A/N: Well, here is the latest chapter. It was originally supposed to go with the last one, but together it was really just too long, so I split them. Thanks for the reviews. I love reading whether people enjoyed it or really hated it. Either way, it's nice to know my writing manages to elicit some type of response from people. Also, big thanks to the TheJusta for his continued beta work. He manages to make my most incoherent ramblings understandable. Not sure when the next chapter will be up after this, but hopefully just a few days. I got some free time this weekend, so I'll probably write some. I hope you to continue to enjoy and review.
Chuck vs. The Grid
Chapter 3
Dec. 25, 2008 Somewhere North of LA
It was approaching 3:00 am and Chuck decided to pull into a truck stop. The car he was driving was stolen, so he knew he wouldn't be able to keep it for very long. He parked the car, and got out. He grabbed his suitcase and briefcase and made his way to the bathroom. He opened the suitcase and got out the two prepaid phones he had purchased. He programmed the first phone to call the second phone. Then he programmed the second phone to call Casey when he called it. Chuck decided to send it to an address in Arizona, figuring that would throw him off his trail even more.
Chuck gathered his things and made his way to the restaurant, which thankfully was open all night. He figured he would get some coffee to liven himself up a bit, as well as get a box and have the restaurant mail the phone for him.
"Hey there sweetie," said the motherly waitress as he walked in, "Take a seat and I'll be right over." She smiled at Chuck as he took a seat in a booth, placing the items he was carrying under the table. He stared out the window, dreading the fact that he was going to have to hitch a ride with some stranger. He was not looking forward to that but it needed to be done.
"What can I get for you?" asked the waitress, whose name tag read Pam.
"Umm, I guess some coffee, and a little box if you have one. I need to mail a package."
"Here you go," she said pouring the coffee, "and I'll get that box for you. You sure you don't want any food?"
"Well, I wouldn't mind some scrambled eggs and toast, now that I think about it." Chuck just realized how hungry he was. That sandwich with Sarah on his lap felt so long ago. Chuck looked around the restaurant and saw how dead it was. It appeared that Pam and a cook were the only people working. There were a couple of truckers sitting at the counter talking animatedly, obviously swapping stories of the road.
Pam brought out his food and Chuck gave her the package with the second phone, asking her if she would mail it for him. She obliged and he devoured his food with indecent speed. He ate so quickly that he barely registered the fact that it was delicious. After sitting in the booth for about a half hour sipping coffee, Chuck wondered whether he should take the car he borrowed a little further, not having seen any truckers other than the two at the counter. Just as he was getting ready to leave, the two men at the counter stood to leave. The younger looking one said his goodbyes first, threw some money on the counter and left. The older one took out his wallet, laid some money down, and slowly started to leave. He passed by Chuck, who was looking out the window trying to remain inconspicuous, but he stopped.
"Hey, kid." Chuck looked back and saw the man looking at him. He was wearing jeans and a wool coat. He was going bald, but still had a decent amount of hair. His beard looked about three days old.
"Umm, yeah?" Chuck asked nervously.
"You need a ride?" the man asked. He smiled at Chuck. The man had seen enough hitchhikers in his day to spot one.
"How can you tell?" asked Chuck, dumbfounded.
"Well, you didn't bring a truck in here, and those," he pointed at Chuck's belongings, "make it pretty obvious." He smiled at Chuck. "I promise I ain't no crazy trucker who wants to harvest your skin or anything. It's Christmas and you looked like you needed a ride, so I thought I'd offer." He extended his hand. "The name's Roy."
Chuck took his hand. "Chuck." Chuck dropped some cash onto the table, grabbed his things, and followed Roy to his truck. Chuck put his things onto the bed Roy kept in his cab, and settled into the front seat. For about 45 minutes, they rode in an awkward silence. Chuck really didn't know what to say and Roy just seemed happy to have company. It was Roy who spoke up first.
"So, where are you heading?"
"North."
"Any place in particular?"
"No, just north."
"Well, Eugene is as far north as I go."
"That sounds fine."
"You aren't really dressed for that kinda weather up there. You got a coat and hat, don't you?"
"Yeah, it's all in my luggage."
"Alright."
After a few more minutes silence, Roy spoke up again.
"So, what are you running from?" He glanced over at Chuck and saw his nervous reaction.
"Umm, me? What makes you think I'm running?"
Roy gave Chuck a look that said 'Are you kidding me?'
"Well, it's Christmas for one thing. You have to have a family, and you just don't seem the sort that would be out here if you didn't have to be."
Chuck shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "It's kind of hard to explain."
"Well, we got awhile before we get to Eugene and I would love to hear all about it." Roy actually was intrigued.
"Well, it's like this," Chuck began. "I need to find someone. This guy is the only one who can help me. My situation back home, well, it's not been very fun. Don't get me wrong, I have a loving family and friends. They're part of the reason I had to do this. I was making things to rough for them and they deserve a break. If I can find what I'm looking for, then I will be able to go back home. The problem is that people will be looking for me."
Roy looked a little startled at that comment. He wasn't sure what Chuck was into, but it didn't sound good. He wondered if he should have Chuck leave his truck, but something about Chuck told him it would be alright. Chuck didn't seem like the type who would be wrapped up in criminal activities but he had to be sure.
"Who will come looking for you? Should I be worried?" asked Roy tentatively.
Chuck looked over at him. 'This guy seems alright,' thought Chuck. 'I should tell him as much as I can.'
"Here goes, Roy. I know this is going to sound crazy, but I kind of work for the government. And I hate it. But they won't let me leave and this guy I'm looking for is the only one who can help me be free of them."
Roy contemplated for a moment, before nodding. "I believe you Chuck." Chuck was taken aback. "No, I'm serious. I do. I've been in your position. I did, er, government work before too. I kid you not."
Chuck looked away and rolled his eyes. 'Well, at least he believes me, even if he is crazy.'
Roy saw the look that Chuck gave him, so he pressed the issue. "No, I was. I worked for the CIA. I had all sorts of aliases. My favorite was Michael McDunn."
The name triggered a flash about a covert operation in Dublin with the IRA some 20 years ago. "No way," Chuck said under his breath.
"I had some bad experiences towards the end. I realized I was doing things just so people could deepen their pockets and make themselves look good. That's when I lost faith in the government. I got out before it was too late and now I make an honest living as a trucker. The last thing the CIA gave me was a chance to be normal again and I gratefully took it. I know the position you're in Chuck, I do. Why didn't you request to leave, rather than run?" He looked significantly at Chuck.
"I can't. They won't let me go. I'm an asset, not an agent. I'm too valuable to not be with them. But the guy I'm looking for, he can change that. He can make me useless so I can be free from all of it."
They both looked out the windshield and into the darkness, lost in their own thoughts. Chuck took out his photo of him with Sarah and stared at it. Part of him believed what she said in that hotel, and if it was true, she would find him when it was over. That was one of the things that would keep him going on this journey of his.
"Who's that?" asked Roy. Chuck didn't realize Roy had seen the picture.
"Oh, she's my handler and cover girlfriend," Chuck said as he handed it to him.
"Man, she is quite the looker. Must be tough for you," he said to Chuck as he handed back the picture.
"You have no idea," responded Chuck.
"Well, I have some, after all," retorted Roy, giving Chuck a wink, and they both shared a laugh.
"She'll find out about the truck stop though. She'll come looking for me and find you. She's the best."
"Don't worry about that. I'll put word out about her, then when she shows up, I'll talk to her. I got your back Chuck; I'll send her in the wrong direction. I'll even give her message if you want me to."
"No, I already left her one. She'll find it in about," he looked at his watch, "two hours when she shows up at my house for Christmas." Chuck allowed himself a sad smile as his thoughts turned to Sarah.
***
Sarah rolled over again. She had been tossing and turning all night, never able to get comfortable enough to fall asleep and stay asleep. A glance at the clock told her it was 6:00 am. She rolled over again, willing herself to fall asleep again. After 15 minutes, she decided it was no use. With plenty of time before she went to Chuck's, she decided to get her workout in early, thus she would be able to spend nearly all day with Chuck.
After 45 minutes of hard training, Sarah was sweating and exhausted. She definitely felt like she could sleep now. However, she grabbed a towel and went to the bathroom for a shower. She would take a nap at Chuck's. Maybe they would both fall asleep holding each other on the couch. Various other ideas played across Sarah's mind as she got herself ready for Christmas at the Bartowski's.
***
Ellie rolled out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. She was still tired from the previous day's work, but since it was Christmas, she decided to stay awake and start breakfast. As she walked past Chuck's door, she resisted the urge to run and jump on his bed like she used to when they were kids. But remembering the day he'd had, she decided to continue to let him rest.
In the kitchen sipping coffee, Ellie decided that French toast would be their breakfast. It was fairly easy to make, always tasty, and didn't leave a terrible mess. She decided to wait until it was closer to 8:00 am before she started to cook. She took a seat on the couch, grabbed a blanket, and decided to watch A Christmas Story. They ran marathons every year at Christmas, and it was a must watch every year.
Around 7:45 am, Ellie decided it was time to get everyone awake. She made her way to her bedroom and woke Devon up with a kiss on the cheek.
"Do I get my present right now?" he asked sleepily into his pillow.
"No," Ellie scoffed. "Come on, get up. It's Christmas. Sarah's going to be here soon and we should be ready to start when she gets here."
Devon sighed and reluctantly got out of bed. While Devon went into the bathroom, Ellie walked into Chuck's room. It was empty. She looked around for a second, not quite sure what was going on. She called his cell but it went straight to voicemail. She immediately panicked and yelled for Devon.
"Whoa, babe, what's wrong?" he asked seriously.
"Chuck isn't here. I don't know where he is." Ellie was on the brink of tears.
"I'm sure he went to Sarah's last night or something," Devon responded soothingly.
"But he would have answered his phone."
"I'm sure everything is alright. I bet they'll walk through that door here anytime now."
As they turned to leave, Ellie noticed Chuck had a picture frame turned face down. She propped it back up, but a note, not a picture, was inside it. It read, 'Under the mattress.' She recognized Chuck's handwriting, and thought maybe he was playing some cruel joke on him. She reached between the mattress and the box springs and found the envelopes. One said 'Ellie', and one said 'Sarah'. Ellie's heart immediately sank. She opened the envelope and pulled out the note Chuck had written.
Ellie,
I know that this is the worst thing I could ever do, and to do it on Christmas. Ellie, I've left. I don't know when or if I'll ever come back. There is so much I wish I could tell you, but I can't. You just have to trust me on this. This whole thing with Natalie put things into perspective for me. My life has been messed up for awhile now. I'm attempting to regain control of my life. I can only hope to make you understand that I am not leaving you, but rather I am trying to do something for me. I know in an instant you would do anything for me, but this is something I have to do for myself. I know Devon will take care of you, which is another reason that I knew it was time to leave. I would never just abandon you. He loves you, and you love him. You guys will be alright. I hope to make it back for the wedding, but I don't want to give you false hope. Odds are I'll never return. Just know that I love you and I never wanted to hurt you. Give my best wishes to everyone and take care of yourself. I'm so sorry.
Love,
Chuck
P.S. Sarah will blame herself for my leaving. Please don't let her. This was entirely my decision.
Ellie broke down midway through the letter and had trouble finishing it on account of her tears smudging the ink and damaging the paper. Devon was in shock. Never did he believe in a million years that Chuck would leave Ellie. And he wasn't being very specific as to why he left, just vague hints that they should trust him, which only intensified his curiosity as to why Chuck disappeared.
A knock at the front door broke his thoughts. He looked at Ellie who was lying face down on Chuck's bed crying her eyes out and went to the door. He knew it was Sarah and he didn't know how to tell her what had just happened. He opened the door to see her smiling brightly at him. She was carrying a few gifts, likely one for each of them.
The look on Devon's face told Sarah that something was wrong. She heard Ellie crying in the other room. She quickly stepped across the threshold and into the Bartowski residence. She cast a worried glance at Devon, set her gifts on the couch, and made her way to Ellie. She was surprised when she found Ellie in Chuck's room. Ellie was lying on Chuck's bed, sobbing. Sarah's heart quickly went to her throat.
"Ellie…" Sarah managed, but all Ellie did was raise a letter and Sarah quickly snatched it. She recognized Chuck's writing on it. She was trying to steady herself, but it wasn't working. She shakily made her way into the living room while Devon went into Chuck's room to comfort Ellie. Sarah sat down and opened the envelope with shaking hands.
Sarah,
I just can't do this anymore. The lying, the killing, all of it, I don't want to do this anymore. It's not me. I'm losing myself every day I'm still the Intersect. Don't worry, I told Ellie and Devon nothing, so there is no need to waterboard them or anything.
Sarah, I decided to do this as I was sitting in that hospital bed. I heard you and Casey talking, and how Beckman wanted to keep me in the field. It was then I decided to run. I requested Natalie because I knew it would be too hard to run if you were my handler and that's why I left before we got back together. I knew I wouldn't be able to once we were a couple again.
Sarah, I want to believe everything you said in your hotel, I do, but I just can't anymore. I thought it was a ploy to get me under control again, and if it wasn't, well, I'm not letting you take this risk with me. I'm not naïve enough to think this will end well. I know what awaits me if I don't take control of my life. Once I've run my course, it's a bullet or a bunker. I figure the same thing awaits me out here. But I am looking for a man. I know he is the one who can help me. He can get the Intersect out of me. Also, I know how important I am, so I'll do what needs to be done if it ever comes to that.
I want you to know that this has nothing to do with you. You've been one of the only people who knows what I've gone through and you helped me so much. You were great, you are great. But it's time for this to end, one way or another.
Chuck
Sarah did her best, but she couldn't stop the tears from falling. She knew she should go to Casey and try to find Chuck before Beckman found out he was gone. But all she wanted to do was lie down and cry, which she did.
***
Casey was awoken to the sounds of crying. He was still sitting in his chair, headset on. He could hear Ellie crying. He quickly pulled up surveillance on the house and found Ellie, with Devon, in Chuck's room. He checked the rest of the house and found Walker on the couch, lying down, her face buried in the cushions. 'Bartowski!'
Casey pulled up the GPS on Chuck. It showed him still at the hotel. Casey frowned, quickly got dressed and made his way to his car. He thought about grabbing Sarah, but he didn't need a hysterical woman in the car with him. He shook his head. Chuck had somehow managed to make the famous Sarah Walker fall for him. How Chuck managed that, Casey had no idea.
Casey was quickly in the hotel parking area and found Chuck's Herder. He eyed it suspiciously as he made his way to the elevator. Bartowski's signal showed him on the 8th floor. Casey ran down the hallway to the room Chuck's signal was coming from and kicked it in. He was ready to beat down Bartowski.
What he wasn't ready for was to find a 30 something couple mid coitus, apparently enjoying the holidays. The woman screamed and covered herself up, while the man looked outraged and was threatening Casey great bodily harm. Casey ignored him and flashed a badge, which the man acknowledged. He pinpointed the signal, and found Chuck's watch in the man's coat pocket.
"That's not mine," the man said, pointing at it.
"Ya think," said Casey angrily as he stormed away.
He moved his way to the security room and barged in.
"Hey," the guard said, but was quieted by the sight of the badge.
Casey sat down and started going through surveillance footage on the hotel from the previous night. He finally spotted Chuck drive in. He watched him board an elevator with the man whose room Casey had just left. Casey smirked a little. Chuck wasn't so incompetent after all. He then watched as Chuck emerged and went to his Herder. He was bent over there for a few moments but then came up in an entirely new outfit. Casey also saw Chuck put the gun in the back of his pants. 'Where'd he get that?' thought Casey. Finally, he watched Chuck break into a car and steal it. Casey actually smiled. Little Chuck was finally manning up, doing things the grown up way. Casey got the license plate, make and model of the car. He called the local police to have them issue a BOLO for the car. He then looked at the time stamp of the video. It said it was just after 1:00 am. Chuck had a seven hour head start.
"We'll see if you're as good as you think you are," Casey muttered to himself, as he made his way back to his car. He decided to go get Sarah and plan their next move.
***
The sound of her cell phone ringing caused Sarah to raise her head from the couch. 'Chuck,' she instantly thought, but the caller ID read Casey, which quickly dampened her spirits that had rose as a result of the phone ringing.
"Hello," she said thickly, trying to mask her emotions but failing miserably.
"Walker, get to my place, now. We have to formulate a plan," Casey ordered.
She heard Devon still trying to comfort a sobbing Ellie as she made her way across the living room and out the door. She walked by the fountain and made her way to Casey's door. She knocked but it was surprisingly already open. Upon entering, she saw Casey at his computer going over surveillance footage.
"Look, we missed it," Casey pointed at the monitor.
Sarah looked at it. Chuck was in the Buy More. He was in the home theater room, with all sorts of new clothes, quickly cutting of the tags and hastily packing them into a suitcase. They also saw him with a briefcase. It was open. Casey zoomed in the camera and they were shocked to see it was full of cash.
"Dammit," Casey grunted, "Where'd he get that money?"
Sadly, Sarah responded, "We gave it to him, remember, the pay package."
Casey looked over at her and realized she was right. How long had Bartowski been planning this? He looked back at the monitor and saw Chuck find the secret compartment in the table and load the gun and ammunition, along with a few other spy items, into his suitcase. They watched as he made his way out to the Nerd Herder and drove off.
"He's been planning this since the shipping container," Sarah said softly.
"What!?" Casey shouted. "How do you know?"
"He gave me a letter," she replied, holding it up.
Casey quickly snatched it from her grasp and read it. It all made sense. The money, the new girl, the training. He wanted to be prepared, all right, but to survive on the run, not survive the missions.
***
"Be on the lookout for a blue Ford Mustang, license plate…." Chuck tensed up as he heard this over Roy's police scanner. Roy saw Chuck's change in demeanor, so he decided to lighten the mood a bit.
"So, I take it that," he nodded to the scanner, "must be the car you 'borrowed' to get to the truck stop?"
"Yeah," Chuck said nervously. "I left it at the truck stop. I knew I couldn't keep it that long."
"You left it there?" Roy asked, surprised. "I don't remember ever seeing it."
"Well, I parked it in this secluded spot behind the restaurant. You can't see it from the front. I figure one of the workers will report it in a couple of days, but that should buy me some time."
Roy nodded. He was somewhat impressed by Chuck. He was clearly jumpy and nervous, no operative, but he had planned well. So far, he was executing pretty well. Roy wanted to know how much of this Chuck had planned because maybe he could help.
"So, what's your plan once we get to Eugene?"
"Umm, I'll probably buy a car with cash. Need to be able to move around. Then I'll use my skill set to find the guy I'm looking for. But I have no idea where he could be, so it may take awhile. But I got a decent amount of cash. I figure I could survive without a job for about 14 months."
Roy nodded again. 'He really had planned this out,' thought Roy. He noticed Chuck stifling a yawn.
"Why don't you get some sleep?" Roy insisted, "I'll wake you when we get to Eugene. Get you some food and then get you on your way." Chuck smiled and reclined his chair, letting sleep overtake him.
***
"HE WHAT!?"
Casey and Sarah knew the general would take the news badly, and the fact that it was Christmas didn't help matters. Sarah was still too emotionally unstable to speak to Beckman, because she knew it would give away her feelings for Chuck.
"The asset has run, ma'am," Casey repeated calmly.
"How has this happened?"
"Well, he cashed his government paycheck and drained his bank accounts. The ATMs show he was at a mall and security video at the mall shows him buying all sorts of new clothes. He then went back to the Buy More and packed everything up. He also took a weapon, ammunition, tranquilizers, anything he could get his hands on. He then proceeded to a hotel, placed his GPS on a guest, changed into new clothes, left all his personal items in the Herder, stole a car, and then left."
"What is being done to find him?"
"We have issued a BOLO on the car and have gotten nothing. He probably has ditched it. Other than that, we don't have much to go on."
"How could he have escaped? He was under surveillance, wasn't he?" Beckman's glare threatened to penetrate Casey and Sarah, even if it came from a TV screen.
"We were monitoring his GPS but we didn't have eyes on him. His GPS showed he was where he was supposed to be, so we thought nothing of it."
"What about his friends and family? Do they know where he is?"
"Judging by the reactions of those close to him," Casey paused, throwing a glance at Sarah, "they were told nothing."
"Why has he run? I mean, why now?" Beckman was intrigued.
"We believe," Sarah said, finally speaking, "that Chuck has come across evidence that there is someone out there who can help him get the Intersect out of his head. He has been planning to run since the shipping container. He knew that he would have to keep doing…this, and he didn't want to. That's why he made all those requests, to prepare himself for this. He must have gotten his information recently. Otherwise he would have run before now."
"Hmm," said Beckman, stalling while she formulated a plan. "We need Bartowski back, alive. He is too important to kill. But this ends his life as a civilian. He will be placed in a secure location, where he will work for us. Release his photo to every agency you can think of. The more eyes we have looking the better. Also, review everyone he has come into contact with over the past week. We need to know where Chuck got his information, and if we can get it too, maybe we can find out where he is going."
"If I may," Casey stated cautiously, "I think this investigation needs to be low profile. If people find out the CIA and NSA are looking for one man, a civilian no less, they will get suspicious, and maybe assume he is the Intersect."
Beckman pondered his statement for a moment. 'It's true that too much attention could cause problems, especially if Fulcrum finds out.' She continued to think before finally reaching a solution.
"You both will search for him quietly. I'll alert border patrol to make sure he hasn't already left the country. He's not an agent, so he should slip up pretty soon. Remember to go over his contacts over the past couple of weeks. We need to know where he got his information, and if it is in fact true."
The screen went black.
Casey and Sarah went to work. Having something to do was able to take their minds off the fact that they allowed Chuck to fool them. Casey was pissed that Chuck had outsmarted him, while Sarah was both angry and heartbroken that Chuck would leave without telling her or asking her for help.
Meanwhile, in Beckman's office, the general sat in her chair, her mind racing. If there really was someone out there who could help Bartowski get the Intersect out, it had to be Orion. He was supposedly dead, but one never took those kinds of details at face value. All she knew was that Chuck could never meet Orion because she needed that Intersect in his head. She also didn't trust Agent Walker. She had seen the surveillance tapes. There was no doubt in her mind that if she found Chuck, she would help him rather than turn him in. The NSA had to stay in control of this investigation.
***
It was late in the afternoon when the big rig finally came to a stop. Chuck awoke abruptly, hardly believing that he was able to sleep so well. He looked around. From the amount of trees he saw out of the windshield, he knew he wasn't in Eugene.
"Where are we?" Chuck asked nervously, not sure he wanted to hear the answer.
"Eugene," said a smiling Roy. "Well, by Eugene anyway. Never was a city person. I love being out away from everyone."
They certainly were. When Chuck exited the truck, he saw a long trail leading back to the road. Looking around, Chuck could see the lights of the city to the west. They weren't quite as isolated as Chuck imagined. He gathered up his belongings and followed Roy into the house, which was bigger than it appeared.
"Honey, I'm home," said Roy sarcastically, and a little Asian woman with long, straight black hair in her late 30's appeared from what Chuck guessed was the kitchen with a huge smile on her face. It faltered a bit when she saw Chuck.
"Who is that?" she asked loudly, not caring that she was being rude.
"Lily, this is Chuck. Chuck, this is my charming wife Lily." Chuck went forward an extended a hand, which Lily carefully accepted.
"Sorry about all this," Chuck apologized. "I really should be going."
"Nonsense," said Roy, slapping him on the shoulder. "It's Christmas and no one should be alone on Christmas. Besides, I believe I have some things that will be able to help you out." He gave Chuck a significant look and Chuck managed a small smile in return.
Dinner was a subdued affair. Chuck felt like he was trespassing by being there. Lily was quietly eating, listening to her husband halfheartedly while keeping a close eye on Chuck. She didn't trust strangers. Roy talked most of the time about his travels and how work was going. Finally, he got to the part about meeting Chuck.
"I met him this morning. Never seen someone so lost. Figured I could give him some guidance and tools for the future."
After the dinner was cleaned up, they were all sitting in the living room in an uncomfortable silence. Chuck decided to finally break it.
"Dinner was great. Thank you so much for the hospitality, Roy, and you too Lily, but I feel I have overstayed my welcome." Chuck stood up and Roy did so too.
"Eager to get to it, I see?" Roy asked.
Chuck, noting the tone, replied honestly, "The sooner the better."
"Alright then. I have some things that will help you. Follow me." He started walking from the living room into a hallway. He looked back over his shoulder. Chuck still hadn't moved, deciding whether or not to trust Roy. "Come on." He was motioning for Chuck to follow him.
Chuck finally followed Roy down the hallway. He didn't know why, but something about Roy put him at ease. Roy turned into a room that Chuck didn't even realize was there, and upon closer inspection, found that the door looked like the wall. Puzzled, Chuck entered the room and Roy closed the door. Roy flipped the switch.
'This is exactly how I pictured a den at Casey's,' Chuck thought. The room was plastered with photos of Roy all over the world with all sorts of people. He also had various artifacts, daggers, guns and dishes. Chuck kept looking around the room at everything. He also kept flashing on almost everything he saw. They were all old ops that Roy had obviously gone on, and some of the artifacts Roy had collected were very valuable and likely obtained through not so legal actions.
"You like?" Roy asked Chuck, marveling how Chuck was staring at everything with interest.
"Yeah, it's cool. But isn't dangerous to have all this stuff. I mean, if anyone finds it, you're in some serious trouble. It's a link to your past life."
Roy waved off this comment. "You can't have done what I did without collecting some mementos. I had some good times when I was working. Met some very good people. I can't just throw away all of that. What's the fun in life without a little danger?"
"But what about Lily?"
"She knows what I was. I met her on assignment in China." Roy's tone had hardened, but Chuck decided not to press the issue.
"So, you said you wanted to help me?" Chuck asked, deciding to get to the point.
"Yeah," said Roy, apparently coming back from a deep thought, "I do. You seem like you have no one to trust. I want you to trust me. I know what it's like to work for the government. Back in the old days, you knew what side you were on. Nowadays, it's become a mess, and you never know if you're being played or who you can trust. Like I said, it's one of the reasons I got out while I could. I want to help you because I know how unforgiving that life can be and how rewarding it is to be free of it."
"Now, go and get your things. That luggage is alright, but that briefcase kind of stands out. I think I got just thing for you."
Roy started digging around under his desk for something while Chuck went to get his things. When he returned, he saw that Roy had a backpack set on his desk.
"That's it?" Chuck asked. He wasn't sure what to expect from Roy, but he thought it might be a little better than a back pack.
"Well this," Roy stated, "isn't just any back pack. This thing has everything." He opened it up. "Looks normal right, but it has a hidden compartment inside the back." He showed Chuck. "You can put your money in there."
Chuck was shocked by Roy, then a little angry. Roy had looked through his belongings while he slept.
"Sorry," Roy said shrugging his shoulders, "but I wanted to see all you brought." He grabbed Chuck's briefcase and started packing away the money. "It also has a camera hooked into it so when you are wearing it you can see if you are being followed. Just hook it up to something with a screen and you're good to go. Also, there are some thermal and night vision goggles in there. Those always come in handy. I also put some extra mags of ammuntion in there for you, along with a couple of grenades. I know," Roy said from the look on Chuck's face, "it seems like a lot, but it never hurts to be prepared. I also put a satellite phone in there for you. The thing is about as secure as it gets. Bugs in it to ensure no one can listen in, and damn near untraceable."
Roy had finished packing away everything for Chuck, and with a look back in the briefcase, he saw the photo of Chuck and Sarah. "Here."
Chuck took the photo and stared at it. Normally it would be Sarah helping with this sort of thing, but now he was getting advice from some ex-spook in the middle of nowhere. He missed her. He wondered whether she was hurting or whether she was gearing up to take him down.
"You really love her, don't you?"
The question broke Chuck's thought process. He hastily put the photo away and tried to play it cool. "Just remembering the good ole days." Chuck half smiled.
Roy wasn't buying it. "Not the way you were looking at that picture."
Chuck sighed. "I do. She said she did but I don't know. It was probably another way to control me. This world is too messed up for love."
"Don't be so sure," Roy commented. His thoughts drifted to Lily.
"Alright," Roy said loudly, breaking the silence that had filled the room. "There you go. You got your clothes in the one bag and your equipment in the other. Just make sure you always have things organized. Every second counts, and if you know where things are, then you're a second ahead."
Chuck nodded, taking in every bit of advice he could. Roy was giving him so much and it all seemed necessary. 'I'm not nearly as prepared as I thought I was,' he thought. 'Do I even have a shot?' Doubt started to fill his mind, but since there was no other alternative waiting back in Burbank, he pushed those doubts aside.
"I got a couple more gifts for you," Roy said as he had Chuck follow him into his garage. "I've been working on her for awhile. She is my baby. But I think she'll do okay in your hands." He flipped on the switch. Chuck's jaw dropped.
He was looking at a black 1973 Dodge Charger. "Wow," Chuck muttered softly. "I can't. I can't take this, it's too much."
Roy shook his head smiling. "I want you to have it. I never drive it very much since I'm always on the road. She needs to be driven and it looks like you need something to drive. It's also clean, nothing traceable on the car. No airbags either, which means it's good if you have to crash into a building. You won't knock yourself out."
Chuck didn't know what to say. "Why are you doing this?"
"Well, it sounds like your situation sucks. And I want to help. Plus, it's been so long since I've done anything remotely this exciting."
Chuck didn't know what else to say to show his gratitude, so he hugged the man. "If I get through all of this, I'm gonna buy you a beer one day."
Roy laughed. "I look forward to it. By the way, what's the name of the guy you're looking for? I got some friends in some places who might be able to help you out. I'll have them relay the information to me, and then I'll call you on that sat phone."
Chuck paused, uncertain whether he should mention it. "It's Orion."
"Orion?" Roy was confused.
"It's a code name. I don't know his real name." Chuck shook his head. "Just forget it. This is some pretty serious shit. If people think you're looking for Orion, they'll come for you. And I don't mean just the government."
"No, it's okay. I trust my contacts. I'll throw some feelers out there for you; let you know what I get back. Lastly," Roy started, but was interrupted by Chuck.
"I really think you've done enough," Chuck said sheepishly.
"No, I was just saying I got a brother who lives in Charlottesville, Virginia. He owns a bar called The Bird. You ever need a place to stay, you are always welcome there."
Chuck nodded. "Well, I think it's about time I got to it."
"Good luck Chuck. I hope you find what you are looking for." The two men shook hands.
Chuck grabbed his things and placed them in the car. He got in, started it and backed out of Roy's garage. He didn't know where to go, but he decided to go east, since it offered more options than west. He turned on the radio and drove off into the night, unsure of what fate awaited him.