer just left. You stopped reading."

"There's nothing left to read."

"You read all of it?"

"I like to read and this was a very interesting read."

"She would spend hours upstairs or she'd sit on the balcony writing to you and your child. She said that she felt closer to you both when she did." A slight pause.

"Where may I ask were you?"

Chuck knew he could trust Rosa with the whole Intersect thing but for her safety he chose not to. He quickly learned that she'd continue to poke and prod for answers unless you gave her enough just to keep her quiet.

"My mission wasn't all that it was cracked up to be?"

Rosa looked confused.

"Well you know what Sarah does right?"

Rosa smiled. "Well I do the same thing but like I said my last job wasn't all that it was cracked up to be and I was kinda stuck for a while and couldn't leave till recently."

Rosa seemed surprised but knowing Sarah. Sarah wouldn't fall for just a regular guy. Chuck had to be special.

Chuck got up and kissed Rosa goodnight and headed up the stairs. As he turned to head up he looked back.

"Don't worry son your secret is safe with me." As she brought her finger to her lips.

Chuck slowly crept back into Sarah's room. He knew that she was a good spy so he had to out spy her but at the same time he didn't want to take any chances. He slipped off his shoes and placed the journal on the nightstand and knelt down facing Sarah. Chuck noticed that the covers had slid down to her waist showing off her baby bump. He leaned down on his arms and stared at his child. Even though Sarah had told him that the child was his it didn't add up – with all the knowledge he had gained not including the Intersect Chuck was very smart but the fact that he helped create a child just blew his mind. He never saw himself as a father due to fact that his own parents had left him. Which caused him to second guess his ability to be a father to anyone let alone his own child. He himself was a man child as he liked it put it. But putting the biological aspects aside he created this little life with the only woman who truly "got him" and understood him in more ways than one. So whether the act of making love with Sarah like they did was going against protocol he would never have changed it. But deep in the back of his mind worry set in as to what others would say when they did find out and they would find out sooner or later.

DC via LONDON

Thomas had finally found Will. Will had been staying low since Chuck had left the bunker. When Will saw Thomas entering the secured room of the Bunker he knew that Chuck had escaped. A slight smile crossed his lips but as quickly it appeared it quickly left. Thomas liked Will but he had to do his job. His own life was on the line if this plan didn't pan through. Thomas walked in made small talk then convinced Will to go for a walk. They walked into the weight room where Will had seen Chuck working out weeks before. He saw a chair with straps and a table with items that look a lot like building tools. Thomas sat Will down and the fear entered his eyes.

"Sorry buddy but I have to ask you a few questions and if I feel that they are not what I am looking for I might need to take drastic measures to get what I want."

Will looked around knowing that any form of torture he would sing like a canary. Thomas roughly threw him into the chair. Will needed to stay calm and not out Chuck. He knew that they were up to no good and was glad that Chuck was gone. But what they were looking for needed a lot of work and with Chuck it would have taken them half the time.

Thomas started his questioning but like he said he didn't like what he was hearing. Will kept quiet which surprised both of them. Thomas assumed that Will was right and that he didn't help Chuck escape. But his final test would make or break him. Thomas walked up to Will and strapped his wrists down securely to the chair as a large man entered the room carrying a wrench. Thomas looked at Will. "One last chance. Did you help Chuck escape?"

Will looked at Thomas as good as he could without his glasses. His lips were swollen from the several dances with Thomas's fists. He looked up with confidence. He needed to protect Chuck. "I didn't help him escape."

Thomas looked at Will then at the large man slammed his left hand with the wrench. Will cried out in agony. Thomas waited to hear if Will would squeal. Silence would be expected but whimpers of pain filled the room. The large man raised the wrench again. Thomas raised his hand. It won't be necessary. He knows nothing. Take Will to the infirmary and clean him up. We leave in the morning."

London

Will slept most of the way as Alexis gave him some strong pain meds. She hated Thomas for what he did but hated Meriweather even more. This mission was getting out of hand and if they couldn't find the right numbers the codes would be useless. Alexis walked back to back of the plane and grabbed her phone. She scanned her contacts and found Sergio's number. She quickly sent him a text stating that they were arriving shortly and that she'd meet him at his loft in downtown London later that night not wanting to stay with Marcello and Meriweather. She wanted out but not before she got her cut.

Sergio walked the halls of MI6 as his phone vibrated. He pulled his phone out and quickly replied.

'See you soon L'

Alexis was surprised that he responded so quickly. Alexis put her phone away as Meriweather and Thomas sat down.

"So we will meet with Marcello and go over the numbers. I got a call into Nick and Casper to meet us at the end of the week. I finally convinced them to go ahead with their search. They have been successful in retrieving the excavating team to head out once we have the codes and the location. We hope that the Scorpion will be raised from its watery grave."

"So does anyone know besides us who Nick and Casper really are?"

Meriweather looked up at Thomas. "No and we will try and keep it that way. If MI6 or the CIA found out that Nick and Casper were former KGB and were charged with extortion and other things then defecting to the USA where they were given false id's and thrown into WITSEC program we would all be in jail or worse."

"But what about their files?"

"I deleted them from the main frame. I was alerted about 7 months ago that someone was looking into their names. I told them to stay low and as far as I know whomever was looking for them has stopped or it was just one of those fluke things."

"But we can't take chances."

"I know Alexis, and we won't. Now that we know that Will did not help Chuck we can move on and trust the little guy. But we need to find him. He is too valuable. If he ever finds out why we took him in the first place and he reports to General Beckman."

"Don't you think that what we are doing is not going to end well? Maybe what we want is not worth…"

"Alexis you're free to walk if you are starting to grow a conscience. But you signed on to this knowing what was at stake. Your job as well as mine is in the balance but I know that the end results will make us very wealthy individuals. And I plan to find that pot of gold even if others like you are not on board. But I can tell by the look in your eyes that you want this as much as I do, the choice is yours and Thomas's.

La Havana

Chuck and Sarah basked in the warm summer's sun. Chuck had taken Sarah away from her job for the afternoon for some quality one on one but Chuck wanted to see the neighbourhood first. After reading Sarah's journal he had the privilege to dig deep into the inner sanctum of the infamous Sarah Walker and what he could only describe as a once in a life time moment. Her ability to be the world's best spy had nothing on her as a regular person with thoughts and fear just like everyone else. Chuck gained a new appreciation of this woman who now was carrying his child when he knew that it was the most dangerous mission that they both were on.

Chuck smiled as Sarah walked in the sand with her bare feet soaking in the sun and nestling and kneading the tiny grains of sand in between her toes. Chuck had brought a few goodies that they shared and laughed over as they reminisced about their snack times in Castle.

Sarah placed her plastic plate back into the basket as she settled into one of her many favourite places between Chuck's legs. Chuck propped up against a rock that Sarah had sat by several times before. Chuck held onto Sarah as the waves lulled her to sleep. Chuck held onto her and their child as he succumbed to sleep.

Chuck crawled through the dampened tunnel that looked more like a miner's tunnel. The smells were not of dampened soil but that of death. He feared that the next turn would be his last. A voice startled his concentration. "We know you're here and unless you want to see the light of day and that beautiful child of yours give us what we want." Chuck trudged through the cramped muddy tunnel. "You can run but you can't hide."

Chuck woke up to see that the sun had begun to set. He shifted a little to look at his girlfriend. He had to wake her up but didn't want to startle her so he gracefully caressed her face with his fingers. At first she ignored the intrusion but as the warmth of Chuck's fingers triggered her senses and she accepted the disruption. Chuck got up and turned to face Sarah. He extended his hands so that she could grab them. As Chuck pulled back Sarah stood upright and in one motion kissed his lips. Chuck reached in from behind and held her in a tight embrace. Another reason Sarah was glad for his long arms. He was able to wrap not one person but two.

Chuck released his hold and grabbed the basket and blanket as they trolled back to Rosa's. Sarah held onto Chuck's arm as they walked. By standers watched as they walked, evident that they were in love. As Sarah welcomed the onlookers Chuck's mind was drawn to his dream. He had never really dreamt like that before. He didn't want to shrug it off to mere coincidence from his months in the bunker but chose to anyways.

Rosa welcomed the couple as she greeted them with hugs and kisses as Chuck and Sarah walked upstairs to clean up before supper. Sarah turned on the shower hoping that she'd not be alone and as her thoughts were finished Chuck came up from behind her and untied her strap on her sundress. As it fell he leaned his head onto her shoulder as they both looked in the mirror. Sarah had envisioned this moment ever since she found out. How sexy how loving it would be to have him with her like this. Chuck kissed her shoulders then ran his fingers up and over her arms. Nibbling at her neck as the room filled up with steam. Sarah turned around and unzipped his pants as Chuck took his shirt off. She was surprised that he had no underwear on. He looks up. "Casey did my shopping, so I am very limited in that department." With a smirky smile Sarah replied. "Well things could be worse." Sarah backed into the shower with Chuck following her. Chuck carefully pressed Sarah against the cold wall of the shower. To Chuck it looked more like tall crate with a shower head attached to it. Between the mixture of the seas cool air and the hot steam. Temperatures rose in seconds.

Chuck wrapped a towel around Sarah as he friskly dried her off. Sarah knew that if he continued they'll never get downstairs to eat. Sarah walked over and grabbed some clothes and managed to grab something for Chuck to wear. As she walked over Chuck still in a towel looked up at her. "You can wear this." As she gave him back his blue shirt. He smiled as he took his shirt back. "We will go shopping tomorrow for the other stuff and as for the rest of you." As she visually took him all in. "Whatever you say dear."

Rosa had prepared a small feast as Chuck pulled the chair out so that Sarah could sit down. Rosa had made Sarah a fruity drink while Chuck had a cold beer awaiting him. Sarah held onto Chuck's hand. She didn't want to miss anything or not take chances with their PDA. Out here she had nothing to lose. This was her new life.

As the evening progressed Alfie started up his jukebox. Mostly Cuban music with a tad of American pop music form the 50's and 60's. As the staff pushed tables and chairs aside the crowd started to move to the music. Chuck and Sarah moved to a booth next to the intended dance floor. Sarah let go of Chuck's hand as she moved to the Cuban music. She had chosen to wear a wrap that hung just below her baby belly and a low tank top that due to her growing size didn't cover much. But being pregnant she could get away with it. Chuck smiled as she swayed back and forth. Her moves reminded him of their first date; when to his surprise she accepted his request to go on a date with him. They ended up at a bar and Chuck was on cloud nine when she pulled him onto the dance floor; unbeknownst to him at the time that they, that he was being chased. Chuck sipped his beer as Sarah and others finished the song.

Sarah came back and nestled in Chuck's arms as they spent the remaining evening listening and dancing to a few slow songs as the world around them didn't exist. Sarah looked at Chuck's watch to see that it had just passed two. Looking up she saw Chuck sleeping. She didn't know how long he had been asleep but like he did to her on the beach, she too took advantage of waking her sleepy prince.

London

Marcello waited as Meriweather, Alexis, Thomas and Will arrived at a slum looking building in west London. Marcello looked at his watch as the last member arrived. Sergio entered shortly after trying not to make it obvious that he had just left Alexis in his bed. Alexis played it cool. She didn't want the others to know that they were a couple especially now that they were so close to breaking the codes and retrieving the items. Alexis cared less for the weapons and triggers, she wanted the cash and gold. The men could fight over the other stuff. She wanted out and this she told herself this was it the end, she was out.

Thomas brought Will to a table that housed several computers and servers. It also housed what looked like items that had seen better days or was stolen from a museum.

"Ah, I see your looking at this old stuff." As Marcello walks up to Will.

"I am sorry that you had some problems that resulted in your broken hand but I needed to make sure that you weren't responsible for letting Chuck go. As you now know he is very important to this mission and because he isn't here we need to go old school to find the codes. So I borrowed some items to assist us."

"More like stole them." Will gaining more confidence.

Marcello grabbed him securely around his neck. "Say what you want but I guarantee if you slip up again and I find out that you did help Chuck leave your broken hand will seem like a sprain when I am done with you. I'd advise you to keep your opinions to yourself and get busy. We need these codes by weeks end."

Will sighed deeply as he had only a few days to unlock whatever he had to unlock. He sat down minus one hand as he moved computers around and the antique items around. Marcello took the rest of the group to a side office where they closed the door. Groups of men worked around Will carrying large trunks of cables and tracking devices. The warehouse was beginning to look like the bunkers observation room. The workers set up satellites that scanned the coordinates that Will had retrieved from Chuck's brain during the first round of testing and crossed referenced them with the old files from the KGB that Nick Jones and Casper Hilton had stole. Will set up the land lines to take in the incoming calls from pin points that the computers had found. As Will calculated the pinning, to the average person listening and they probably were to them it sounded like regular sound waves or white noise but to the trained ear and with the help of the high tech gadgets mixed with the antique transistor radios, Will was able to decode the sequences that replayed over and over. Will typed in the file name INTESPUTNIK. The screen above him lit up like a Christmas Tree. The pinning drew the signal back and forth from several predetermined locations as well as hidden locations that were set up prior to the Cold War.

Will got up and ran to let Marcello in on his progress. Marcello and the rest of the group walked in to see that the pinning had reached a small area off west coast of Spain. It was a small advancement for some but to Marcello it wasn't fast enough.

"We need Chuck now!"

"But."

"Find him, this is taking too long. Meriweather you told me that we'd had enough data to move forward so why haven't we found the sub."

"Patience."

Meriweather knew that his delay and the fact that Chuck still had the coordinates and the codes had just ran out. Will smiled inside knowing that this process could take days maybe weeks but at the same time he loved to see how Meriweather would squirm himself out of this one.

Sergio grabbed Alexis aside far from the ears of the rest of the group. "We need to move now."

"We can't, as you can see we don't have the codes."

"We must have something that we can use, if there anything that we got from our last mission in the West Indies?"

Alexis thought for a moment. "There might be something in the files but remember we ran out of time and we had to run. "

"Okay I will head back to MI6 and go through that box. I have a few items in my loft as well. The file on Hans Jacob and the file Blind Man's Bluff."

"Ok I will stall here and meet you at Euston train station at nine tonight, we will fly out of London to the West Indies tonight. I know from there we have a better chance of reaching the target before them. I will convince Marcello to let me do this, if he thinks that he'll benefit from this then we're good. I will tell him that MI6 needed you back but will be in contact with him as soon as possible. At least he's ok with us maintaining our regular jobs as a cover. And I'll try to convince Will to help us out."

Sergio kissed Alexis passionately as he snuck out the back door. Alexis walked over to Will and crouched down. Will looked down, as Alexis tried to be inconspicuous. "I need you to stall."

Will was surprised that those words were coming from her.

"I have a plan that can make us very rich but I need to have a head start. Can you help me?"

Will jumped at the chance to stick it to Meriweather and Marcello. He turned and faced the screen. Alexis got up and kissed Will's top of his head and whispered thanks. Will plugged away at the keys slowing down the feed. He needed the time to allow Alexis a head start so Will threw in a delay switch. This gave him some breathing room and it allowed Alexis at least a day or so head start. Will watched as Alexis put on the charm and convinced Marcello of her plan. She gave Will a thumbs up as she walked out the door. As Alexis walked out as Will pressed enter. Thomas had watched the last few minutes unfold but wasn't sure that things looked right. He was starting to not trust Alexis and as for Will no one could out stand that kind of torture that he gave him unless they were truly keeping something quiet and had reason to. He signed up for this because the end result would make him a very rich man and not to babysit people like Will and Alexis. Thomas kept his eye on Will just in case his gut was right and they were up to something.

Marcello pulled up a chair and settled in watching the red line pinning back and forth one pin closer to finding the infamous Scorpion. Hours went by as Marcello watched intently as the red line bounced back and forth off pin points around the world. From the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans to the Indian and Pacific, the pinning grew eventually fainter and slower. Marcello sat up as his suspicions were verified. Marcello stood up "What's going on?"