Chapter 4: Leader
He looks at them from the computer monitor. A picture of confidence with his smug smile and casual posture, Leader seems to be enjoying himself. "I'm certain you have a number of burning questions, agents . I promise to do my best to give you some answers." At this, Leader leans back in his chair and looks to be putting his thoughts in order. "Where to begin? I suppose you're wondering how I come to be here? To our benefit, you and your superiors continually underestimate the reach that Fulcrum has. Did you really think we could be stuck away in some holding facility and just disappear? As soon as I was released, we began to locate and liberate others who have a special connection with yourselves and Mr. Bartowski. The young man has already met a couple friends from his past."
"That brings us to the next big question mark. Why go to all this trouble and then just leave him for you to find?" Moving in closer to the camera, wearing a predatory smile, "Quite simply, I needed to teach you who is in charge. I wished to take him from you and I did. The only reason you recovered him is because I allowed it. The best part, I'll take him from you again, very soon. You can try to stop me, but you won't be able to. Mr. Bartowski won't let you either. He's going to insist you turn him back over to us. Believe me, it will go so much easier for everyone if you take my lesson to heart and cooperate."
"So now I assume you're asking yourselves, what does he want? Nothing much really. Just one person is all I need. I want the Intersect. I want Bryce Larkin delivered to a location of my choosing by the end of the day or you will never see Chuck Bartowski again. And every day after, another agent will disappear until my demands are met. Through it all, I plan to let the two of you live. If you can call it that. Living with the knowledge of all those good people dieing when it could have been prevented." Pausing for effect, "Bryce Larkin by the end of the day. I'll be in touch soon to set up the transfer of Mr. Bartowski. I've got your number." He waves Chuck's phone in front of the camera with a cheshire cat grin before the picture fades to black.
Casey pops the cd from the drive and contemplates the small, shiny disc, "That is one cocky son of a bitch. He got lucky with the kidnapping because it caught us by surprise. There's no way we give up Bartowski on purpose. I say we lock Chuck in castle, call in a team and hunt these bastards down once and for all."
Unease gnawing at her, Sarah watches their sleeping charge. "I don't know Casey. Leader isn't one to boast or grandstand. He really believes he can control Chuck. Right now, he doesn't know the real why, but he does know that if he controls Chuck, he controls us. I only hope he never looks past the surface. As long as he thinks it has to do with Chuck and I sharing real feelings and not some bigger reason, we have time to stop him."
Forgotten in the heat of the moment, the two agents flinch as Ilsa breaks into the conversation. "Would the real reason have something to do with what this man is searching for? What did he call it, the Intersect? Can your analyst give him Bryce Larkin?" She watches as Sarah and Casey trade guarded looks before both turning to face her. Ilsa has been in the game long enough to know she has stumbled into something way beyond a kidnapping. "Or maybe he only thinks this Larkin person has what he needs." Her thoughtful gaze moves to rest on Chuck. "It would explain a lot about all of this.", gesturing to encompass Casey's equipment filled apartment. "And the two of you being assigned here."
Sarah quickly steps between Ilsa and Chuck, her emotions still running hot after the too long night. "He is exactly what we say he is, our team analyst. You can just forget whatever else you're thinking. Casey, I think it might be time to ask Miss Trinchina to leave.", baring her teeth in a not so friendly smile.
"Agent Walker, I assure you I'm no threat to you or to Chuck." Gracing Sarah with a look of both pity and understanding. Ilsa knows all to well the heartache of love in the world of spies. "My offer of assistance to Casey and your team is genuine and I think the need for an extra hand is apparent. I give you my word that no harm will come to anyone through my actions."
Casey indicates his approval by taking a position beside Ilsa. Sarah nods and the tension levels in the room recede quickly. "Did I miss anything important? Everyone seems to be talking about me all of a sudden." Chuck shifts to a sitting position. Shaking his head to clear some of the medicine induced fog, "Not that my opinion matters much on spy stuff, but I'm happy to have you with us Ilsa. Not as happy as Casey is I bet." Grinning at the glowering mountain of agent.
Sarah sits down facing Chuck, "Do you remember anything from the kidnapping, anywhere they took you, conversations?"
Frowning in concentration, Chuck is unable to dredge up anything new at first. "Sorry guys, I was out for most of it. I...uh....may have passed out when I was shot.", looking embarrassed before the trained operatives. "Wait! There was a phone call and the person on the other end sounded really pissed. From the reactions of Tommy and Laszlo, I don't think shooting me was part of the plan. Oh, then they used a tranq dart like the ones Casey is fond of. When I came to, I was in that parking lot where you found me."
"Chuck, Leader appears to be the man in charge. He recorded the message on that disk you handed me." Sarah watched his face fall at the news.
"Has everyone we locked up been given a 'Get out of jail free card' or something? Oh crap, what if they find Lizzie. She knows....", sneaking a look at Ilsa. ".....more than Leader does. Could they have located Zarnow too? He wasn't Fulcrum, but with his reputation, it might be worth their time to help him out."
"Lizzie won't be telling anyone her secrets." Casey offers.
His look of confusion turns wide-eyed as Chuck grasps the meaning in that blunt statement.
Breaking in to keep Chuck from thinking on that too much, "We'll check on Zarnow and everyone else we can think of. It's still a little early to call the General and I would like to know more before we do. Leader kept your phone and should be calling soon." Sarah hesitates before delivering the rest of the news. "And Chuck, we don't know why, but he believes you're going to give yourself up to him without a fight. He seemed very sure of himself."
Snorting, "Like that's going to happen. I had my fill of that guy the first time we met. Nope, my plans involve going nowhere near big, scary dudes. Except for you Casey. No offense."
"None taken." Casey affirms with a grunt.
Carefully standing, Chuck looks between the agents. "Well, my work here is done. If you need me, I'll be home in my bed." He starts shuffling to the front door.
"No Chuck, until we can guarantee your safety, you're not going anywhere without me." Sarah steps between him and the door.
"I'm okay with that. The bed is big enough."
"Damn it Chuck! This is serious!.", snaps Sarah.
Closing another step and entering her personal space, he responds, "Yes, it is serious. It's always serious, Sarah. But I don't work the way you and Casey do. If I can't blow off some steam in my own way, you'll have to lock me up in a rubber room."
He leans over to rest his forehead on hers. Sarah sighs as the contact soothes her own jangled nerves. "I'm sorry Chuck. Being in the dark like this, I'm just so worried about you."
Laughing softly, Chuck straightens up. "You're worried? They've already shot me once. I'm beyond worried and into freaking out."
"Is the tender moment done so we can get back to work?"
Chuck tosses back, "I'm sorry Casey. I totally forgot about your delicate sensibilities when it comes to the public display of real emotions."
"Walker, if you ever see me acting all fluffy like Bartowski, remind me I promised to shoot myself."
Wearing his brightest grin, Chuck meets the eyes of each of them. "And on that note, I proclaim Team Bartowski back in fighting form."
Ilsa can't identify it, but there is something about Chuck that can't be resisted. She smiles and is pleased to see a visibly more relaxed Agent Walker. At this moment, she envies Casey and the chemistry these three share. It would be very easy to get used to this kind of work. The undercover life is a lonely one.
Clapping his hands together, Chuck says, "First order of business. Sarah, you want to go over to my room and change. Not saying I mind, but is that really an appropriate ensemble for fighting bad guys?" Adding in an appropriate amount of eyebrow wiggle for good measure.
Her cheeks tinge with a light blush as she is again reminded of her state of dress. "Why Chuck, a comment like that could make a lady feel unappreciated." Tilting her head down and looking up with lidded eyes, "Guns aren't the only way to take down bad guys."
Casey groans. "I can't catch a break. Ilsa, please tell me the coffee is ready."
Everyone perks up at the mention of coffee and it is soon proclaimed to be the second order of business. Sarah is happy to let Chuck lean against her as they share a cup. He says it helps him keep the weight off his wounded leg, but neither really cares what the reason is. Ilsa and Casey take over the sofa and do their best to ignore the boyish delight on Chuck's face every time he sneaks a peek at the couple.
As it seems with all good moments, this one fails to last. Sarah's phone rings and a picture of Chuck appears on the screen. Everyone clusters around before Sarah answers and puts it into speaker phone mode. Leader's voice rumbles into the room. "Greetings. Can everyone say hello so I know you're all there?"
Casey taps a few keys and initiates a trace on the incoming call. Impatient, Chuck dives in. "Hello Leader. It's really not a pleasure to be speaking with you again. As much as I appreciate your gathering all the 2008 douche bag of the year contestants, I'm really kind of tired and think my time would be better spent sleeping."
"Mr. Bartowski, so glad to hear your spirits are undaunted. I must apologize for the the overzealous actions taken during your kidnapping. But, we can discuss that later, face to face. I assume Agents Walker and Casey informed you of my invitation?"
Sarah takes over, "Yes, he knows all about your delusion. You must be crazy if you think we're just going to turn him over to you."
"Why don't you turn yourself in, instead. I hear they've put in brand new tv's and decorated your old cell in prison chic." Casey joins in.
An amused chuckle rolls from the cell phone. "I do enjoy our time together. You three have presented an inordinate challenge to us for too long now. I find it so refreshing. Mr. Bartowski, I must say it has been very enlightening to search through your phone. Very organized as one would expect. The photo collection is quite extensive and entertaining. Agent Walker, your folder is by far the largest."
His face reddening, Chuck tries to deflect. "Is there a point to all of this, or does your plan consist of annoying me into submission by burning through my minutes? Because, I have to tell ya, I'm on that new unlimited calling plan. Unless you have something interesting to say, I'm outta here."
"Oh, don't leave yet. The fun is about to begin. Mr. Bartowski, you should really check your mail. If your sister was to open the box, she would find it quite....explosive you could say. I will expect to hear from you shortly to arrange your pick up. One last thing, don't bother with the trace location. It's a waste of time and you have so little. Good bye for now."
Looking rapidly between Casey and Sarah, "That nutcase put a bomb in my mailbox? We've got to get it out of there right now. Come on, you must have some kind of super bomb finding, defusing thingy in all this stuff. Get it out Casey, we need to move quickly." His voice edging higher as he talks.
"Keep your pants on Bartowski. There's no way they planted a bomb in your mailbox."
"How, how, how do you know that? Is there a bomb sniffing device installed in our mailboxes? I missed that in the latest NSA Christmas catalog."
"Don't be ridiculous, a mailbox is much too small for something like that. The archway into the courtyard has been fitted with a weapon and bomb detection system." Casey says like it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"When you put it that way, it makes so much more sense. Now, can we please find out what is in my mailbox?" Chuck is stopped by Sarah's hand on his arm.
"No, you're staying here. Casey and I will find out what it is." Addressing their extra teammate, "Ilsa, keep him safe and in here."
"But Sarah...."
"Chuck, just do as I say for once. Please?" She turns to follow Casey from the apartment.
"I was going to ask if you needed the key, but after thinking about it. Nevermind."
That earns him a quick grin before she disappears out the door.
"So, stopped by to visit Casey. And on Valentine's Day no less. I never took him to be the hearts and flowers kind of guy." Trying to make casual conversation as they wait.
"The timing was a happy accident. Work happened to bring me out this way and my timetable is a bit loose. Is this a normal night for you guys? I sure hope you didn't go to all this trouble just for me."
"Well, you know, spy comes to visit and you have to come up with something to do. Disneyland is always so crowded. A kidnapping, gun play and the thrill of death threats seemed the way to go."
Their conversation is interrupted at the return of Casey and Sarah. She is carrying a large manila envelope. Slipping one of her knives free, she slits the top and turns it over to dump out the contents. A number of pictures fall to the table along with a typewritten page. Sarah picks up the paper and begins reading.
"Jill? These are pictures of Jill." Holding a couple of them up for some better light. "They look like they were taken without her knowledge and ,by the orange fashion statement she's wearing, she's still in prison. They must do something right at that place, looks like she's gained a little weight."
Sarah screams, "You've got to be kidding me!" She slams the paper down and storms out of the apartment.
Speechless, they look at each other. Chuck reaches for the page, but Casey snatches it up first. He skims it quickly, face expressionless. Finished, he hands it to Chuck. Casey then walks into the kitchen, dumps the rest of his coffee down the sink and fills his cup with scotch. Slamming it down, he looks out the window.
Chuck licks his lips nervously as he wonders what could rattle his handlers like this. Willing his hands to stop shaking, he begins reading. After a few minutes, "Oh crap." The paper falls from nerveless fingers to settle innocently on the table. Spinning around and moving as quickly as his leg will let him, he rushes out through Casey's front door.
Curiosity overwhelming her, Ilsa takes a step to the side for a better view of the paper. It looks to be a medical report of some kind on this Jill person in the photographs. Casey walks to her side and points. She shifts her gaze to focus on the word above his finger. Her eyebrows rise up as she faces Casey. "Pregnant?"