Don't own Chuck
Across the border in Mexico Banai was pacing the floor. He was so close yet so far and what was he doing letting an imaginary line drawn in the desert stop him from his goal. But here he was pacing waiting on Chuck. Was he a fool to put his hopes in him? He already knew that his request would be shot down. So why was he waiting on something he knew would never come? However, if he went across that imaginary line there would be consequences.
"I guess it all boils down to can I accept the consequences," said Banai as he looked in an old mirror in the bathroom. He leaned on the rust covered sink as he studied himself. "My son should know what kind of man his father was... is."
Banai went out to find pen and paper then he started writing a letter to his son. As he sat down to start writing he called in one of his men.
"I want you to go down to the bar and talk to our friend the bartender. Find out how difficult it would be for him to slip us across the border. We'll make it worth his while if he's worried about money just he needs to know this has to be discreet."
"Finally we've gotten word to move out? Good I'm tired of this place and the food," said his man. Banai looked at him. "Sorry I'll be right back," said the man then he disappeared.
"Pesar," was the only word on the white piece of paper that seemed to scream back at him. "Son" wrote Banai. How was he supposed to sum up everything that led him here in words his son could understand? Hell he didn't understand. He didn't want to use the typical catch words because that was not him either. People afterwards might tell his son his father was a pious man which was true. But he was no radical fanatic either.
Sure he'd supported the revolution which was true but he was more a realist that a radicalist. The Shah's government was corrupt and it didn't matter who you were only where you came from. Qualifications mattered little but if your family had the money then anything was possible. The revolution was supposed to change all that and in part it did or he wouldn't be where he was now. However, the wave of radicalism that followed he didn't want and didn't have anything to do with.
"Crap maybe this wasn't such a good idea," said Banai as he pushed pen and paper away. "Maybe my son should grow up hating his old man the way he did." He wadded up the piece of paper and tossed it in the trash can when there was a knock at his door. The man he'd sent out had just returned winded and out of breath.
"Banai... Banai," said the man as he tried to catch his breath. Banai handed him a glass of water then had him sit down.
"Okay out with it but slowly. What's got you so worked up? Is something wrong?" said Banai worried that their covers had been blown.
"I went to the bar like you asked," he said then he took a big gulp of water before continuing. "But there's a sign posted on the door from the Federal police saying it's been closed down. I went and talked to a friend of mine in the Federales. He said they received an anonymous tip that the bartender was a coyote so they staked the place out and caught him red handed. He's now in jail awaiting trial. My friend says don't expect to see him walking around town for a while."
"This is Chuck. He knew I wouldn't wait forever so he cut me off. You can go and get cleaned up soon it will be prayer time. I don't want you talking about this with the rest of the men."
"What do we do now? How are we going to get across without our contact? Surely if we contact HQ they can do something for us."
"Don't think he's the only coyote out there and as far as crossing leave that up to me. There's always a plan 'B'. Go now and like I said don't say anything to the rest. I'll tell everyone at the proper time.
Banai dismissed his man then got up and closed the door behind him. He knew this was Chuck's doing he was sure of it. In a certain way he realized Chuck had done it for his own good. Chuck was aware that he wouldn't stand around forever but made sure he wouldn't make a false step by heading him off at the pass or at the border in this case. As he was going over other means his phone rang.
"Chuck," he said as he looked down at the phone. "Very good Chuck," said Banai as he answered putting the phone on speaker so he could get ready for evening prayer. "I just found out a certain bar was closed down by the Federales. You wouldn't know anything about that would you? Somehow I suspect you had something to do with it."
"I won't lie the man was a human trafficker and when I saw little foot prints in that garage... well he's lucky we were meeting or the Federales would be investigating his disappearance."
"Then it had nothing to do with the fact that he was our go to guy to get agents in and out across and back over the border?"
"That was an added benefit I will admit too but really you guys should look closer at the people you climb in bed with."
"I can't believe you went there. You're that last people who ought to be making that accusation after everything you did in my country. That's really the pot calling the kettle black."
"I'm glad you're up on your idioms but that's not why I'm calling you. I got word back on your request and well it's not all bad. The State Department said they'd approve it if your government would ask us. I think that's a huge step forward in relations."
"However, it doesn't help me does it and you know that but at least you tried. I guess we both knew in what direction this was going to go."
"I'm not done yet. Just give me a little more time and maybe there will be something I can do. Listen I can't talk now but there have been some developments. Please don't do anything stupid that I can't fix. I don't want to have to visit you at Yucca mountain."
"Chuck, you know I'm not a patient man," said Banai. He could hear Casey yelling in background for him to hurry up.
"You can hear I've got to go. Do I have to tell that fools rush in where angels fear to tread? Give me time and we can work everything out. I've got to run and so do you," said Chuck then he hung up. Banai looked at his watch Chuck was right he had to go it was time for Asr afternoon prayer.
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It was afternoon about two hours since the couple was grabbed. They found the Dodge van where they thought they would on the lowest level of the parking garage. John looked through it but there wasn't much to go on. Whoever the men were who grabbed Jamil and Noora they were professional enough to wipe down the van clean before they left it.
"If you're done yapping with your Iranian buddy I could use the computer skin job over here," said Casey. Chuck could tell from John's voice he was upset and he knew why. John was angry because this group always seemed to be one step ahead of them and he couldn't blame him.
"Okay John I'm here. What do you have?" asked Chuck as he climbed inside the back of the van. "Noora was definitely here all right I can smell her perfume. It's call Attar in Arabic an all-natural perfume made from plant oils with no alcohol base…"
"I can do without the perfume explanation Coco Chanel. So do you smell anything else Huckleberry Hound," said Casey.
"John you're always amazing. I'm surprised you know who she was," said Chuck a climbed out of the van and shook his head. "But then again there was that Yves Saint Laurent incident."
"You stab one guy with a stiletto and they never let you live it down. So Huckleberry if I give you a shirt or blouse, will you pick up the trail and start huntingn. I'll even toss you a doggy treat every now and then."
"How about scratching my stomach? John you know when I said I missed your quips? I was lying," said Chuck. John was about to answer him back when his phone rang. Casey motioned with his hand for Chuck to zip it then started nodding.
"Yeah this is Colonel Casey. ... Where is that exactly? ... Okay make sure they don't move anything we'll be right there and make sure they know that's our crime scene," said Casey then he hung up. "Come on we've got another crime scene to look at. Some vagrant found two bodies one is pale like a vampire drained him does that sound familiar," said John as he shoved Chuck over to his Crown Vic.
"You know I can walk I don't need to be pushed around," said Chuck as he looked at John's menacing face. "Okay getting in the car. What did they say about our other guy? Is he the same?"
"Someone did him in the traditional way with a GSW to the head. He's got a through and through in the middle of his head with his brain seeping out the back. He died of lead poisoning the kind fired from a nine mil at close range."
"I'll call Sarah and let her know what we're doing. She can get someone from downtown to come and pick up this van for processing. Maybe the lab will have better luck than we did."
"Hold on to something we've got drive across town to get there and in a hurry. The police are holding scene for us but they've already called the CDC and they'll want to incinerate everything."
"One capped and the other infected what do you think this means?"
"I don't know but hopefully the computer skin job will flash. I'm tired of being behind the eight ball. It's time to get out in front of this."
"I hear you Big Guy."
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Zaid and Gabir pulled into the safe house with Noora in the back. The Commandant was there waiting for them when they parked. He went to the back and opened the door helping Jamil's wife out. He smiled at her then led her into a small room off the kitchen.
"You'll stay here until we men are done with our prayers. I've made sure you have a prayer rug. There is also a small bowl of water to clean yourself and that mark on the wall indicates East. Plus you have a copy of the Quran. I'll be back afterwards but for now make yourself at home," he said as he closed the door. She heard the bolt in the lock turn so she didn't need to try the door to know she was locked in.
"Commandant," said Zaid. "Where are Ammar and Abdul? It's almost time for prayer and I wanted them to show me how to use the Misbaha."
"They well they... I mean I sent them out on an errand to get supplies. They should've been back by now I don't know what's taking them so long. I hope they don't get themselves into trouble. Forget about them let's go," said the Commandant as he herded Zaid along.
"Yes Sir I'll follow you," said Zaid as he followed Ali to the room they were using as a prayer room. Gabir looked at the two of them strangely when they walked in. Gabir was about to ask but Zaid shook his head. Gabir brought over a basin of water for the Commandant so he could do his Wudu before prayer.
"Sir you first," said Zaid as he took the basin and handed it to the Commandant then he sat on a chair to start his cleaning ritual. Zaid motioned for Gabir to step out with him for a second.
"We'll be right back we need to get more water," said Gabir as he looked over at Zaid who gave him a thumbs up and a nod to leave.
"You two need to hurry. It's time," said the Commandant as he dried his arms then started on his feet.
"Where's Ammar and Abdul," asked Gabir as soon as they were out of earshot. "We left them here with the Commandant. Now they're nowhere to be found."
"He told me he sent them out on an errand," said Zaid as he looked back to make sure the Commandant was still cleaning.
"Okay that's possible I just thought they'd be back by now but we don't know when they left or where he sent them. What?" said Gabir noticing a skeptical look in his friend's eyes. "You don't believe him?"
"Did you do a vehicle count when we came in? They're all accounted for so if he sent them out did he send them on foot in this neighborhood that would be highly unlikely to say the least."
"You're right so what do we do about it? I didn't care much for either of them. If the Commandant got rid of them then he had to have a good reason."
"I agree I didn't trust them either but why did he lie to me about what he did? He could've just told me he got rid of them and I really wouldn't have cared."
"He's the Commandant he doesn't have to explain things to us. We just have to follow orders and keep our mouths shut. Come on let's get that water and get back inside before he decides to get rid of us too."
"Is everything okay, asked the Commandant as they came back with water to do their own washing. "Take your shoes off at the door."
"Yes sir," said Zaid as he removed his. He looked over as Gabir remove his too then he and Gabir came inside with the water to begin their wudu before prayer.
"I asked you a question is everything okay?" said the Commandant more forceful and stern then before. Zaid and Gabir looked at each other neither knew for sure what to say until Zaid got his courage up to speak.
"Yes sir everything is perfectly fine... as fine as fine can be... It couldn't be any finer if it tried. This is about the finest day I've had," said Zaid as Gabir elbowed him to shut up.
"I see... well hurry up we need to begin."
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Sarah was sitting in Castle with the two girls and Morgan. He'd made a rocky road run for the girls who were now sitting around the conference table eating ice cream. Morgan sat across from them keeping their minds off of current events while Sarah was on the monitor with Chuck.
"Okay just keep me posted on what's going on I don't need to tell you I've got a little girl here who's missing her parents. Guys we've got to do something."
"I hear you Love," said Chuck. "We're almost at the crime scene. John called his friend back on the force and the man confirmed that we have two males down so you guys can breathe a little easier now."
"Get off the horn," said Casey as he looked in to the monitor. "You can tell the kid we're going to bring her parents home and when I get my hands on those kidnappers... well you might want to omit that part or the kid is liable to have nightmares like Chuck here."
"We need to go I love you," said Chuck then he blew her a kiss.
"I love you too," she said back.
"Yuck doesn't anyone give a darn about my poor ears and the crap I have to listen to between you two. I think I'm going to be sick."
"There I knew that was coming I was just waiting for it," said Chuck. She saw Casey's hand reach across the monitor then everything went blank followed by static.
"Is there anything," asked Morgan. He came walking in from the conference room. "I just came to get coffee for everyone."
"What? Are you crazy? You know how little they are and you want to give them coffee," said Sarah as she gave Morgan a look that could kill.
"Boy you've got this whole scary look going on right now I want you to know... No I'm not getting them coffee. The coffee is for me. I'm getting them water but you might want to talk to Sam. She had a serious brain freeze a little while ago then Samaa followed suit that's why I'm getting them water."
"Morgan... well just watch them and try not to fall asleep. Have you seen my green felt tipped pen around here?"
"Funny very funny," said Morgan as an alert popped up on the monitor. A message came across the screen, facial recognition 100% match. "Crap do we have our perps? Maybe we can find Samaa's parents now."
"Quiet Morgan, I'm trying to bring it up on the screen now. I don't want to get her hopes up until we're sure. The hit is at LAX airport and now I'm going to pan in to see who we've got."
"They're on the run. See they know when they're about to get whipped so they're on the run," said Morgan. "So what does this Commandant look like with a big yellow streak going up his back?"
"Morgan will you hold it down and be quiet. This is more complicated than I thought. I wish Chuck were here to do this," said Sarah as she finally got it focused. "Oh crap that's not the Commandant or his goons that's..."
"Bâbâ," yelled Samaa behind them as she and Sam came in from the conference room. "But why is he at the airport and I'm here? He's not leaving me, is he?"
"No Sweetie of course not," said Sarah as she gave Morgan a look. He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't see your mother in the airport either. Morgan a little hand here would be appreciated take the girls back in the conference room."
"Girls come with me we need to let Sarah work. Let's go back to the conference room. I know we can play pin the tail on…"
"The Morgan," said Sam. Sarah looked over at her and smiled.
"Sweetie, you guys go with Morgan and let me work," said Sarah. She saw what looked like a boarding pass hanging out of Jamil's jacket pocket. She zoomed in on it and saw he was booked on a midnight flight to Heathrow.
"But I want to go with my Bâbâ," said Samaa. "I don't want to stay here. I want to be with him." She started to cry again. "He can't leave me."
"Listen Samaa you need to be strong," said Sarah. "I'm going to jump in a car and drive to the airport and get to the bottom of this but you need to stay here with Morgan. I promise one way or another I'm going to find out what's going on. Can you do this for me so I can get to the bottom of this?"
"Yes, just bring my Bâbâ home to me and find my mâmâ, please," said Samaa as she but a calm veneer on the fear she was feeling inside. Sarah felt a knot in her stomach as she handed her a tissue so Samaa could blow her nose and dry her tears.
"Morgan call Alex and have her meet me at LAX. You're going to have to hold down the fort until Chuck and Casey get back. Morgan, do I have to warn you not to fall asleep."
"Don't worry he won't," said Sam. She'd taken some pushpins and attached strings to them. "Now we can play pin the tail. Come on Morgan this is going to be fun."
"Oh Mamma."
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Jamil went into the airport it was late at night but there still were a lot of people milling about. He made his way to the British Airways check in desk where he waited in line. When it was his turned he placed his bag on the scale then told the man there was a reservation for him.
"There should be a reservation that was already made for me for the midnight flight to London," said Jamil.
"Passport please," said the man. Jamil handed him his passport then the man typed in his name. "Yes I've got you here in First Class. One second let me print out your boarding pass. The flight is basically empty so this is your seat assignment but you can move around once the flight is in air if you don't like it."
"Thank you," said Jamil as he looked at the boarding pass. He took a deep breath. "Excuse me where do I go from here?"
"You're departing this evening from the International terminal, terminal B gate 155 on the South Concourse. Just follow the line through the TSA check then follow the signs to your departure gate."
"Thanks again," said Jamil as he stood there.
"Sir if there's nothing else I need to serve the next in line."
"Oh right sorry," said Jamil. "I'm already tired so I shouldn't have any trouble sleeping on the way over."