I now present Chapter 8! Once again thanks to Wepdiggy for beta editing, Jimmy for being so helpful, and Rockchick4jc for giving me an early review ;). I hope you enjoy this installment.

The wind blew, causing one of the nearby tree's limbs to smack against the small house. Emily jerked up and gasped. She wasn't able to sleep; she'd barely been able to think straight since Smith had invaded their home and come at her with a knife. She still remembered how that other guy Jim had looked, his eyes open and lifeless, staring upwards at her. She had gagged because of the blood pooled on the floor, its sickly smell reaching her nostrils. Her mother had done that, come right in and shot him without any remorse afterwards. Her mom was a hardened killer? She's some CIA agent like James Bond? This was all wrong!

Emily lay back down, pulling the covers up to her neck. The bed was comfortable enough, but not hers and she couldn't shake the thought that in the room next to her was a killer. She'd never thought that seeing someone die in front of her would affect her this way; but it had.

My mother and father were CIA agents. How many people has my dad killed? He seems so caring, how could he take someone's life? How could he be an agent at all? He'd always told me that he had worked at the Buy More and Morgan had said the same thing. Is Morgan in on it? Does he know?

She hadn't been able to talk to her dad when she'd found out the truth, she had just been so angry! How could he have lied to her? They were supposed to always be honest with one another! All she wanted to do right now was beat the hell out of something.

This was so much for Emily to absorb she didn't know where to start. She wanted to talk to her dad, but at the same time yell at him. But mostly she wanted to scream at Sarah: the woman who had brought all this into their lives. The guy had wanted her, not Emily or Chuck. Now all of them were paying the price.

Emily felt like if she found out one more thing about her parents past that involved the government, she'd crack in two. She knew she needed sleep, but sleep wouldn't come to her. She couldn't stop replaying the night's events over and over again through her head. The gunshot had scared her more than Smith coming towards her with a knife; she'd already been calculating what she should try to do. She'd learned karate and was sure there was something she could do. It wasn't until she turned her head and saw her mother standing there, gun in hand, with a very intense look on her face did the shock hit her.

And then her dad had yelled they had to go and tried to push her into her room. She couldn't stop staring at the man on the floor in front of her. Her mother had just stood there, looking at Emily. She didn't even care that she killed him. She was just shouting we had to go.

The car ride had been scary at the least. Her mother flew through the streets like a bat out of hell and handled the car easily. So this was the mother she hardly knew. A CIA agent. Was that why she left?

Emily heard footsteps in the hall and her stomach twisted into a knot. Was it Smith? Had he come to finish the job he had started? Then the shower started and Emily calmed slightly. She decided it was just Sarah.

With the way she reacted at the slight noise, she was certain she wasn't getting any sleep tonight.

And I knew the beat 'cause it matched your own beat
I still remember it from our chest to chest and feet to feet
The easy silence then was a sweet relief to this hush
Of ovens, aeroplanes and of distant car horns

…

Chuck lay in the small double bed that he'd been given. His eyes were heavy and he was breathing deeply, despite appearances, he was not asleep. He sighed and turned on his side, finally accepting he wasn't getting sleep no matter how tired he was. His mind was still absorbing all that had happened. Smith, his and Emily lives being threatened (something he had never wanted Emily to experience), and suddenly Sarah's arrival back into their lives.

He had been surprised that he wasn't really angry earlier, just shocked. Now that it was all wearing off, he was starting to grow angry. How had Smith been given knowledge of Sarah's family? Had the CIA gotten lazy? His daughter had just been thrust into the part of Chuck's life that he'd always tried to get away from because it was filled with lies, danger, and betrayal. and they'd done nothing to stop it. Sarah had mentioned an agent. We had an agent watching us? Even with his experience Chuck hadn't noticed anyone following them or watching them. Well, I guess he wouldn't be much of an agent if I had seen him would he? Sarah had also mentioned they had promised her that she'd be protected. He felt something he couldn't explain hearing she had made them swear that Chuck and Emily would be kept safe.

She'd been done. What did that mean for them? Was she returning to make amends or just because she had nowhere else to go? Is it possible she still feels the same way she did? Chuck wasn't sure what to think of that. Sure, he still loved Sarah but that was just part of marriage and being so connected to someone. But could he trust her? He was sure he could trust her to protect his life, but he wasn't sure if he could trust her to protect his heart. His or Emily's. That had ended badly the first time around.

He heard light footsteps in the hall and could tell it was Sarah. He wasn't sure how, but he just could. Soon he heard the rush of water and the bathroom door close. How was he supposed to feel about her return? He didn't know whether he should hug her or be angry with her. He was conflicted. Part of him was just so happy to see her face and another was so angry she brought this back into the life he had created. If only she hadn't left at the beginning! None of this would have happened and they'd all be a happy family. Why couldn't his life ever work out?

He listened to the gentle sound of the water with is eyes closed, trying to fall into sleep. After what seemed like only a few moments it suddenly cut off and the bathroom door opened shortly after. He saw the shadow under the edge of his door, hesitating. The door slowly creaked open and in walked Sarah, wearing a t-shirt and shorts, her hair wet. Chuck quickly closed his eyes and cracked them open just enough so he could see. It grew dark as Sarah closed the door as much as she could without latching it.

"Chuck?" He heard her voice ask in a whisper. Chuck didn't want to talk right now, he was tired and so mixed up inside he didn't know how he'd even get two words out, so he continued to keep the façade up.

Sarah exhaled. "Listen," she started to whisper. "I know you probably hate me now. But, I was coming back to at least see if you'd take me back because well, I still love you and always have. I left to protect you and keep you two safe. There are things going on right now that I can't tell you yet, but just trust me. I'm so sorry." With that she left and Chuck was certain he saw her wipe her cheek with the back of her hand.

Now what was he supposed to think?

I said I knew the beat 'cause it matched your own beat
It's become my engine my own source of heat
The sea between us only amplifies the sound waves
Every hum and echo and crash paints my cave

…

Sarah curled up in her bed, her eyes still watery. She wished she could have told Chuck that when he was actually awake today, but as usual she just couldn't express herself. She had a hard time with words; it was so much easier for her to act something than say it. She had just finished setting up the security system and was finally somewhat at ease knowing they had the best possible. She wondered who the agent would be. She was certain it wouldn't be Casey as he must be retired by now surely. She smiled as she thought of how he probably had a nice secluded house somewhere with lots of Ronald Reagan pictures. She wondered how his life had turned out; she doubted it was the jumbled mess hers was. She could just imagine what he'd say about this.

No, Casey was surely retired by now. The last time she'd seen him was seven years ago and it had been completely random and he'd mentioned retirement then. It had been a short reunion and Sarah had barely been able to talk. He had asked about Chuck and Sarah had told them they were no longer together. The surprise on his face had hurt her a lot, reminding her how everyone – including Chuck and Sarah – had thought they would last until death.

But that was the last they'd seen each other and Sarah truly hoped Casey was retired and had a peaceful life because that was what all agents really wanted, even it they didn't know it.

Sarah looked at the clock beside her bed. 5:37. Had it really been five hours already?

"I can't believe this. You're a mother now?" Bryce smiled largely. Sarah could tell his smile was forced however, because it didn't reach his eyes. Sarah held her coffee cup tightly and nodded.

"Yeah, we celebrated her fifth just a few days ago. Chuck dressed up as Darth Vader. Emily loved it." Sarah smiled at the recollection of the memory. "But, Bryce, we both know this isn't just a social call." She prepared herself to refuse whatever offer he had come to lay out for her. She was done with the CIA and was finally happy. Bryce's smile faded and his blue eyes darkened.

"Sarah, I actually came here to warn you." He set his own cup on the coffee table and sighed.

"Warn me about what?" Sarah asked, instantly alarmed. She was ready to drop everything and run off with Chuck and Emily if need be.

"Sarah, the CIA is losing the battle with a new ring worse than FULCRUM. We call them CHAOS. You don't hear it on the news or in the papers but it's there, a huge threat to this country." He paused. "Sarah, my superiors want to restart the Intersect project; and they want Chuck." He waited for his words to sink in. Sarah stared at him in disbelief, Chuck had already served his country and been promised no more interference in his life from the government. "This time, they won't allow a real life for him. They want to start him up in training and actually put him in the field. They've already gotten their first one and now they're coming for Chuck." He paused.

"You?" Sarah asked, her heart pounding furiously. Bryce nodded. "They can't!" Sarah jumped up from the couch. "They won't get Chuck. They can't put him out in the field! He doesn't know anything!"

Bryce raised his hands and stood. "Sarah, I've already tried every argument I could. They simply won't have it. I'm so sorry."

"Then we'll run," Sarah stated and went for her phone.

"If I were in your situation that's what I would do; but Sarah," Bryce put a hand on her arm, effectively stopping her from dialing Chuck. "They are already watching you. Both your cars are bugged as well as your phones and I was barely able to get them to not bug the house as well. If you stood a chance on the road, I'd help you." He sighed.

"Bryce," Sarah said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't let them have Chuck. God knows what they'll do to him." She sunk back to the couch. "I wouldn't be able to live knowing he was out there, risking his life. That was and always will be my job, not his!"

Bryce sat down beside her. "I'm here to help however I can. You can't tell Chuck this."

"I know." Sarah replied, her eyes going to the picture of her, Chuck and Emily sitting on the swing on their front porch. She had to keep Chuck from this fate. "What can I do?" She looked back at Bryce, hoping he'd have some kind of advice.

"Honestly, I think you're better suited for this than Chuck." Bryce stated. "By no means am I suggesting you re-join. But I honestly am surprised the CIA didn't come for you instead." He paused and gently tugged Sarah into a hug, placing her head against his chest. "I swear, I tried everything I could." He whispered and Sarah's eyes began to water.

"I believe you," She stated and returned Bryce's hug. There was nothing romantic about their embrace, simply a good friend supporting the other. At least on Sarah's end. After a moment, she pulled away. "I have an idea." Bryce looked at her questioningly.

"What is it?" The dark haired man asked.

"You mentioned I'd be more suited than Chuck, which is obvious because I used to be an agent. Do you think that –" Her voice caught. "That they might make a deal with me? My service for Chuck and Emily's protection?"

Bryce nodded sadly and Sarah thought she saw his lip quiver. "Yes, I do. I think they would. God, Sarah, I am so sorry." He stood. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes, I have to keep Chuck safe. I promised him I always would." She laughed bitterly. "It's my job."

"Then I'll contact them. Sarah…" he trailed off, shaking his head.

"Bryce, thank you for coming. If you hadn't then Chuck would have been taken from us and I would have never known why. Thank you." She took his hand momentarily.

"I'll come back later." He stated.

"Just remember Chuck and my daughter will be home," Sarah reminded the slightly taller man.

"Don't worry," He offered her a smile. "You'll be seeing me soon."

"Then there's no reason to say goodbye," Sarah said as Bryce exited the house. She quickly shut the door because she could no longer compose herself. The tears came freely now that she was alone. Everything she had made with Chuck was in jeopardy. She had to save her husband and her daughter. They were all that mattered to her. She was certain that it'd hurt Chuck and Emily, but she had to do this. She was backed into a corner and had no escape. When you can't beat someone, you bargain with them. Her father had said that once and she realized how right he was.

Sarah had waited that night, on edge and in a constant state of anguish. Chuck and Emily had both picked up on it, but she had just written it off, giving Chuck a satisfying explanation.

Bryce had come and signaled Sarah she needed to get away from her husband and daughter. Sarah quickly made an excuse to leave and went to her car. The drive she made had been in silence.

"Mrs. Bartowski," The man on the small TV screen Bryce had introduced as Director Hardy began. "We understand the gravity of the situation and it may seem we're being "harsh" toward your family, but things are not going well in our fight with CHAOS." He paused. "But, Agent Larkin here has informed me that you have an offer for me. What is it?"

Sarah swallowed. She had hoped to never be involved with anything CIA for the rest of her life; but she couldn't let Chuck be taken away. "Director, I don't fully understand why you chose Chuck. He's not CIA, not trained, and not CIA material."

"Mrs. Bartowski, the threat of CHAOS is looming. We are getting desperate for any edge we can get on this rogue operation. If you thought FULCRUM was bad; wait until CHAOS gets influence in this country." Hardy's dark eyes seemed to bore into Sarah.

"Director," Her voice cracked and Sarah crossed her arms to recompose herself. She felt as if she were "dealing with the devil". "I'm willing to do whatever necessary to guarantee my husband and daughter's safety."

"Just what do you mean by that?" Hardy asked. You know damn well what I meant. Sarah thought.

"I'm willing to come back as a full agent. I'm willing to take the battle with CHAOS head on. Me…for Chuck. But I want an agent protecting the house at all times. I want them to have full protection." Sarah finished, trying to seem confidant and sure. Hardy shoulders relaxed slightly and he turned to the side and motion to someone off camera. He spoke a few words into the ear of a woman who walked over to him before looking back at Sarah.

"Agent Walker," Sarah felt like her heart was in her throat. They were going to accept. Chuck would be safe. Emily would be safe. If her not seeing them again was the price she had to pay to keep them alive and well, then she'd do it.

"Yes, sir?" Sarah replied, glancing at Bryce whose face was contorted in an expression Sarah couldn't decipher.

"I am assuming you wish to go back to having your field name Walker." Hardy stated. Sarah nodded and he continued. "Very well then, we accept. Go home; Agent Larkin will contact you tomorrow." Hardy's screen went black and Sarah stood there a moment, absorbing everything she had just done. She was doing the right thing, keeping Chuck and Emily safe. So why did she felt like she had just sold her soul?

Because that's what they do. They take us and force us to do the most horrible things all for the "good of the country". In one way, I did just sell myself. But I did it for Chuck and I did it for our daughter.

Sarah turned and faced Bryce. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow." She managed to say before turning and rushing for the door. Bryce started to follow her, but decided against it. He stood there, watching her depart.

Sarah's drive home was hard. She could barely see out the window due to her blurry vision from the tears.

Bryce had contacted her as soon as Emily was at school and Chuck had left for work. Sarah distinctly remembered it was about lunchtime.

A knock at the door almost sent Sarah into pieces. As she approached it, she realized then this would be her last day with her family for God knew how long. But, her family will be safe and she'll have fulfilled her promise and role in this family. Protector. She wouldn't let the CIA destroy what she had accomplished.

It was Bryce. Sarah felt a mixture of relief and sorrow at seeing his face. She opened the door and stepped onto their porch.

"It worked." Bryce stated and his blue eyes contained more moisture than Sarah thought was normal. "You leave tomorrow. Do you still want to do this?"

"Do I have a choice?" Sarah asked grievously. Bryce sighed.

"Here's your plane ticket," He gently placed it in her hand. "I'll be flying with you to Langley and I'll be there when you get it uploaded. Our first mission will be together too and then we'll go our separate ways for then." Sarah nodded, trying to keep her lip from quivering and her tears from spilling over. "Sarah, it's okay." He hugged her again and Sarah understood he meant it was okay for her to cry.

Sarah did. She could no longer hold it in. Bryce once again played the role of best friend and held her, rubbing her hair. Sarah couldn't help but feel a twinge of awkwardness, as when they were lovers not once did they share a moment like this. Out of the corner of her eye Sarah saw her nosy neighbor (and one known for gossiping) on her porch as well, watering her plants and staring at Sarah disapprovingly.

Sarah pulled away. "Chuck could come back at any minute; he always comes home for lunch." Sarah explained. Bryce nodded.

"It wouldn't be good for him to come home and see me here now would it?" Bryce attempted to smile.

"Our embracing with my crying wouldn't help either," the attempt to lighten (however slightly) the mood failed miserably. Sarah wiped her eyes. "See you later, Bryce."

Bryce nodded and headed for his car, shooting a dark look at the nosy woman who had watched the whole exchange between them. Sarah stepped back into her house. She couldn't face Chuck right now so she wrote out a note on the counter.

Had to go out. Forgot lunch for Emily.

Silly me.

Chuck, I love you a lot.

Yours,

Sarah

Then she had left. She came home just in time to see Chuck before he left back for work. She'd kissed him so fiercely she was sure he realized something was wrong. But he hadn't, he just matched her kiss and muttered something like "save it for later" into her ear. Then he had left and she had called him later saying she was going grocery shopping. Then the rest was too painful to think about.

She finally dozed long enough to feel a little rested and when she woke again she saw it was 8:13. She woke to the smell of eggs. As she got out of the bed, she groaned. She hated the lack of sleep feeling and could imagine how she looked.

Chuck was cooking eggs and Emily was manning the toaster oven. Sarah strode into the kitchen fully dressed in a black top and dark washed blue jeans. She started to go for the basement to get an update on that agent when Chuck called, "Good morning." Sarah turned.

"Oh," She stuttered. "Yeah, good morning." Sarah looked at Emily who returned her stare with one of her own. "How'd you sleep, Emily?" She swallowed, but the look Chuck was giving her told her he wanted her to talk to their daughter.

"Not that great," Emily replied. "I'm used to my own bed."

"Well, I'm working on getting you back to your own bed." Sarah smiled tightly and turned around back towards the basement.

"Where are you going?" Chuck asked and Sarah smiled at him.

"To get an update on our agent," Sarah replied.

"Wait, eat something first okay?" Chuck tapped the plate he had made for her with the fork he had also provided. Sarah looked at the food, realizing she hadn't eaten for awhile.

She took a seat at the small table next to the kitchen. "Thanks,"

"Want some toast with that?" Emily asked, clearly she was only doing that much because Chuck had trained her that way.

"Sure. When did you two get up?" Sarah asked.

"I never went to sleep," Emily stated.

"I just got up after trying to sleep." He put an arm around Emily and squeezed her gently. "We had too crazy a night for sleep." For a moment Sarah was concerned Chuck had heard her words to him earlier. That wasn't the way she wanted to tell him.

They all sat together. The fact that this was their first family meal together (however strange) in ten years wasn't lost on Sarah.

After finishing Chuck announced he and Emily would clean up and that Sarah should see where the agent was. "The sooner we can get home the better."

Sarah turned and started for the basement, right before a knock came at the door. She went to it, ready to see who this agent was.

Chuck and Emily came around the corner and Sarah opened the door.

"Bryce?" Sarah exclaimed, her discomfort disappearing. Finally she was with someone she knew didn't hate her.

"Hey, Sarah. Did you miss me?" Despite their circumstances, they both smiled.

What's that in the sky? Its a bird! its a plane! No, its a review you haven't written yet! Click that button on the bottom of the screen and tell me whatca think! ;)