A/N: Posted: 2/10/11
Morgan uses his training.
Once again, thanks must go to P.J. Murphy for his beta work.
Let me know how you feel! We live for reviews, right? Love it or hate it so some parts thereof, let me know.
Dec 1, 2010 - Late Afternoon - Echo Park
The brunette sat on a bench watching a group of children at play. Their laughter entertained her and annoyed her at the same time. She couldn't decide which emotion to pursue as she was too distracted to focus on the idyllic scene in front of her.
It was cooler than she had expected and, with a shiver, she pulled her sweater in tighter, hugging herself and leaning slightly forward. She tried to hide her hands inside the sleeves; she couldn't look at them because of what they had done.
She trembled; her confusion and fear increased with every moment. She tried to remember what the lake looked like when it was covered by lotuses. They had all since died off.
Her parents would bring her here quite often for picnics. She was so much younger then and smiled as she thought about the story of Room 8 Cat. That smile turned to a frown when she couldn't remember her mother's face.
When was the last time I saw my parents?
I killed that man. She shuddered at the memory. Why? Why am I doing this?
The Bitch! The devil's got your boyfriend.
No. I should let it go.
You can't! I promised!
What is wrong with me?
She shoved her hand into her bag and wrapped her fingers around the handle. She closed her eyes and felt the trigger, rubbing it with her finger.
End this!
I don't want to! She began sobbing. Oh, Chuck! I am so sorry.
She took her hand out of her bag and withdrew a small red book and stared at it. She reached back into her bag, looking for and finding a pen. She opened the book to the back cover and wrote something down.
Damn him. Damn me!
She laid the book down on her lap and looked at the children running past her and felt a slight ache. There will be none for me.
A young man about her age walked up the path towards her and could not help but notice her. Beautiful legs and a short miniskirt. He smiled. As he got a little closer, he saw she was crying. He slowed down and approached her.
"Is everything alright?" he asked her.
She looked up at him and tried to smile. She wiped her eyes. Cute. But, I have to go. "Yes, everything's fine. I'm just late." It ends with Casey.
She got up quickly before the man could respond and began to walk away. She hadn't noticed the book slid off her lap and onto the bench.
The young man was disappointed and then noticed the notebook. "Miss! Miss! You dropped something."
Hannah kept walking. If she heard the man, she ignored him.
He walked up to the bench and picked up the book. He didn't see her name in any obvious place, but there were many other names. Who had an address book anymore? He looked down the path after Hannah, but she had already disappeared. Maybe I can figure something out. He continued on his way slowly, reading through the book.
Early Evening - Castle
Mortensen called Casey as soon as he returned to his station, using the agreed-upon protocol of first names only.
"John, do you have a moment?"
Casey gave the phone his 'get on with it' grunt. Have some patience, he reminded himself. The man is good.
Mortensen continued. "I've reviewed each of the video surveillance recordings you provided and could find nothing out of the ordinary on them. The same group that planted the explosives performed the snatch itself. From the looks of it, very professional. The tag number came up as a stolen vehicle which has been found abandoned. I am about to send out a forensics team to retrieve the vehicle. Is that a go?"
Beckman had done a thorough job of vetting Castle staff since Chuck's abduction. Most had been cleared, but anyone with the slightest issue had been recalled to D.C. We can't do it all on our own, Casey reminded himself once again.
"Yes," Casey conceded.
"The location did not trigger any alerts. I also tapped into the city's traffic cams and picked up the vehicle at several locations, but images of the persons in the vehicle were not sufficient for facial recognition."
"Nothing, huh? But still, very good thinking." Chuck would have thought of that. Where the hell are you?
"Thank you, John. Sarah's vehicle has been brought in and examined. I found a hole in the rear right wheel rim. It suggests a .50 caliber round fired from a distance of no more than a thousand yards. The round was not retrieved; however the hole was clean enough for measurements. I surmise from the clean entry of the round the tire completely disintegrated. The cleaner crew did not find the position of the sniper. I'd like to go out and take a look, as he may not have policed his brass."
"Again, good thinking, but I would prefer to take a look myself with daylight. I'll come in to man Castle and give you some time out of the hole. Your efforts are appreciated."
"I could use a little sunlight." He paused. "John, if I may, a personal question regarding Sarah."
"Go ahead."
"How is she doing? The wreck looked quite nasty."
"She was cleared with nothing more than a few scratches."
"John, one more thing. She has logged a lot of hours, remotely, into Castle from Chuck's home system."
"They shared… " he slipped and quickly recovered. "…share those things now. Anything of note?"
"She has been reviewing every mission Team Bartowski has been on. Several times, in fact."
"That's not a problem." Or is it? "Thanks for the update and I will come by tomorrow after I look for the sniper's position." Another element to this case had now arisen. What was she looking for?
"See you then." Mortensen hung up. They were a great… they ARE a great team. Very unorthodox, but they get the job done.
He pushed the mic away from his mouth and turned his attention back to his duties. He checked the trackers he had all the Castle staff wear. He even managed to review the surveillance feeds from Casey and became more familiar with the Team Bartowski mission briefs and dailies. She's looking for something. Maybe another pair of eyes would help.
Late Evening - The Courtyard
"I'll be back in a minute, Alex. I wanna see what's taking Morgan so long."
Casey closed the door to his apartment and turned towards the center of the Courtyard.
"Casey!"
He recognized the woman's voice and went to a crouch. He checked his back. No gun. Idiot! Softly, he acknowledged her presence. "Hannah."
"That's so sweet, you remember me." Her tone turned ice cold. "Don't move and not a sound." Hannah moved forward out of the shadows and towards the fountain with a gun pointed at Casey's head. "I've been waiting for you."
Morgan climbed through the 'Morgan door' with a movie in his hand. When he cleared the shrubbery, he saw Hannah pointing her gun at Casey and stopped. Don't hesitate. He laid the DVD on the ground, drew his .22, and chambered a round as quietly as he could. He raised the weapon, cupping his right hand with his left and aimed it at Hannah.
Morgan took a step forward.
Hannah pulled back the hammer with an audible click.
He took another step and squeezed the trigger. POP!
There was a red mist caught in the light behind her head as Hannah seemed to almost wobble towards him.
After that first shot, he wasn't sure what happened or what he saw through his adrenaline induced tunnel vision.
She turned towards him, her mouth open and her extended arm drooping.
He took his steps faster, squeezing the trigger as fast as he could.
His eyes were fixed on Hannah's still body lying in the fountain. Morgan was still squeezing the useless trigger after the slide had popped back. He had emptied the clip.
Casey was already in front of him, his hand on the sidearm. He gently twisted it out of Morgan's hand.
Morgan looked at Casey. "Clip!"
"It's over, Morgan."
Alex stepped out of Casey's apartment with one of her father's .357s. Sarah and Devon came out of their respective apartments, weapons drawn, a second later.
"Oh." Morgan stepped towards the fountain. "Oh Ooooh." He dropped to his knees crying and retching. "Oh God."
Alex ran towards Morgan and her father. "Was Morgan hit?"
"No, he's fine. The same can't be said for Hannah." Casey pointed towards the fountain. Fine? No, he's not fine!
She knelt down beside Morgan and gently rubbed his back. "You OK, hon?"
Morgan responded with another dry heave.
Sarah double-timed it to Hannah's body and fetched the gun from the bottom of the fountain. Devon was right behind her and carefully turned Hannah's body over. There was a line of five shots from just below her left ear to the final one, which had destroyed her right eye.
Sarah was impressed. "Nice shooting, Casey."
He scowled at her. "Call 911!"
"John, she's already dead," Devon responded.
He exhaled slowly and lowered his voice. "We can't blow our covers." Casey picked up Morgan in a fireman's carry and hurried back towards his apartment. He knew it was demeaning, but he wanted to make sure Morgan was out of sight and not implicated in the shooting. He already knew what he was going to do.
There was no time for questions; he barked out his orders as if he were on a battlefield. "Devon, go get Ellie. NOW. Alex, call 911." He looked back at Sarah. "Walker, find out where the fuckin' security detail was napping."
Several neighbors killed their lights and were silent. One or two peeked out their window. Sirens could be heard in the distance. Someone had overcome their fear and called the civilian authorities.
Alex followed her father and was about to dial 911. "Never mind, they're on their way," he said quietly.
Devon froze for just a second, prompting Sarah to nudge him into action. He took off to get Ellie. Sarah headed out of the courtyard to question the security detail. The lone thought in her mind was how non-existent the security appeared to be.
Casey pushed the half open door open and moved towards the couch. He shoved the coffee table away with his foot and put Morgan down on the couch. He watched Morgan for a second and knelt down beside him.
"Sit up, Morgan."
Morgan was not responsive to Casey's command. He pulled Morgan's legs to the side of the coach and Morgan slowly followed, sitting up, with his head in his hands. He began to rock back and forth while moaning.
Alex followed her father into the apartment and closed the front door behind them.
"Alex, get me a glass of Johnnie Walker," Casey ordered without taking his eyes off of Morgan.
"Scotch, Dad?"
"It's for Morgan. It should help calm his nerves a bit." He's going to be a wreck.
The front door practically flew open as Devon appeared with Ellie. Casey had Morgan's gun out and trained at them.
He growled at them. "Dammit, Devon! What have I taught you about protocols?"
Devon merely gulped in response and Ellie grabbed at his arm as they moved into the apartment. Devon quickly moved behind Ellie towards the front door and closed it.
Ellie turned to Devon. "What the hell is he talking about? Protocols?" she whispered.
Devon squeezed his eyes. How do I explain? I need to protect my family. But she hates this. He opened his eyes and lowered his voice. "Not now. Morgan first." Ellie glared at him before nodding her consent.
Alex returned with a drink in her hand. She looked towards the others, came around the coffee table to the couch, and sat about a foot from Morgan.
There was a knock at the door. "It's me, Sarah."
Casey looked at the front door. "Come in, Walker!" He looked over at Devon and their eyes briefly met. Devon sheepishly nodded his understanding and opened the door for Sarah.
Casey tucked the gun in his belt and took Morgan's head in his hands. "Morgan, look at me!"
Morgan opened his eyes but still rocked back and forth on the couch. "Oh, God, John. I killed her, didn't I?"
The others stared open-mouthed at Morgan. They all thought Casey had shot Hannah.
"Yes, you did. She had the drop on me and you saved my life."
"But… but… Oh, God, I've taken someone's life." He looked up and saw Alex, "Oh, no. Please don't hate me!" He quickly looked away.
Alex was in tears. She sat there staring at Morgan, the drink in her slightly trembling hand.
Casey looked over at Alex and motioned to her to come closer. "Morgan, drink this." He then turned to the others. "I shot Hannah in self-defense. Right?"
Sarah understood and nodded her agreement. The others remained silent, still in shock.
Alex sat down next to Morgan and offered the glass to him. He tried to take it, but his hands were shaking. Alex helped him to sip it and rubbed his back again.
"Walker, what were those numbnuts doing out there?" Casey was in a full boil.
"They were on the scene as soon as they heard the shots. One of them saw Hannah walking down the sidewalk and he assumed she was a civilian. They're supposed to be discreet."
Casey's growl made everybody step back a bit. "I'm going to rearrange some of their body parts." Casey motioned to Hannah's gun in Sarah's hand. "M-1911. Looks more like CIA crap than civilian."
He pulled out his phone, said "9" and waited. "We've had an incident at Echo Park." He listened and rubbed his eyes. "Hannah was gunning for me and I was unarmed. Grimes eliminated the threat." He paused momentarily. "But, we need some assistance with the local authorities." He looked over at Morgan with a bit of respect and a tiny smile formed on his lips. "You heard me. Grimes. But I'm taking the self-defense angle. Yes. Thank you." He hung up.
Casey glared at everybody in the room. "Does anyone still doubt me when I said this ain't over?"
Sarah shook her head. "John, they're civilians, they don't understand."
He looked at Sarah for a moment before nodding in agreement. His voice lowered. "Hannah doesn't have the money, resources or training to have planned any of this. They used her because she hated Chuck and knew who we are and where we were."
He turned and knelt down so he was at eye level with Morgan. "Morgan?"
Casey waited quietly until Morgan's eyes were able to focus on him. "Thank you. I owe you my life. I know you're going through hell right now, but I need you to get yourself together and get your head back in the game. Can you do that? For me? For Alex?"
Morgan stared blankly for a moment before nodding. Casey had to give him credit; he was handling it much better than the average person would.
Casey stood up. "Alex, take him to the spare bedroom and help him get some sleep."
Sarah was already at Morgan's side, taking his arm. "Morgan, stand up."
Morgan slowly got to his feet; half-lifted by Alex and Sarah, and followed their steps towards the hallway and to the bedroom.
"What have I done?" he asked.
"What you had to do," Sarah reassured him. "You saved your friend's life."
Night - The Woodcomb's Apartment
Sarah walked the Woodcombs across the courtyard to their apartment in silence. Ellie opened the door and walked in. Before following his wife, Devon grabbed Sarah's arm. "Could you please stay with us tonight? I don't think she could ask you, but it would do wonders for Ellie's peace of mind."
Sarah was tired of falling asleep alone with a bottle and quickly agreed. Ellie noticed Sarah coming in with Devon and smiled. They shared a hug for the first time since Chuck was taken.
Devon was relieved they didn't argue over Chuck again. Ellie looked tired, and it was not due to her pregnancy. The weight of the past few days had drawn lines around her eyes. Normally, Sarah felt Chuck's warmth in her eyes, but tonight that warmth was replaced with fatigue and fear.
Ellie pulled back from Sarah. "There's a bed in the guest room, but it'll have to be made." She walked down the hallway towards the bedrooms. She opened the linen closet and took out some sheets and a pillow. She quietly handed them to Devon. She looked down the hall towards her room. "Poor Morgan. Everything's out of control." Absentmindedly, she turned and wandered into her bedroom, closing the door behind her.
"Go take care of Ellie," Sarah quietly told Devon. "I can handle making the bed on my own."
Devon put his free hand on Sarah's shoulder. "Things may get a little nasty within the family. But try to remember, it's the fear talking. She knows deep-down you and John are doing everything you can to bring Chuck home."
Sarah took the linens from Devon. She didn't bother hiding her exhaustion and frustration. "She's still mad at me. Not that I really blame her, but she's the one I always talked to. I… I feel alone out here right now."
"Yeah, I know. She's everyone's big sister." Devon looked at her with sympathy. "Unfortunately, I don't have her gift for making people open up. But if you need someone, I'd be more than happy to listen."
Sarah gave him a smile and took the pillow from him. "Thanks, 'bro." She kissed him on his cheek.
Devon stared briefly at Sarah, as he was unaccustomed to Sarah being so informal with him. But what she said cheered him up. "I like how that sounds. I hope he comes to his senses and finally asks you."
Sarah nodded. "Me, too." It might help if I didn't get so tongue tied with Chuck, she thought."Good night, Devon. Go. Ellie needs you."
Sarah watched Devon go to be with Ellie. Several hours later, Sarah found that she knew exactly how many tiles were on the living room and kitchen floors.
Casey's Apartment
"CASEY!"
"It's OK, it's over. It's just a nightmare," Alex gently whispered as she drew Morgan in tightly and kissed his head.
Morgan murmured and went back to sleep.
Alex envied him for being able to fall back asleep. She laid there, her eyes staring at Morgan's silhouette in the dark. It was the third time he had screamed and she sensed it wouldn't be the last. "Thank you, hon, for saving my father's life. I don't hate you, I love you." She winced. I've wanted to tell you that, but not now. Not like this. She stroked his hair gently as Morgan's breathing got shallower.
…
Casey sat in his lounger in the middle of his living room and drank…heavily. He lifted the bottle and looked at it. Careful. He looked up at the ceiling and he could feel the anger rising. He lowered the bottle until it rested on the arm of the chair.
Why did my life have to get so complicated? He shook his head in disbelief. What life? Twenty something years taken from me. I gave up my life and I want it the freak back! He let out a long, low growl.
When the police arrived, their chief was with them. Beckman had called ahead and made sure he interviewed Casey. The chief understood, in no uncertain terms, what he was supposed to do. Nothing. The agency would collect the body and all evidence. This was a National Security issue.
He turned on all of the surveillance devices in and around the three apartments. He saw nothing except for the occasional numbnut on patrol. To make matters worse, he heard everything from the spare bedroom. Morgan and Alex were enduring the longest night of their lives.
Dec 2, 2010 - Pre Dawn
Casey woke to the sounds of birds chirping in the courtyard. What the hell are they so happy about? The whole damn world is upside down and they don't care.
"QUIET!"
The sound of his own voice dug into his brain straight through his eyes. He let out a small moan, put his hands to his head, and closed his eyes. I must've slept. He tensed up. Morgan, Alex! He relaxed again. Let them sleep.
He got up slowly, the ringing in his head having subsided a bit, and made his way to the bathroom. He could hear them breathing slowly and lightly. Someone snores. He smiled as he walked past the guest bedroom to his. He quietly closed the door and pulled his t-shirt off over his head. As he reached into the shower to get the water started, he felt the buzz of the phone in his pocket. The person on the Caller ID made him smile a bit.
"Casey."
"Johnny boy! Do you miss me?" Carina sounded like she just got back from the best party she ever attended.
Grunt. He felt the anger rising from his stomach again. But Casey wasn't angry with Carina. Far from it; he was grateful for how professionally she handled her assignments. He was angry with himself, and he wanted to break something, someone. "It's a mess."
"What's a mess?"
"Everything! Goddamn spy world can kiss my ass!"
Carina calmed down and even sounded very concerned. "John, are you OK?"
"Hannah tried to kill me last night."
His responses are even worse over the phone! But she let it slide. "Since you're talking to me now, I gather you took her out. Isn't that a good thing?"
He grunted absentmindedly, "Morgan."
"What! Johnny, did something happen to Morgan?" Damn it, John, express yourself a little better!
He could feel the desperation in her voice. "No. No, he's fine. Actually, he saved my life, Carina." I just hope this hasn't broken the boy.
There was a brief silence on the phone. "I have a few things to finish up. Then I'm coming home."
…
He felt a lot better after the shower and was actually looking forward to seeing Carina again, but it would take a few hours for her to get back. Given their history, he was surprised at how well they were getting along. He put a fresh black t-shirt on, grabbed his hairbrush, and walked towards the kitchen.
As he passed the spare bedroom, he could still hear the snoring; at least someone was getting some sleep. Good. Let them sleep. He kept walking towards the front door. He left the brush on the table, grabbed his keys and made his way out as quietly as he could.
Morning - The Woodcomb's Apartment
Casey walked a few steps towards Ellie's apartment and was drawn towards the fountain. It had been thoroughly cleaned, but he could still 'see' the blood. Morgan's never going to be the same. What did Ellie say about everyone being tainted by the spy business? He closed his eyes. Everyone I know or care about is in the business now.
"John, are you OK?" Ellie was just a few feet away.
He opened his eyes, "Yeah."
He looked over and saw Ellie's face, her eyes stuck on the fountain, growing in horror at the memory of the previous night.
He took her arm and gently turned her away from the fountain.
"Oh, God. Morgan. How is he?"
"They're still asleep." He looked back towards his apartment and frowned. "Morgan had a very hard time of it. But it sounded like Alex calmed him down." He turned back to Ellie. "Have you had breakfast yet?" Get me away from here.
She didn't respond at first. She looked towards Casey. "No, not yet. Why don't you come in? I have coffee up."
"Sure." She's the only one who sees this mess for what it is.
"I think I kept Devon up all night, but he's finally sleeping and I haven't heard Sarah get up yet." Ellie turned and headed back in to her apartment.
He snarled at the fountain, turned and followed her into the apartment.
She called out from the kitchen, "Have a seat, John."
Casey stood in the dining area and stared at the chairs. He looked towards the kitchen and followed after her, almost colliding with her as she was headed out to him. He took the coffee Ellie had poured for him. "Ellie, I was actually on my way over here when you found me outside."
"I know."
"Have I been that bad?"
"No, not at all," she smiled. "You have helped me so much through the past year, too." She frowned, remembering Shaw and her father. "I have always enjoyed our talks. Chuck hasn't talked to me very much since you and Sarah showed up. I understand why, I just wish he could…" Ellie began to cry.
Casey held out his free arm and Ellie grabbed him, burying her face in his chest. He put his coffee down on the counter and hugged her with both arms. He needed contact with a normal person. Grunt. Chuck. Morgan.
"I'm so sorry, John, I've been a mess these…" she sighed and leaned her forehead against his chest. "…these last few days."
"Let's sit." He let go of her and took her by the hand. Ellie brushed the hair out of her face and grabbed her coffee as Casey led her to the living room.
…
Sarah's eyes opened and she smiled. I slept, I actually slept. Then she sighed. And counted. But, it's nice to wake up without a hangover. Sarah slid her legs over the edge of the bed and stretched. She then looked over at where Chuck should have been.
"Where the hell are you?" she pleaded to the empty room.
Sarah thought about all the times she spoke with Ellie and how much it helped. Why can't I talk to Chuck that way? I'd rip through the worst Far Eastern jungle for him. And all he wants to hear is how I feel. Don't I show him how I feel? She took a deep breath and reached for the door when she heard someone talking. Casey? He talks to Ellie? She smiled. Devon said she's everyone's big sister. Even Casey's.
She turned back into the room and looked for something to stall herself in order to give Casey a little more time with Ellie. She scanned the various items that Ellie had laid out to decorate the room.
On the desk, there were numerous pictures of Chuck and Sarah, even several of just her. One picture caught her eye; it was a shot of Chuck, smiling at the camera. That smile. It made her smile. It had been taken around the time Devon wanted Chuck's permission to marry Ellie. She was wearing her Wienerlicious uniform and stood off to the side. Ugh, I hated that place, but Chuck sure liked the outfit. She smirked. Maybe I'll surprise him with it.
Sarah was about to put the picture back on the desk when she took a closer look. She realized that in the shot she was looking at Chuck and seemed oblivious to everything else. It was quite obvious that she was very much in love with him. You were always that guy. Tears started to form and she wiped her eyes. Sarah looked back at the picture. I remember Ellie taking this. She laughed. We couldn't fool Ellie at all, she always knew.
With a smile, she returned the picture to the desk.
…
"Ellie, I've been meaning to check in on you for a few days now, but things have been…difficult." He looked down at the ground for a moment. "I'm just frustrated. You've really helped me with Alex. To help me connect with her. But when you needed me, I've been unable to help you."
"You've been looking for Chuck. That's what's important."
He nodded. "And Carina has really come through for us in ways I never expected. I mean, she's one of Sarah's closest friends and we have a…history, but I was always reticent to trust her." He shook his head with a half smile. "With all of us under fire, literally, she has been a godsend. We've just about exhausted every lead."
With her hand cupping her mouth, she repeated what Casey said. "Every lead?"
"Yes, I'm sorry. Sarah and I feel useless; we stick our heads up for a second and we have to dive for cover. It's one thing to go to war with an enemy you can see, but they've ambushed us in our home."
Ellie put a hand on Casey's shoulder. Casey covered her hand with his.
"And Sarah." Ellie looked up the ceiling and wiped the bottom of her eyes. "I haven't spoken to her since Devon dragged me to Castle. I really let it all out on her. She and I need to have one of our talks."
"You talk to Sarah?" Casey asked.
Ellie knew what he meant. "Yeah, I'm everyone's big sister, even Alex and Morgan," she replied with a tinge of sarcasm. "Everybody but my own little brother. All because he's afraid of betraying some state secrets." She paused, and that smile Casey always appreciated out of her made its appearance. "He knows I can get anything out of him, so he avoided me. Besides, isn't he the biggest secret?"
"Yeah. Actually, he is. Just don't tell him I said that."
She smiled. "Never. Besides that would break our trust." She felt his silence, "John, we've come too far for you to go back to stone."
He couldn't look at her directly and stared at his cup, "There was a time when I wouldn't have cared. I would even have been happy, it would mean I was done with California and could get back to some real work." He stalled by taking another sip of coffee.
"And now?"
"Things are different now. I have a family."
"Alex would be happy to hear you say that."
"I don't mean just Alex. I'm talking about all of you." Casey sank back on the couch. I'm talking about the Bartowski Family, the extended one."
Ellie smiled. "Believe me, you've been part of the family for a long time. What you've done for all of us…"
"…I've let them down," Casey interrupted.
"What are you talking about?"
Casey quietly growled at himself. "Protecting the asset, the Int…" he caught himself. "…Chuck. That was my job."
"That wasn't your fault, John."
Casey continued, ignoring her, "He was taken right from under my nose." He paused to take a sip of coffee from an already empty cup. "Excuse me, I need some more coffee. You?" He stood and waited.
"No, I'm good."
He nodded and headed back to the kitchen. Ellie didn't dare look, but she did hear a moan from the kitchen. A "dammit!" from Casey startled her. She closed her eyes and waited.
"Are you OK?" Ellie opened her eyes. Casey had returned, and the question was directed at her.
"Yes, I'm fine. How is Morgan?"
"I don't know. He'll need time, but he'll have to do most of it on his own. All we can do is treat the moron the same as we always have."
She glared at him. "JOHN!"
Casey put his hand up. "Sorry. Old habit. I really have to stop that. I mean, look at him. He isn't the same Morgan I met four years ago."
"Alex has been a very good influence on him."
Casey shook his head with confidence. "Oh, no. He earned that." He paused. "Alex doesn't know the old Morgan. She saw something in him we missed." His head dropped, and he closed his eyes as if in pain. "Now, I'm afraid I've broken him. I hope the both of them can forgive me."
"John, he did it to save your life..."
"He shouldn't have had to do it. If I hadn't left my goddamn gun in the house, I would've been able to take her out myself"
Ellie winced at how readily Casey would have preferred to do the killing. "He cares about you, John. He fears you, but he loves you too. He was protecting family."
"Would you be saying say the same thing if it had been Devon trying to protect you?"
Ellie put her face into her hands. "I don't know. I just don't know the answer to that, John."
Casey rested a hand on Ellie's back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you Ellie. None of you asked to be thrown into my world, Sarah's world, but you were. And now we have to deal with that."
They heard a door close. Ellie sat up. "Good morning, Sarah." She looked at Casey. "Any coffee left?" He nodded.
Sarah came out into the living room. "Good morning, Ellie. Hey, Casey."
Ellie got up and went to the kitchen. "There's still some coffee left," she informed Sarah as she passed her.
Casey turned to face the women. "Ellie, would you mind if we made a real breakfast? I think Morgan could use a little normalcy right now."
Sarah grinned. It was the best thing she had heard in days. "I would love some pancakes."
Ellie laughed. "OK, pancakes it is. That sounds normal enough." She looked right at Casey and grinned. "But you're going to make them for us!"
Growl.
"John…" Ellie glared at him.
"Fine." He slumped his way into the kitchen in full defeat. Sarah smirked. His 'big sister' has him wrapped around her finger.
"Let me call Morgan and Alex." As he took his phone from his pocket, it started to ring. He smiled, it was Alex.
"Alex, good morning." He listened and then furrowed his brow. "I thought he was with you." Another pause. "I'll be right over." He hung up, stuffed the phone in his pocket, and walked back to the living room.
"Walker, Grimes is gone."
"Gone?" both Sarah and Ellie asked at the same time. "Where did he go?" Sarah asked with rising concern.
"He slipped out past Alex." He groaned in frustration for not being more vigilant. "And I can't tell you when he was last in bed. Alex just woke up and I never looked." He moved towards the front door.
"I think I know where he is," Ellie said. "The beach. It's where Chuck and he would hide when they were kids."
Sarah turned to Ellie. "The video arcade at the Santa Monica Pier?"
Ellie grimaced for not having thought of this before. "Look at it from his angle. In the last year, everybody has made a lot of demands on him. He was a self-professed "greatest slacker in the world," and now look at him. He's now manager of the Buy More, he's had to keep all of your identities secret, he's in a serious relationship for the first time in his life. He criss-crossed the world helping Chuck find our mother…"
"And now he had to kill someone to save my life," Casey quietly replied.
Ellie nodded gravely. "Last night might have pushed him over the edge. Let me go get him. Seeing either of you right now might just remind him too much of last night."
Casey shook his head, "No. Chuck would never… I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you."
"I'll get Devon to drive." Ellie offered. "Let me go wake him up."
As if on cue, Devon walked out into the living room wearing nothing but his training shorts. He waved good morning to the three of them and headed into the kitchen. "Anyone want an energy drink?"
"I'd like to live," Casey quietly grunted.
Ellie closed her eyes and mumbled something about agreeing with Casey. "Devon, get dressed. We going down to the pier."
"Oh?"
"I'll explain on the way."
Santa Monica Pier
"There, there's an open spot." Ellie pointed out a space just a few yards from the boardwalk itself.
Devon turned the minivan into the spot and killed the engine.
"OK, you two," Casey reminded them of the plan through their earpieces. "Stay together. Or at least in each other's line of sight. And one of you must always stay in our line of sight." He nodded to Alex, and she got out of the Vic with a pair of binoculars.
Ellie nodded her agreement to Casey's instructions.
"You have to speak, they can't see you in here." Devon reminded her.
"Sorry, John. Stay together, line of sight, got it." Ellie repeated. So much to remember. That's what he meant last night!
"Protocols. Just like medical protocols," she whispered to Devon.
"John, we're good," Devon reassured him. He turned to Ellie. "Babe, what's the matter?"
"Nothing, hon. She leaned over and whispered to Devon in the ear where he wasn't wearing an earpiece, hoping Casey wouldn't be able to hear her. "I think I'm beginning to understand how that man thinks."
"When you do, fill me in," Devon smirked. He got out of the car, came around to Ellie and helped her out. They started their boardwalk 'stroll'. Ellie entered the first building, scanning for Morgan.
Devon lost sight of Ellie behind a large flight simulator game. "Ellie, come back, I can't see you."
"John, this isn't working, the arcades are huge and dark." Ellie paused for a moment and looked around. "I'd like to skip to the beach under the pier."
"Go ahead, Ellie," Sarah replied. "John and I will take a stroll down the beach." Sarah turned to Casey. "Let's take a walk, Mr. Walker."
Casey scowled while Ellie giggled. Sarah managed to keep a straight face, but Alex looked at her father and almost lost it. She ceased when Casey gave her an angry glare.
Ellie came back outside and took Devon's arm, pretending to be the perfect young couple out for a stroll. They spotted Morgan sitting on a bench, just off the boardwalk in sight of the Ferris wheel. Ellie had the earwig in her left ear and decided to approach Morgan from his left so he couldn't see it. Devon held back a few feet and kept an eye on the beach for Sarah and Casey.
"Morgan? Are you OK?" She sat down next to Morgan and faced him. She wanted to reach out to him but wasn't sure if he was ready.
He seemed unfazed by Ellie's presence. But he hissed at her, "Where are they?"
Oh, God, that's not the Morgan I know. Take a breath. Relax. "They're not here. It's just you and me, sitting on a bench."
She gulped hard; she hated lying to Morgan. It was not quite a lie but not quite the truth, either. But she wanted to protect Morgan. She felt a glimmer of sadness. This is how Chuck must have felt lying to protect me.
"Just keep them the hell away from me." Morgan put a hand through his hair and leaned over, resting the top of his head in his palms. He was beginning to shake.
"Devon brought me. They're not here. Just you and me." Another half-truth. A twisting of the truth.
Sarah listened to Ellie's and Morgan's exchange through her earpiece. A cold shiver went through her and she bit her lip.
"Morgan, why did you run off?"
Morgan was not really paying attention to Ellie. He was lost again in his own thoughts and fears.
"God, Alex. I've lost her. She's going to hate me. Can't blame her. I already hate me."
"No! Stop!"
Morgan plowed on. "Poor Hannah. Ellie, what happened to her? She was such a pretty girl, so sweet. You liked her, too. What did Chuck do to her?"
"Morgan, slow down! You're making a big assumption." Ellie was starting to panic. This is not good. I can't break his trust like this.
Ellie ripped her earpiece out, palmed it and then dropped it by her foot. She moved her foot to cover it. The feedback caused Devon and the others to pull their earpieces out. Devon saw Sarah and Casey sprinting towards them, but he waved them off. Alex couldn't see the exchange from the Vic. She got out and ran towards the Boardwalk. All she could think about was Morgan.
"Ellie, I can't keep up. I'm drowning. Everyone said to me, 'Grow Up, Morgan, Grow Up'. So I grew up and they stuck a gun in my hand. And now I'm a murderer."
Ellie's rising panic went over the edge. She grabbed Morgan's face. "No! Don't do this! You are not a murderer! You saved John's life!"
"NOOO!" He pushed away from her and stood up. "I should have been there for Chuck! I should have gone shopping with him! Then he would still be here with us! It's all my fault! Goddamn Buy More! Goddamn spy world! They can all go to hell!"
Morgan began to cry. He was beyond rational thought. He backpedaled away from Ellie but tripped and fell to his knees in the sand. He didn't even notice. "Tell Sarah to go away and take Casey with her!"
Morgan was loud enough for Devon to hear and he winced. He never thought the little guy, his friend, could feel so much pain. To an extent, Devon envied Morgan a little for being able to keep such an even keel, no matter what happened. But that Morgan was nowhere to be found right now.
Alex sprinted down to the beach, passed Devon, and came around the bench towards Morgan. She dropped to her knees by Morgan and wrapped her arms tightly around him. Morgan continued crying into her shoulder as she held him and rocked back and forth in the sand. Ellie looked ready to go to them, but Devon gently grabbed her elbow and hung on to her. She took the hint and simply watched Alex hold Morgan as if to shield him. A few tears came down Ellie's cheek at seeing Morgan like this. She pulled herself more tightly inside of her husband's embrace.
Sarah and Casey approached Ellie and Devon, making sure their path from the beach took a wide arc to avoid Morgan and Alex.
"Ellie, what happened with your earpiece?" Sarah gently asked.
Ellie bent down to retrieve her it, took Sarah's hand and placed the earpiece in it. "What Morgan had to say to me was, as the CIA might say, on a need-to-know basis."
Ellie looked at Morgan and Alex. She exhaled deeply and turned back to Sarah with a less guarded stance. "Sarah, how bad was it for you?" And what about Chuck? She didn't ask that out loud. I have to hear that from him.
Sarah was startled by the question. But it was obvious Ellie wasn't asking out of some kind of morbid curiosity. She needed to know in order to help Morgan in any way she could.
"The first time…I…"
"Yes."
Damn red test. Sarah was feeling even more ill at ease. She felt Casey's hand at her side and grabbed it. He did not pull away. Thank you for that, John. "I threw up and drank myself stupid for days."
Sarah paused and then looked at Ellie. "And I didn't even know the target." She paused and drew in a breath. "Morgan really liked Hannah."
"Oh, God." Ellie wiped away a few stray tears. She now understood all too well why everybody kept secrets from her. "Perhaps you two should wait in John's car. Morgan isn't thinking too clearly right now and is looking for something to direct his anger at. And right now, you and John are easy targets."
"You're right," Sarah replied. "Would you mind if I stayed at your place again? Morgan can have our place to himself. Maybe give him the space he needs."
Ellie shook her head. "Perhaps it would be better if he spent the night with us. I'd like him to know I'm around to talk to, if it'll help."
Sarah smiled. "It will. You've helped all of us."
Sarah turned to Casey and gestured towards the Vic. She gently pulled him along with her.
A/N: Rest In Peace, Hannah.