Chuck laid low after the scolding from Ellie. He still stood up for what was right and good but made sure no one was able to see him. He had now gotten so good at his stealth that when Ellie tried to confront him he would disappear. Ellie knew Chuck has gotten better than herself. Ellie still kept her mother and father informed via the classifies in the LA Times. Occasionally she would get a reply. But they are becoming less frequent. Ellie worried that something bad had happened to them.

It was 3 years since the last message. Ellie in the meantime completed College and was enrolled in Medical School. Other changes happened a New Live in Boyfriend Devon Woodcomb. Chuck called him Captain Awesome had waltzed into her life. He was also another gifted medical student. He was going to be a Thoracic Surgeon. Chuck got along well with Captain Awesome. The nightly patrols were discontinued due to Devon's presence. Chuck however did not like change that much so he was still continuing even though Ellie told him to stop.

Ellie was working hard and Chuck was doing really well in High School. He was Class President and Valedictorian. Morgan no slouch either in the grades dept. He graduated with a 3.8 GPA. However, as smart Morgan was. He just did not have the drive Chuck did. Morgan was your typical slacker. Chuck was given his choices of colleges. Yale, Harvard, Penn State, USC , UCLA, UC Berkeley and Stanford. Chuck was mulling over his choices in his room. Ellie had gone to bed with Devon close behind. The Morgan Door suddenly opened with out a warning. Chuck immediately got into position for an attack. Waiting for the attack which was Ellie to happen. The attack never came. It was just Morgan sneaking in!

"Morgan what are you doing? It is 3 in the Morning?"

"Chuck, I can not sleep they are doing it again. Can I stay with you for awhile?"

"Sure old buddy the bedroll is in the closet. Pull it out whenever you need it."

Morgan now noticed all the letters of intent spread across Chuck's bed.

"Having a hard time deciding?"

"Yeah, you could say that."

"Let Dr. Morgan help you with your decision."

Chuck smiled at his friend. He secretly liked when Morgan actually became serious. This did not happen too often.

"I would like your input. These are all great schools but I want to be close to Ellie."

Morgan opened his mouth to speak when Chuck spoke again,

"But not too Close at least a day travel by car."

Morgan again tried to say something then Chuck interrupted.

"I like CA so all those East coast schools as good as they are will not cut it."

Morgan finally got a word in

"I see"

"Now I like LA but I want something new."

Morgan again tried to speak but Chuck again cut him off

"So it looks like the choice is between UC Berkeley and Stanford."

"I looked at both Electronic Engineering and Advance Computer science programs. Both looked adequate."

"Chuck..."

Chuck continued.

"Dad went to Stanford and was part of a engineering fraternity. I could become a legacy member my first year. They could not black ball me. In that other school it could happen."

Morgan now wisely did not open his mouth.

"Morgan you did it. Stanford is my choice! Thanks Little Buddy! I guess talking with you was exactly what I needed to make this life changing decision."

Chuck now satisfied with his decision swept his bed clean and got ready for bed. Morgan in the meanwhile had gotten the bed roll out and was fast asleep.

Chuck softly said,

"Good Night Little Buddy. Thanks for your help."

The next morning Chuck awoke. Morgan was still asleep.

Chuck showered and got dressed. He was going out for his daily 10mile run. Captain Awesome was up. He was Chuck's running partner. Ellie was still asleep since her shift as a intern was a very long and tiring one.

"Morning Captain are you ready for our run?"

"Yeah Chuckster just about. Would you like a wheat grass smoothie to start the day with energy?"

"No Thanks Cap I am Good. However I would like the energy bars. Would you toss 2 over please."

Devon looked into the bin which held the energy bars. Scooping two out he handed them to Chuck.

Chuck eagerly bit into one and saved the other for later.

"Ok Cap I am ready lets go!"

Chuck and Devon now did their usual run around the park over to the mall and back. Half back to the house Chuck noticed that they had picked up a tail. A white sedan was following at a discrete distance. Chuck knew of a round about way back to the apt. Chuck now veered off their chosen path. Devon noticing sped up to catch Chuck. This path went straight into the park and through the woods there is a small tunnel both Chuck and Morgan discovered while they were still kids. Chuck led Devon to the culvert. They both were not saying anything. At the end of the culvert was the back of their apt complex. Chuck jumped the fence in one stride. He left Devon to run to the gate which Chuck now unlocked. Devon looked at Chuck strangely.

"Chuckster I appreciate the change of scenery but why could you not tell me?"

Chuck did not say a word until he entered the backdoor of the apt and set up the scrambler.

To Devon it looked like Chuck was rummaging around in the cabinet. For something to eat.

"Chuck You have your energy bar. You have not eaten it yet."

Devon now pointed at the bar protruding from his pocket.

Chuck pulled his head out of the cabinet.

"Oh Yeah, I guess I forgot. I was quite hungry. Thanks Cap for reminding me."

"Oh that is the reason for the scenic route. You got too hungry! Man! You need to eat more! Then you would not get those Hunger pangs."

"Yeah Capt good old forgetful Chuck."

Devon laughed, But secretly wondered. Chuck was the most aware person he knew next to Ellie. She never forgot anything. I guess it is a Bartowski Trait. Devon winced in remembering some of the off the wall comments Ellie could bring to any fight. Something is up! He knew he would have to find out.

Chuck now went and took a shower and headed to his room. Morgan was still asleep. It was almost 8. Morgan had gotten them both jobs at the local Buy More. Chuck did not mind helping people with their computer problems. Morgan was one to slack off at work.

Morgan? Morgan Chuck grabbed a hold of his friend's leg. Chuck was quite strong for a Nerdy looking guy. So when Morgan did not respond. Chuck pulled him up by his leg into the air.

Morgan awoke with a start. He was wondering why everything was upside down. In his sleep addled brain He still thought he was dreaming until Chuck gave his whole body a shake.

"I am Awake I am awake. Chuck, can you put me down please."

"Ok can do Morgan. Get ready we need to leave in 20 mins."

"Why?"

"Why? Job which means Money which means more video games!"

"Ok Chuck I am getting ready, I am jumping in the shower now."

Morgan now ran to the bathroom to get into the shower. Chuck proceeded to clean his room and put away the bedroll.

Morgan finally out of the shower and dressed. Ran out the door to grab his bicycle. Morgan was off and pedaling. Chuck chuckled to himself. Closing the door. Devon had already left too. So Ellie was just getting up. He met her at the breakfast table.

"Morning Ellie, We have trouble. There was a white sedan following both Devon and Me during our run today. Check and see if Dad left a message. I have to run to catch Morgan to beat him to the Buy More. Love Ya Sis."

"Chuck this could be serious. We need to talk tonight. I love you little Brother."

The both hugged. Chuck left out the back door and was soon out of sight.

Ellie sighed and went back to preparing her breakfast. Patrols have to resume. We have become lax lately. Ellie now looked in the ads in the paper. There was a message from Dad. "Stay Put!" Ellie frowned when she read the message. Stay Put? Why? Ellie's first response was to move again. But somehow that idea must have been anticipated by her wayward Father. Ellie now sent a coded message back to her Father that she would comply with his wishes. Ellie finished breakfast and decided she needs more sleep. She will worry about the message and its implications later.

Meanwhile, The agent Harrison reported back to the man who sent him on this wild goose chase. The target was spotted but was lost. There is no choice but to wait for another opportunity.

Langstrom Graham grimaced after reading the message. There has to be a way to find out more about this mysterious person.