Chapter 7: Details Matter

A/N: Okay...this chapter includes one of those...ahem...scenes. And...no, it isn't a shot-by-shot replay. If you're squeamish about scenes that happens behind closed doors...just cover your eyes...at least that's what I do when I write those...

I hope you all are continuing to enjoy this little journey! Enjoy!

Chuck, Stone, and Saville walked casually down the sidewalk. They parked three blocks away, and mingled into the crowded street. A light mist was falling.

As the made it to the corner where Casey's cell signal indicated his position, they saw him sitting at a table, alone. He wasn't moving.

Chuck spoke first. "He's alone, guys."

Saville held up a small monocular. "No sign of a woman. There's a glass of wine in front of Colonel Casey, and on the other side of the table."

Stone scanned the street. "Reckon she went to powder her nose?"

"Possible." Saville said. Alright, Lieutenant. You and Senior Chief go in that far entrance, I'll go in the one on this side."

Chuck looked both ways, and crossed the street, pulling up his hoodie. Stone got ahead of him.

"Better let me take point, L.T. Watch my back." Stone drew his Glock 19, and covered it in front of his body with his other hand. Chuck drew his Glock, keeping it down by his side. They waited for Saville to enter the front. He walked to the bar, and took a seat, facing the table.

Chuck and Stone walked through the other entrance. Casey still hadn't moved from his position.

"I don't like it." Chuck said, stealthily holstering his weapon.

Stone keyed his mic. "Boss, he looks dead."

"His eyes are blinking. No other movement. Just hold." Saville said, scanning the small café.

Sarah's voice buzzed in Chuck's ears. "Chuck…I'm here. Where do you need me?"

"Sarah…see if there's a back entrance. We have eyes on Colonel Casey, but Ilsa is not here."

"Copy that. I'll check the ladies room."

Chuck could hear a door open, and footsteps. Sarah's spoke low in her mic. "She's not here."

"We're out front." Chuck said. "I'm going in. Everybody hold."

"We've got your back, Lieutenant." Said Saville, scanning for threats.

Chuck casually strolled up to the booth behind Casey, taking a moment to examine where Casey was sitting. He sat down casually, and keyed his mic.

"I see a wire."

"Talk to me, Chuck. What do you see?" Sarah said, now standing behind Stone.

"Wire runs from inside Casey's jacket to under the seat. I think she planted a pressure switch."

Chuck sighed. "Commander…we can't evacuate the building. I have a feeling she's watching us right now."

"What do you suggest, Lieutenant?" Saville replied.

"Just hold, Sir. I'm going to drop down to the deck. No line of sight if she's watching the building."

Chuck then slid down, and dropped to the floor. Sarah saw a waitress heading that way, and stopped her.

Chuck slid next to Casey, and gently opened his jacket. Casey still hadn't moved, so he checked his pulse. His hands felt clammy.

"I think Casey has been drugged. I have eyes on the device." Chuck said. It was a regular cell phone with C4 attached. Small, but effective.

"I've got C4 with a cell phone attached. Sarah…ask Agent Barker to jam all cell signals in the area." Chuck said quickly.

"On it." Sarah replied, taking out her phone.

A man walked by, and stopped, looking at Chuck. "You alright, mate?"

Chuck glanced at the guy, and shrugged. "I like sitting on the floor."

The guy shook his head, and walked by. "Weird."

Chuck removed a roll of electrical tape from his pocket, and gently slid the pressure switch from under the seat. He pressed down with his fingers, and slid the switch out from under Casey. Taking the electrical tape, he wrapped his entire hand in the switch to maintain pressure.

Chuck pulled a pair of cutters from his back pocket, and removed the device from Casey's jacket.

Chuck shoved the device, and his hand in the front pocket of his hoodie, and stood up, walking quickly to the kitchen. As he passed Sarah and Stone, he spoke quickly.

"Stone, stay put and watch Casey. Sarah…come with me. I need your help."

Chuck walked quickly to the kitchen, and addressed the room. "Food Inspectors! Please, head out the back now! This won't take but a minute!"

"Not again! The exterminator took care of the rats!" A cook said, throwing his hands in the air in frustration. "Wait...you're not English!"

Chuck didn't miss a beat. "Uh...we're part of a Food Inspector foreign exchange program. Got a report of…"

"Cockroaches." Sarah finished for him.

The cook rolled his eyes. "For fuck sake…if it's not rats, it's those bloody things. This place is costing me a fortune."

The cook left the room, and Sarah shrugged.

Chuck looked around the kitchen, and found a boiling pot. He removed the device from his pocket, and glanced at Sarah. "You trust me?"

"Always." Sarah said quickly.

Chuck handed Sarah a pair of wire cutters. "When I tell you to...cut the wire."

Chuck grabbed Sarah, shoving her to the ground in front of the stove as he disconnected the primary switch from the C4. He held the device over his head, positioned above the pot. Chuck motioned for the wire. "Now!"

Sarah cut the wire, and Chuck dropped the device in the pot of boiling hot water. Chuck covered Sarah as a loud pop was heard overhead.

The couple slowly raised their heads. There was a hole in the ceiling, and debris scattered everywhere.

Sarah looked confused. "Chuck…what just happened?"

Chuck grinned. "Cell phones and water don't mix. I had a hunch she attached a secondary tamper switch, so I removed the primary since that one is easy. The boiling water broke up the C4…leaving just enough for a much smaller explosion."

"Good to know." Sarah said, then lifted Chuck to his feet. "I didn't realize C4 would dissolve in boiling water."

"Manufactured C4 won't. This was homemade. Different chemical composition. Not foolproof, but it worked. The boiling water was just enough to break up most of the C4. The pot directed the blast upwards...out of harm's way." Chuck said quickly, removing the pressure switch from his hand. He tossed it at Sarah. "Souvenir."

Sarah smirked, tossing it over her shoulder. "Very funny."

The cook walked back in. "What happened? I heard a loud fucking bang!"

Chuck turned. "Uh…big freaking cockroaches. Worse than we thought. All good now. Have a good evening." Chuck exited, then turned. "You passed. All good. Smells delicious back here."

Chuck walked past Stone. "All clear."

As Chuck approached Casey, he spotted a note on the table. He picked it up, and read it.

"My apologies for shooting you, Chuck. I was aiming for the blonde. I'll be seeing you both real soon."

"At least she was polite." Chuck muttered, handing the note to Sarah.

"Yeah. A real dainty princess." Sarah said sarcastically.

Saville motioned for Stone to step outside to check the area. Chuck checked Casey's vitals, as Sarah called for a cleaner team, and an ambulance for Casey.

Casey's eyes sent chills down Chuck's spine. They were screaming for blood.

"Colonel Casey was administered a drug that temporarily paralyzed him. He should be back to normal tomorrow." Said Zondra, after she entered the room.

Carina was chewing on a pen. "Let me get this straight…you diffused a bomb by tossing it in a pot of hot water?"

Chuck blinked. "We were already in hot water. I could bore you to death with the gory details if you like?"

Sarah snorted at the comment.

"No thanks. I'm good." Carina replied.

Sarah was lost in a file, before staring straight ahead. "It seems I took out Ilsa's mother three years ago on a mission in France. She was posing as a diplomat, working with a hit team to assassinate a high level French official. Her parents were involved in several terrorist groups. Teaching how to build bombs at various training camps. That's why she went after me back in '05. I don't see how she was able to join the GDSE. She had nothing but red in her file."

Sarah looked at Chuck. "Chuck…how did you find out who she is?"

"An instructor when I was in EOD school had a saying. Details matter. Something Ilsa said to Casey…seemed off. The…way she used the word 'promise' when they met back at the briefing reminded me of that note from Iraq. I compared her file with Casey's, and her story didn't add up." Chuck paused. "She didn't properly tie down the camera she used to detonate the bomb in Grozny. Casey took a picture of it for his report, and it bore the signs of being used to detonate the bomb." Chuck said, sighing. "I know…it was a long shot."

Zondra answered. "A long shot that paid off. That's good work, Lieutenant."

Sarah bumped shoulders with Chuck. "I agree. Nice job."

Chuck frowned. "She was testing us…well, testing me. She could have detonated that bomb remotely."

The room grew quiet. "The cell phone…" Sarah said in realization. "That's why you had Agent Barker jam all signals."

"She was sending us a message." Chuck paused. "I spent the better part of two deployments playing cat and mouse with Ilsa. She was two steps ahead of us in Fallujah. I wasn't the primary on that one…but we did have enough time to evacuate. She was only one step ahead in Iraq. I disarmed the bomb…but she still shot me."

Sarah took Chuck by the hand. "Chuck…we will stop her."

Chuck had a grim look on his face. "Whatever she has planned next…I can assure you. It's going to be a doozy. I can smell it."

There was a knock at the door, and Senior Chief Stone stepped in the room. "Sorry to interrupt this little barn dance…but Agent Barker said they found a hit team outside the night club. They're about to take them out."

Sarah addressed her CATs. "Zondra, Carina…go offer assistance, or monitor progress. We may still have an opportunity to capture Federov. I'll keep looking over these files with Chuck."

"On it." Zondra said, rising to leave.

Stone stopped aside for the ladies, tipping his hat. Carina gave him a coy look. Stone smiled. "Ma'am."

Carina turned around and ran a finger down Stone's arm. "I like cowboys."

"I like a woman who ain't afraid to tell me what she wants." Stone replied.

"Okay then. Let me be more specific. I like to ride…cowboys." Carina said in a sultry tone.

"Well, saddle me up, little lady." Stone said bluntly.

"Oh for crying out loud…" Chuck muttered, amused. "Why did I not see that one coming?"

Stone turned, and shrugged. "What can I say, L.T.? Red is my color."

Chuck snorted. "Any color is your color."

Carina leaned forward and whispered in Stone's ear. He shook his head in excitement. "Damn, girl! Nothing but my cowboy hat and boots, huh?"

Carina turned, and Stone slapped her softly on her rear. "You're my kind of woman."

Chuck muttered. "Yeah…she has two legs and a pulse."

Sarah snorted at the comment.

Carina jumped slightly, and gave a coy look. "Bad boy, aren't you?"

"No, Ma'am. I'm a good boy." Stone addressed Chuck. "We'll be down the hall if you need us, Sir."

"Thanks, Senior Chief." Chuck said, trying not to laugh.

Sarah cleared her throat. "Senior Chief Stone…I'm sure you packed plenty of…protection?"

"You bet I did, Ma'am. Just like them Marines. Semper Gumby. Always flexible." Stone said.

"Carina is very flexible." Sarah deadpanned. "You two will get along just fine."

Chuck laughed at the comment.

"Ma'am, Sir." Stone said, then left.

"Good grief…where's the amnesia pills?" Chuck asked. "I mean…I don't know what's worse. Almost getting blown up, or listening to the mating calls of those two nymphomaniacs." Chuck paused. "Their room is right next to ours. Did you bring ear plugs? If not…where's the pencils? I'll just jam those in my eardrums."

Sarah let out a wet laugh. Tears flooded her eyes, she was laughing so hard.

Chuck laughed, but stopped when his eyes settled on Sarah's long legs breaking through the bottom of the ridiculously short dress. He shook his head, and his eyes met Sarah's, who greeted him with a coy smile.

"So…Chuck. Like what you see?" Sarah asked in a sweet tone.

"Uh, huh…sorry. Didn't mean to stare at you like that. You're just so…beautiful." Chuck said turning his eyes back to a file.

Such a gentleman…okay...I'm ready.

Sarah uncrossed her legs and stood, walking to the door. She locked the door, and sauntered back to Chuck, who was still engrossed in the file.

Sarah yanked the folder from his hands, and sat it on the table, taking a long, steady breath. She had never done this before, but every fiber of her body was screaming at her for satisfaction.

Sarah straddled Chuck right there on the sofa, and attacked his lips with a fury. Once Chuck registered what was happening, his hands found Sarah's face, deepening the kiss.

Sarah broke the kiss briefly, panting. "I want you."

"Now?" Chuck asked between kisses. Sarah nodded, continuing her sensual assault of his lips.

Chuck's eyes glazed over at the look of love and lust in Sarah's eyes. He found the base of Sarah's neck, and her eyes rolled in the back of her head.

Sarah tugged at the hem of Chuck's shirt, and she pulled it over his head. Her eyes froze when she saw the scar on Chuck's chest.

Sarah ghosted her fingers over the scar, leaned down, and kissed it. She lifted her eyes, and took Chuck's face in her hands. "I'm so glad I found you."

"Me too." Chuck whispered. "I love you, Sarah."

Sarah smiled bright, ghosting her fingers across Chuck's face. "I love you too, Chuck."

Sarah was lost in Chuck's eyes, frozen by the look of love and admiration. She felt herself floating.

Sarah cleared her throat. "Can you unzip me?"

"Okay." Chuck said, slowly unzipping the dress, as he kissed her across the shoulders, sliding the garment down. Sarah pushed the dress down to her waist, and made quick work of Chuck's pants.

Sarah was now panting as she climbed back in Chuck's lap. She kissed him with a frenzy, her body trembling to his touch. Chuck found Sarah's neck, and kissed a spot that made Sarah gasp in his arms.

Sarah bit her lip, leaning close to Chuck's ear. "Please...be gentle. I haven't...done this before."

Chuck took Sarah's face in his hands, nodding. "I understand. I'll never be anything but gentle with you." Chuck swallowed hard. "Um...you take the lead."

Sarah nodded, and took in a long breath, her body trembling with anxiety, and excitement. Chuck gently kissed Sarah on the lips. Sarah relaxed as Chuck gently caressed her body, losing herself in his touch.

Sarah broke the kiss, briefly, staring Chuck in the eyes. "I'm ready. Make love to me, Chuck."

As their bodies joined, Sarah cried out. Chuck held her firmly, yet gently in his arms, letting her set the pace. Sarah muffled her soft cries with Chuck's lips, relishing in Chuck's soft moans. Sarah felt pressure building rapidly. Her whole body tingling at this amazing feeling building inside her. Chuck intertwined his hand's with Sarah's, as they maintained their gaze, lost in each other's eyes.

After several minutes, it was over. Sarah clung to Chuck's head, both panting as their lips met in a slow, loving kiss. The kiss tasted so much sweeter after their love making.

Tears trickled down Sarah's cheeks. Chuck held Sarah's face gently in his hands. Sarah had her eyes closed, panting.

Finally opening her eyes, Sarah looked in awe at the man she loved.

Chuck spoke softly, caressing Sarah's cheeks. "Are you okay?"

Sarah smiled, nodding quickly, caressing Chuck's face. "I can't believe we finished together. That was...incredible."

Chuck placed a soft kiss on Sarah's lips. "Sarah I'm...speechless. You are amazing. So...beautiful...in every way."

Sarah ghosted her lips across Chuck's lips. "You were perfect, Chuck. That...was perfect."

"Sarah I...I'm honored. I hope you know how much I love, and cherish you...and this moment." Chuck declared solemnly.

Sarah smiled, a happy tear sliding down her cheek. She knew what Chuck meant...and she was so glad her first time making love was with the man she loved. "I love you too, Chuck." Sarah whimpered happily. "I love you so much."

Chuck studied Sarah's eyes in awe. "I love you too. I've never experienced anything that beautiful and intimate in my life." Chuck sighed. "That...wasn't uncomfortable for you...was it?"

Sarah shook her head, laughing softly. "It...wasn't uncomfortable at all. Not...like I thought it would be. You...felt so wonderful." Sarah sighed in content.

Chuck nodded, a mix of concern, and love on his features. Sarah caught his look, touched at Chuck's consideration of her. "Chuck...I'm fine. It's sweet of you to be concerned...but I loved it."

"Okay." Chuck said, sighing in relief. "That...was incredible, Sarah."

Sarah kissed Chuck again, this time with a little more passion. "You are so sweet, Chuck. So...perfect."

Chuck gently caressed Sarah's face with the tips of his fingers. "I've never seen anything as beautiful as how you look right at this moment."

Sarah blushed, answering Chuck's heartfelt declaration with a soft kiss.

Sarah's phone buzzed, snapping her out of dreamy state. She grabbed the phone, clearing her throat before answering. "Walker."

She listened intently, and sighed. "Give me 20 minutes." Sarah said, then hung up.

"MI-5 just took care of the trap Ilsa set for us. They were going to do a drive-by on our way to the entrance of the club. You made the right call. Agent Barker wants to bring in Federov. We're going back."

Sarah ran her hand through her hair, kissing Chuck again, then gathered her clothes.

"Um…let's hop in the shower right quick and I need to change." Sarah said pulling Chuck in the bedroom.

The couple quickly showered, stealing kisses from time to time. Chuck left the bedroom to dry off, giving Sarah the room to get dressed.

Chuck quickly dressed himself, and sighed. He had never experienced anything like that before. His mind was still reeling.

Sarah dressed quickly, and entered the room with her Glock 19 in her hand, performing a brass check. Chuck stopped in his tracks. "Whoa…"

Sarah put her Glock in a holster in the small of her back, and threw on a jacket. Chuck was frozen. He had never seen anything so beautiful and sexy his entire life. Sarah was practically gleaming in a post coital glow.

Sarah was dressed in skin tight pants, a form-fitting red bodysuit, and a form-fitting jacket. Chuck swallowed hard as his eyes widened. Sarah saw the look, and gave Chuck a coy grin. "Believe it or not...this outfit is tactical. The jacket has a layer of Kevlar. Will stop a .44 Magnum at close range."

"And stop your boyfriend's heart too. Is there an AED machine in there? Might need one." Chuck said breathless.

Sarah thanked Chuck with her eyes, laughing. "Well...boyfriend...I have to meet back up with Agent Barker and the CATs."

Chuck swallowed. "Oh...do you have to..."

Chuck never finished the statement. Sarah closed the distance, and kissed Chuck furiously. "The only person I'm going to seduce from now on is you. I'm not ending this night with me having to cozy up to some asshole. I'm ending the night in my boyfriend's arms. Federov can watch how a real man treats a girl." Sarah glanced away, almost shyly. "I...want you with me. I'd like to dance with you. And...after what we just did...I don't want to be away from you right now."

Chuck smiled. "You're right. There is no place I'd rather be than by your side. I'm not much of a dancer...but being with you is enough." Chuck took Sarah by the hand. "Like I said...I cherish you...and this moment. Let's go celebrate with a dance. Federov can choke on his own drool for all I care."

Sarah laughed softly, lunging into Chuck's arms. "Don't worry. I'll teach you how to dance. Not that it matters...just having you out there is all I want." Sarah finished her statement with a soft kiss.

Chuck cleared his throat. "Sarah...you look gorgeous. I...I'm speechless."

Sarah gave Chuck a quick kiss. "Thank you. That was sweet. I decided to blow your mind early."

Sarah turned, and rested each leg in a chair, sliding a couple of knives down each boot. Chuck thought his breathing stopped.

"Yep...mission accomplished." Chuck wheezed.

Sarah paused, smiling at the look on Chuck's face.

Oh, dear. I think I broke him.

Sarah approached Chuck, resting her hands on Chuck's chest. "I'm sorry we didn't get to spend more time alone. Chuck that was…mmmm. Amazing. Thank you."

Chuck nodded, clearing his throat. "And...thank you. I totally agree. That was spectacular." Chuck glanced away. "I'm sorry I...stared you down like that. You are just so…beautiful, Sarah."

Sarah balled Chuck's shirt in her hand, and pulled his face to meet her lips. Sarah snaked her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.

Sarah slowly pulled away. "Wow. Chuck…you are such a charmer. I don't mind if you look at me. In fact...I want you to look at me. Every time you look at me…I feel like I'm floating. You...make me feel beautiful...and loved when you look at me." Sarah said softly.

"I've said this before...I'll say it again. I enjoy getting lost in your eyes. Everything about you is beautiful." Chuck said softly.

Chuck swallowed hard, motioning to Sarah's wardrobe selection with a hand. "That…that is some outfit." Chuck cleared his throat. "Um…I'm being a jerk. You look great. Uh…nice boots?"

Sarah snorted, giving Chuck a coy look. "Ellie taught you to always compliment a girl's appearance, huh?"

Chuck nodded. "Um…uh, huh. Yep."

Sarah could see Chuck's pulse quicken, and his eyes, although dilating, was fighting to maintain control. Most of all, she saw love and affection in his eyes.

Sarah slowly moistened her lips. "Thank you. That was sweet of you."

Chuck took a long breath. "You mentioned we were going after Federov?"

"Um…yep." Sarah said, popping the 'p'.

Chuck blew a breath. "Right. Well…I guess we should…"

Chuck never finished the statement. Sarah muffled his mouth with a deep, wet kiss. Sarah sighed in content, took Chuck's hand, and let him to the door.

"Come on. Let's go dancing, sweetie."

"Sweetie?" Chuck asked amused. "We're up to pet names now?"

"Yep." Sarah popped the 'p' again.

"Cool...honey."

Sarah didn't get a chance to continue the banter as the door opened, and the CATs stepped out of the room, followed by Cole.

"Ready to go hunting, Walker?" Zondra asked, throwing on a jacket.

Carina saw the glow on Sarah, and the look of awe on Chuck's face, and grinned. "Looks like Walker already...bagged her prey."

Sarah strolled right past the group, with Chuck in tow. "Let's make this quick. I promised Chuck a dance."

A/N: I wouldn't recommend tossing a block of C4 in boiling water. Cell phones and water are a different story. Granted...C4 is harmless until you attach a initiator/detonator. I doubt boiling water breaks up C4. Just felt like a "Chuck" thing to do...so I went with it. Consider that my "don't try this at home" public announcement...not that I think anyone has any C4 laying around!