Don't own Chuck
Razib was sitting in their room doing classwork with his tutor, Mr. Jefferies. He was part of the package the General had put together to get Margo to accept the position. Margo's knowledge of the movers and shakers of region plus language skills made her a crucial element in getting the new station up and running. She also had the blessing of Chuck and Sarah. For this reason certain concessions were offered like Mr. Jefferies a tutor the embassy supplied and who had been vetted by the agency to teach Razib. Then when Molly and Emma arrived Margo had Molly join Razib in lessons. They knew each other and she was worried Razib wasn't spending enough time with children his own age. However today Molly had been excused from lessons because Sarah and Chuck were arriving, which Razib thought was a little unfair but he needed extra help with math. Margo tried to make him feel better by telling him they used Arabic numerals but it was still Greek to him.
"Okay if I have two apples and your have three oranges and I get hungry and eat one of your oranges what do we have?"
"A problem," said Razib. "You stole one of my oranges. Do you know you could have your right hand cut off for that?"
"No, no I'm not stealing your oranges because you don't have any. This is called a mathematical analogy to get you to reason out a response. This is the same as if I ask you two plus three minus one which would be four."
"Well said the other way could get your hand chopped off," said Razib as he heard someone open the door in the outer room. There was something about the sound he heard he didn't like. The footsteps weren't familiar so he excused himself quickly telling his Mr. Jefferies that he need to go to the bathroom but really wanted to investigate.
"Excuse me can I help you," said Razib to the stranger he found in the middle of the room. He was dressed like one of the casino floor employees but Razib didn't recognize him. "I don't know you."
"Oh I'm a new hire. I was sent up here to find Jack Burton. Do you know where I can find him," said the man with his hand in his pocket. That was when Razib noticed a cold look in the man's eyes. It was something he saw in the men he met when he was a servant boy working for the Tazi household and it scared him. "Boy I asked you a question," repeated the man as he moved towards Razib but Razib moved back in fear almost tripping over a table.
"What's going on out there? Razib if you don't apply yourself you're never going to get the hang of numbers," said his tutor as he walked out to find a stranger standing in front of Razib. "Who are you and what do you want? Are you supposed to be here?" said the teacher getting in the middle.
"I'm sorry but I knocked and there was no answer but like I told the boy I was sent up here to find Jack Burton. Do you know where I can find him?" said the man. Razib noticed he still stood with his hand in his pocket.
"I'm sorry I haven't got the foggiest. I saw Mr. Burton this morning when I arrived to give the boy his lessons. But do you always come into rooms when you're not invited? What did you say your name was again? I don't think I know you?"
"Sorry, no I'm a new hire just started this morning and well I did knock," said the man with his hand in his pocket. Razib was afraid he knew what he had inside as he could almost make out a barrel.
"Well you can see he's not here so you'll have to look somewhere else," said Razib trying to muster up courage. He had to get the man to leave and protect his tutor. Just then Molly and a maid came walking in holding vases. Molly held hers in front of her face.
"Razib see the flowers my Dad gave me and Mom, aren't they pretty? Oh Mom asked me to get Razib Mr. Jefferies he needs to come with me." Then Molly turned and noticed the other man standing in the room dressed like one of the casino workers.
"Molly this man is looking for you father," said Mr. Jefferies. "You wouldn't happen to know where he is?"
"What? Oh I get it Mom asked you to find Dad too." said Molly then she turned to the Mr. Jefferies. "Mom was looking for Dad this morning."
"That's right," said the man. "Yes that's exactly what happened."
"We'll you can stop looking for him she found him," said Molly. "They're downstairs in the lobby waiting for my sister to arrive with Chuck. Come on Razib we need to run they should be here soon."
"Are you sure she asked that man to come look for you father," asked Razib once they got out of the room. He couldn't believe he had gotten scared over nothing but he still didn't like the man's look.
"I'm sure. She was going crazy this morning and you know how adults are," said Molly as they disappeared down the corridor.
"I'm sorry for the misunderstanding," said the man as he turned to leave but Mr. Jefferies stopped him.
"Wait one last word," said Mr. Jefferies. "The next time you knock on a door make sure you're told to come in before you enter."
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Sarah and Chuck sat in the back of the company Volvo listening to Margo talk about her job and what she had been able to accomplish. She told them about Razib and how he was anxious to meet them. Both he and Molly were doing well with their studies and that they had a private tutor teaching them in the casino. The casino itself had been turned into the station headquarters while the offices in the Embassy were used as a substation.
"The casino turned out to be the ideal location for the station. Underneath we discovered a series of passages and secret chambers that probably date back to the late middle ages when the Venetians, Turks and Serbs were battling it out so we converted some of them over and sealed the rest."
"Sounds nice and everything," said Sarah. But she was more interested in what Margo had hinted about her father.
"Yeah it was a win-win and every Station has to have a nickname so we called this one 'the Bank.' It keeps us from dragging people into the Embassy for chats then getting them shoot when they come out because they got made. No one notices when some dirt bag enters a casino. They just think another idiot with ill-gotten gains is going to the cleaners."
"I can see how it'd make paying off assets easier. All you have to do is make sure they win," said Chuck but looking over at Sarah he realize she was getting impatient. "You hinted to a problem with Jack what is it?"
"Well first of all I need to tell you that Jack has abided by our agreement most of the time. There have been times when he's stretched the envelope a little and I've had to call him in."
"What do you mean by stretching the envelope? You need to be careful he's always got a line ready especially when he's up to something. He will lay a smile and try to charm his way out."
"Yes he can be a sweet talker I found that out right away but with Emma around that's toned down a lot. No the problem is he's too helpful at times."
"Are you sure we're talking about the same Jack Burton? When was the last time you counted the silverware? If he's being helpful then he's up to something."
"Sarah," said Margo as she glanced in her mirror at her. "That's what I thought in the beginning but now I'm not sure. I think he's bored and looking for some way to channel his boredom and look for relief. Just that, that relief could get him killed. He comes in every now and then drops a folder on my desk with intel he's gathered on different people coming into the casino or their friends."
"What? He's not an agent. He could get himself killed. How's he gathering this intel anyway I hope he's discreet at least," said Chuck. Sarah reached over and took his hand.
"I know how he's schmoozing. Jack always had the gift of gab he'll invite a mark in then offer them something like a drink or a meal then as he's plying them with drink or food he's getting information just by talking."
"Sarah's right. I got concerned because I thought he'd blow our cover underground so he took me to one of these aperitifs he throws for high rollers just before the casino opens. I watched him gather more intel then we could get in a month at Gitmo in one evening."
"That's Jack for you. People just love to talk to him I've never understood why but they do. I swear he could sell ice to an Eskimo. He has always said 'con' in 'conman' stands for 'confidence' and when you've got the mark's confidence he's yours."
"That might be fine and dandy but he needs to be careful or he'll screw around and get himself killed, taking Emma and Molly along with him in the process."
"I was concerned about that too Chuck," said Margo. "Especially since Emma takes care of Raz for me while I work and that's part of why I'm mentioning it. I had a sit down with him the other day but what I told him went in one ear and out the other. Truthfully I wasn't that concerned before because the intel he gave me was good but it just confirmed what I already had."
"I'm sorry and maybe I don't understand but why let him continue then?" asked Chuck. Sarah leaned over and kissed him.
"How many time have you asked Jack to go straight and has he ever listened. Maybe channelling his so called talents isn't such a bad idea."
"Like I said I called him in he didn't listen but I knew who he was dealing with and they were just some low life small time punks no one really dangerous. But just to be safe I put the word on the street that he's protected and up until now everything was good."
They noticed they were entering Kotor and Sarah knew she'd be at the Gran Casino soon. Sarah felt her heart race as she thought about holding Sam soon. She squeezed Chuck's hand and he smiled at her realizing what she was thinking.
"Well everything was good," continued Margo, "up until a few days ago when Jack met this banker from Venice. There's a folder about him in the back of my chair. I don't have much his name is Marco Di Padua and up until your little incident in London I thought he was clean."
"I take it he lost money when things went sideways for our friends in England," said Chuck as he and Sarah looked over the scarce documents. "But I don't see a connection here with Jack."
"That's because there isn't one. I caught Jack in a heated argument with him then when I asked what it was about he told me it was nothing that he thought he had been cheated. I didn't think anything about it not until I got the who's who hit list of purported Hydra affiliates. His name was among those who lost their shirts so I went back and got the security feeds from when he was in the casino. He was cheated like Jack said but not so he'd lose money. The man walked out with a healthy sum of casino money but from what I heard of the argument it wasn't enough."
"Jack was being blackmailed by this guy?" said Chuck
"That's what I thought but I knew you guys were coming so I circle filed everything and am turning it over to you two to handle as you feel fit. I think this is something that you ought to take care of in the family. Maybe if I had been more understanding with my sister, Raz would have his mother with him now."
"Thanks we appreciate you letting us take care of this and I promise we'll keep you in the loop," said Sarah.
"Don't mention it and oh by the way Chuck if you could talk to Raz alone I'd appreciate it. He's having troubles with Math. He doesn't seem to get along with numbers."
"But I thought he was doing well in school or that's what Molly wrote. Didn't she?" said Chuck as Sarah nodded back.
"His language skills are amazing I've never seen anyone pick up languages like him. His English is better than mine now plus he's learned Serbian and Italian without an accent. That's on top of the French, Arabic and his tribal Bedouin languages he already knew."
"Maybe I can use that to show him how numbers can be looked at as a language," said Chuck as they pulled up in front of the hotel.
"I'd appreciate it if you would I just want some stability for him. He's seen too much bad in his short life I need to create good for him."
They got out Margo handed the valet the keys, he was one of her men and he saw to the car. They walked in to be covered with hugs. Sarah had her hands full with Sam who threw up her arms wanting to be held by her mother and Molly trying to hug Chuck but he had to bend over to put his arm around Molly. Emma and Jack stood off to the side with Margo and Razib. Chuck was the first to notice Razib standing off waiting so he went to him.
"As-salāmu `alayka" said Chuck his hand on his heart and making a small bow. Razib's face lite up and he smiled back.
"wa `alaykumu s-salāmu wa rahmatu l-lāhi wa barakātuh," said Razib back waiting for Chuck to say something.
"Razib do we have to be that formal a simple wa Salāmun would suffice," said Chuck as he held out his hand to Razib and when he tried to shake it Chuck pulled him close and hugged him. "Let me get settled in I want to hear everything you've done since we last met," said Chuck in Razib's Bedouin dialect. Sarah smiled watching Chuck with Razib she had her arms full with Sam and Molly.
"Thank you I never get to speak my own language anymore," said Razib. "I suppose Margo has told you about my problem with math. My teacher keeps wanting to talk to me about fruit then steals some of mine. He doesn't seem to realize that he could get his hand chopped off if he's caught. Naturally I won't tell on him." Chuck laughed.
"Okay we've all said hello," said Emma taking charge. "Now let's let them go rest up a bit and get unpacked. Molly, you and Razib still have lessons to study with Mr. Jefferies."
"But I thought I was…" said Molly as she began to protest but Emma cut her off.
"Young lady you were excused this morning but now they're here and they aren't going anywhere. Razib is the one who should be protesting he still had to go to school this morning. So the sooner you two go back up the sooner you'll finish and if I don't hear anymore protests Jack has promised to take everyone to the old town tonight for ice cream."
"That's right I've got reservations in the restaurant at nine then there's this little place I found in the old town you guys are going to love.
"They have Rocky Road," said Molly all bright and happy now.
"That's right so you two need to scoot," said Jack as Molly took Razib's hand then disappeared back inside.
"Okay now we need to get you two settled," said Margo. "My men have taken your luggage up so all you have to do is unpack. I'll get out of your hair now."
"You and Razib will be coming to dinner with us. We won't take no for an answer," said Chuck as he looked over at Sarah and she nodded but as he was looking a man passed behind them. Chuck flashed. He saw bloody bodies lying on the ground with one bullet hole through their chest and a series of unsolved hits.
"I don't know Chuck you need to rest up and I've got work to get caught up," said Margo seeing Chuck look a little unsteady.
"I don't see anyone," said Sarah realizing he'd flashed. She turned and began to search for a target. "Chuck who was it?"
"Margo, secure the security feed for the casino lobby. A man just passed by his name is Jorgen White a suspected mechanic for the Mišović mob a part of the Serbian mafia out of Chicago. There are a string of unsolved mob related hits attributed to him but no proof.
"I know you guys are supposed to be here on vacation but would you mind…" Margo started to say but Sarah cut her off.
"We'll be down as soon as we freshen up and change," said Sarah, "But no heavy lifting or bad guy chasing for Chuck."
"Okay just use the touch screen in the elevator you're on the access list for the Bank. I'll be waiting. Oh and Chuck I brought a coffee machine with me from Italy. The group separated after Margo handed them their room key cards then disappeared. Jack started to leave to go back to his office leaving Emma by herself.
"Hold up Jack ride up with us," said Chuck as the elevator doors opened. "We need to talk in private. Emma you can ride along if you want to listen."
"No I'll sit this one out. I'll go have a coffee and come up in a little while. Do you want me to watch Sam for you?" asked Emma with her arms out but Sam wasn't budging.
"I think she's glues to me for now and well I'm not ready to put her down," said Sarah as Sam wrapped her arms around her mother's neck for dear live.
"Mine," said Sam as she buried her face in Sarah then glanced back up at Emma. Everyone laughed. Then when they got on the elevator Sarah realized Sam was actually staring at Chuck and every time she moved Sam turned to stare at him without batting an eye.
"What is it Love," asked Sarah as she could see Sam was thinking. She kissed her on the forehead but she wiggled around to stare at Chuck.
"Yuck boo-boo," said Sam.
"Yes Daddy boo-boo," said Chuck as he kissed her then closed his eyes anticipating and like on cue 'whack' she delivered it leaving her little red hand print on his cheek. Jack snickered and Sarah elbowed him not to encourage Sam as Chuck rubbed his cheek.
"I don't know where she picked that up from but she got me good this morning," said Jack. "You were a quiet baby."
"Cut the crap Jack," said Sarah. "Margo told us you were playing spy is it true or were you just ripping off the casino when you let Marco Di Padua win at the tables?"
"That's what you think of your old man, some two-bit thief? Darling, a thief has to run out of town as fast as he can, but a good con man."
"A good con man can leave whenever he wants. I remember, Dad but what does this have to this banker. Don't tell me you pulled a Lichtenstein, you know that can get your pardon pulled and you sent back to prison."
"No it's nothing like that I'm legit now on the up and up, a model citizen. Charlie you can vouch for me, can't you?"
"The model citizen is a little exaggerated and we all know it but okay Jack then what were you doing letting Di Padua win. Was it some sort of pay off?"
"Well he passes me information from time to time and I pass it onto Margo. I was a little bored and before I got tempted into doing something that could've really gotten me in trouble I came up with this. Personally I think it's win-win and no one gets hurt and I protect my sources."
"Sources! You've got more than one guy on the grift," said Sarah. Chuck could see she was getting angry so he tried to intercede.
"Okay so why did this guy get mad at you if you were giving him money? Don't say he didn't because it's all on tape."
"He just thought his information was worth more than what I was willing to pay and so he got bent out of shape, that's it. But later he came back apologized and we had a drink on it. That should've been recorded too." The elevator stopped and Jack let Sarah and Chuck out but stayed inside. "I've got a couple of things I need to get done in the office. I'll meet you guys in the restaurant tonight at nine but you've got to save room for ice cream."
"Okay Dad until later," Sarah said as she kissed him on the cheek. "Please be careful. I worried about you when you didn't show up in the hospital."
"Sorry about that but things came up. Well until later Charlie," said Jack as he pressed the button and the doors closed.
"Jack does realize we own this casino," said Chuck looking at the closed elevator doors. "By skimming money to pay his contacts he's stealing from us."
"Do you think that would mean anything to him?" asked Sarah as she pulled him along to their room. "Am I fool for wanting to believe him? I said I was immune but then I see him, listen to his lies and my heart wants to believe him…"
"Then that's enough, but a little verification can't hurt any either. Let's change and get down to the Bank. There we can pull up the security and CCTV feeds."
"Doveryai no proveryai, trust, but verify."
"You make Russian sound so sexy," said Chuck and as he kissed her Sam giggled.