Don't own Chuck

Margo was looking at Klaus and Gustav sitting in holding cells through one-way mirrors. They'd been at them all night with little or no success breaking them. They'd decided to clam up refusing to say anything once they'd woken up from their drug induced nap. Mike and her had tried good cop bad cop but nothing neither wanted to roll. Margo was tired of going easy on them and was about thirty seconds from sending them to a black site where other people could use more persuasive techniques to get what they needed from the two.

"Here you go, a cheese and egg on English muffin. Not exactly what you'd get at the golden arches but beggars can't be choosers."

"Thanks, I'm about finished with Frick and Frack. I think maybe it's time to send them to some place where they don't have to play nice."

"Just to let you know, I ran into Molly in the bar. She didn't say but I think she's waiting for Raz and she's figured out that something's going on with Jack. When she got up this morning to come down for breakfast she noticed Jack's bed hadn't been slept in and it didn't take her long to put two and two together."

"That kid is too smart for her own good. However, if she's waiting for Raz, she'll be waiting for a while. When I ran up to change and shower he was sound asleep," said Margo as she took a bite of her English muffin. "But that doesn't help me with what I'm going to do with these guys. Do you have any ideas?"

"We could each give a run at one telling them there's a deal on the table and the first one who takes it gets to walk. I don't think it'll work but it's something we could try."

"Then let's do it," said Margo as she finished her muffin. "Nothing else has worked and I'm short on ideas. The General will be calling soon and I've got squat to tell her."

[A few minutes later...]

"This is the deal Klaus you give me something on your boss and I can give you walking papers. You need to act quickly because my partner is offering your buddy the same deal. The first person who gives us something tangible gets to stretch his legs out of this place. The other one is on a dark flight to an undisclosed location where you're not going to have all the amenities you've got here."

"Yeah, go ahead... give me a pen and I'll write it out for you right after I shove it through your heart. Gustav might be a fool but he's not an idiot. We say one word and we're done for so you can take your walking paper and put it to practical use but don't forget to flush."

"Flush is what I'm going to do with you. I heard you boys like to play with electricity. Well where you're going and what they're going to do to you will be ten times worse. Once you're there you're going to regret what you said to me but then it'll be too late."

"I don't like to repeat myself but you know what you can do with that paper. I know what. You get that woman in here. It'll be a while before I'll see anyone that fine and it will be something to remember." Mike reached over grabbed Klaus by the hair. There was a loud ping as he banged Klaus' face off the metal table.

"I'm sorry. Did that hurt? You keep running your mouth and you'll get more. I only want to know about your boss, the Turk and who he works for. You deviate from that and I'll introduce your face to the table again."

"My oh my, aren't we touchy," said Klaus as wiped the blood trickling out of his nose. "I think you might have something for your partner." Mike was up about to reach across the table when he heard a pecking noise on the glass behind them.

"It sounds like someone wants to talk to you," said Klaus as he leaned backwards away from Mike's grasp. "I think you should go see what they want." They heard a second peeking sound.

"Don't worry Klaus when I get back we can pick up where we left off. If you want you can put a bookmark in it."

"I'm looking forward to it and give my regards to your partner. Maybe you two can swap out... you know to give me some incentive to talk. And believe me I've got things I'd like to tell her."

"I hope you've got a good dental plan," said Mike as he leaned in close to Klaus. "Because you keep up talking that crap and you're going to need some bridge work."

"I think you've been summoned," said Klaus as he turned and smiled at Mike. "Or do you want to kiss me?"

Mike knew what Klaus was up to and it was straight from the books. Antagonize your interrogator until they knock you unconscious because you can't answer questions if you're out cold. It was a dangerous game but Klaus probably didn't feel he had much options left. However, even if Mike knew what Klaus was doing, it didn't mean he didn't feel like accommodating.

"What is it," said Mike when he walked in the observation room and found Margo waiting for him. "I know I need to keep things under control and I shouldn't let him get to me."

"No, I wasn't going to say any of that. Here we just a report in from our people in Istanbul. The Turk got himself blown up earlier today," said Margo as she handed him some photos. "You might drop these in front of your guy. I have copies and I'm going to do the same with mine."

"You know this gives me an idea," said Mike as he looked at the crude photos. "What if we tell each we're going to cut them loose but hold the other?"

"Yes, make it look like they ratted out the Turk. We could even make a deposit in their name in an account in the Caymans. It wouldn't take long for the word to get out."

"And have a target put on their back. I know if I were them I'd be sweating thinking someone would do worse to me."

"The table gets turned on them. They go from predator to prey. Let's do it."

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Mary arrived on scene in time to see the ambulance leave with what she assumed was the body. The rescue team had to work hard to get the remains out of the wreckage. She gave a quick glance around then got out of her Embassy car walking straight over to what was left of the Mark's car. She pulled out a flashlight from her purse and began looking over the twisted metal.

"Halt, was machen Sie hier," said a police officer as he came up to Mary but she ignored him playing dumb until he started speaking English. "Excuse me but you can't be here. This is an active investigation."

"I'm sorry but I was sent here from the Embassy and I need to see what happened," said Mary as she noticed a crushed takeaway cup inside the wreck."

"We'll send the Embassy a full report as soon as one is written but this is our jurisdiction which means you're going to have to..."

"Can I just see one thing," said Mary. She didn't wait for the policeman to say yes or no but reached into the car and pulled out the cup. "Does this smell like coffee to you?"

"I'll take that if you don't mind," said the man as he took it from her but in the tug of war some of what was left inside spilt on the ground. Mary took out a tissue and wiped the spot then put it in her purse. "We wouldn't want to be accused of dirtying up the environment. So, what do you think happened here? I know you said we have to wait for you to write up your report but can't you give me something I can take back. The Ambassador will have my butt if I come back empty handed."

"Right now, it's a mystery. As you might know some European cars have onboard black boxes like airplanes for lower insurance rates..."

"Yes, I know that and what did this one say? I'm assuming you were able to retrieve it and the data or you wouldn't have mentioned it."

"Of course and a quick check didn't show any anomalies with the brakes or steering. We're going to have to take what's left and give it the once over but it's looking like human error."

"You think the driver was distracted by something or maybe he spilt some of that hot coffee on himself and lost control for a moment which caused the accident? I mean it does seem logical."

"At this point anything is possible and for all we know your man was attacked by aliens who caused him to run into the back of the lorry."

"I'd like to see you put that in your report but I hear what you're saying. It's too early to tell, which is what I'm going to go with and not the alien thing."

"I think that would be prudent," said the German policeman as he smiled at Mary. "Now, if you don't mind I need to get back to work and you need to leave or you can be a guest of the Bundersrepublik for the night."

"As much as I'd like to see you try, I've got other things to do," said Mary in perfect German. "Don't work too hard and a little heads up. The BND will be contacting you soon and they'll want everything including that coffee cup you're holding so don't lose it. Not if you don't want to end up directing traffic in some out of the way town. I suggest you cooperate fully with them but that's me returning the favor."

Mary turned and left as the policeman just stood there watching her walk away. Something had just happened but he wasn't sure what it was. However, it was definitely something he had no desire to be involved in.

Mary got in her car and called Jim telling him she was going over to Talebort's apartment to have a look around. He didn't argue that much which made her wonder if he hadn't figured out he'd screwed up by not digging deeper into Talebort. Once she got over to Mark's apartment she made short work of the door lock and security system he had installed.

"So, Mark, what secrets were you hiding from us," she said as she started looking around. She started from the farthest room then worked her way back to the living room. She was in the kitchen when she heard someone at the door. Grabbing a knife from the butcher's block on the counter she quickly went to the door.

"There are two of them," she said as she heard footsteps outside. As soon as the first person entered she shoved him to the ground then held the knife to the neck of the second person.

"What the heck are you doing," yelled Jim as he rolled over on the floor. Mary looked at the wide-eyed Ambassador she was holding at knife point.

"Sorry, but I told you I was here and you come in unannounced like this. What did you think I was going to do? I thought you were the same people who did a number on your boy Talebort. Identify yourselves next time or it could end badly for you."

"I always knew you were unhinged but this is the proof. You need to get out of here and out of Berlin right this very moment."

"And you're going to let Talebort's murder or murders get away. Can't you see he was in over his head and he didn't know how to swim."

"No, I don't see that and so far, I haven't seen any proof that Talebort was murdered. The only thing I see is you doing whatever crazy thing it is you're doing. Madam Ambassador, I apologize on behalf of the agency for this crazy woman."

"What are you apologizing for... your incompetence? I think Talebort was poisoned, and it was probably in his coffee. There was a takeaway cup in his car and I was able to get a sample. We'll run it to see what was used," said Mary as she pulled out the napkin.

"You can't know that. You're just throwing out things hoping something sticks. I drink coffee too in the morning and I get it to go."

"And you don't share," said Mary as the Ambassador gave her a look. "It's a long story. But the cup in the car was the kind of disposal takeaway cups they sell in the commissary. Secondly the coffee was perked American coffee. I could tell by the smell."

"So, he made coffee before he came into work and filled a cup he had here. That doesn't mean anyone poisoned him or that he was even murdered."

"Show me where the coffee pot is in the kitchen or where he keeps his takeaway cups? I've already looked and he has neither. Add that to the fact his bed is made and that tells us he wasn't here last night and where ever he was that person was the last to see Mark Talebort alive. I agree that doesn't make them a murderer but things are starting to look fishy. Why didn't you know Talebort had a significant other? And don't say he didn't. He slept with them last night and they made him coffee."

"None of what you said definitely points to anything other than he was a very private person," said Jim trying to dig himself out of the hole he'd dug for himself.

"No, but there are a lot of little things that add up to something big. We could wait for the exams to come back but if I'm right we might not have time. I have a plan to whack-a-mole already in place and I just need twenty-four hours."

"I really didn't know Mr. Talebort," said the Ambassador. "But I don't like the idea that someone on my staff was dirty. Those are some serious accusations you're making against someone who can't defend himself. However, I hate even more the idea that he was murdered. If he was then I want to know and if possible by whom and why. So, all right you've got your twenty-four hours but I expect results."

"I want to know more about this plan of yours to whack-a-mole as you call it."

"I don't have time right now to get into it but I'm sure it will work."

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Mike and Margo walked out of the observation room and started heading back to their respective interrogation rooms when they ran in to Jack. He'd been in the dungeon all night long, sleeping in one of the detention cells. It was the only place they could think of to keep him until they found out what was going on and make sure he was safe.

"Hold up there a minute," said Jack. "I need to know how long I'm going to have to stay down here in this gopher hole. I'm not saying I don't appreciate the hospitality but I don't. I need to go to my office and get work done, that tournament isn't going to plan itself."

"While I can understand what you need to get done, we don't want this to be your last tournament. Let us find out if your friends have other friends here in the casino then we can work something out."

"I have an aversion to getting shoot so I appreciate the concern... I do but like I said this tournament comes around only once a year and we don't want anything to fall through the cracks. Diane won't be happy if it does or do I need to remind you?"

"Okay, I hear you. I'll send a couple of my men up with you to protect you and don't give them any of that special scotch. But you're still going to have to wait for a few while Mile and I finish with your friends."

"I guess I don't have any choice then but wait," said Jack as he walked out into the operations area. Everyone was busy looking at monitors or typing on keyboards or both. He walked into the break area where he helped himself to a croissant and made himself a cup of coffee. Emma would be up soon and when she found his bed hadn't been slept in she'd start to wonder if he wasn't back up to his old tricks.

"I could call her," he said as he took out his phone taking a bite out of his croissant. "But after everything you've pulled do you think she'll believe you? I know it's true and I wouldn't even believe myself."

As he was going through his existential crisis his phone started to ring. At first he thought it was Emma, who'd beat him to the punch but caller ID said anonymous.

"This has to be Sarah or the Turk calling," he said as he reluctantly answered it. When he heard Sarah's voice he felt relieved. "Darling, it's you. What a pleasant surprise but if you're looking for your mother I'm not near her right at the moment. How's the schnook?"

[Back in Castle Sarah had the call on speaker]

"The schnook is fine," said Chuck. "And how about you Jack? What's going on? Have you been up to it again?"

"Let me do the talking," said Sarah as she gave Chuck a look. "So, Jack how are things over there and have you swindled anyone lately."

"Swindled? Who me? That's what you think of your old man, some two-bit thief? Darling, a thief has to run out of town as fast as he can, but a good conman a good conman can leave whenever he wants."

"I remember Dad, but I found this cryptic message on the windshield of our car today when we came out of Sam's school that asked if I'd talked to you lately. Do you have any idea why'd someone would leave a note like that for me?"

"Well, offhand I'd say it might've been a note intended for someone else and they put it on your car by mistake. They said 'Dad' in the note not Jack so they could've meant any dad."

"Nice try but we were in a herder and that's one car that's hard to get mixed up for another. Besides there's something in your voice... are you up to your old tricks?"

"Old tricks? What old tricks? The only tricks I'm mixed up in is trying to plan this poker tournament and I've got the schnook to thank for this. He was the one who came up with this bright idea to do this so you people can exchange tells."

"Information Jack, we're exchanging information, not tells and this is important. We're keeping everyone honest and protecting lives at the same time."

"You use your fancy lingo and I'll use mine and in my world it's called a tell. Look, I'd like to chat some more with you but I've got to get to work. That tournament isn't going to take place if I don't finish making the arrangements. Say hello to the runt and hi to Bunny too," said Jack then he hung up.

"Well that was a good conversation," said Chuck as he put his arm around her. "Productive even and Jack seemed to be doing well, don't you think?"

"He was lying through his teeth and I'm going to find out what he was lying about. I could call Mom but I don't want to worry her."

"You could call Margo and ask her. She might know what Jack is up to. After all part of her job is babysitting him."

"I don't know about calling her. What if he is up to something and she doesn't know? I don't want to rat him out."

"You could call her and let her tell you. I'm sure if she thought he was up to something she'd tell you. If nothing else so you can put him back on the straight and narrow."

"That's a good idea. I knew there was a reason I married you. Smart as well as handsome," she said as she kissed him.

"Yuck, I think I'm going to be sick," said Casey as he walked in. "Can't you two let it alone at least while other people are around like me. Now what's going on and don't say nothing because I know better so spill it."

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Gina kept her head down avoiding looking at Mary. She knew it was stupid on her part but the way her boss had ranted about this woman she thought she might be able to see right through her and this was something she couldn't afford right now. The woman and her boss had just gotten on the elevator when she got the call from above to tell them not to come up.

"I'm sorry but they're in the elevator on their way up," she said without turn around. She hung up then looked at her watch. She leaned back in her chair and relaxed for a moment as she took a sip of coffee from her takeaway cup.

"Okay, time to finish that filing," she said but before she got started the office phone rang. From the caller ID she saw it was Langley. Her boss, Jim, had it drilled into her head that he was the only one authorized to take calls on the secure line from Virginia. However, he wasn't here and the phone kept ringing so she decided to pick up.

"Agent Westpole," she said as she picked up the receiver. She heard a woman's voice on the other end. "I'm sorry but the Station Chief is out of the office at the moment. He had to go talk with the Ambassador and I don't know how long he's going to be. Can I take a message and have him call you back? ... Yes, I have paper and pen. ... Okay, I'm ready when you are. ... Yes, I've got that and I'll make sure he gets this as soon as he walks in. ... Thank you and have a good day too," she said then the line went dead.

"Crap, I hope I didn't screw that up," she said as she replayed the conversation in her head. She couldn't think of any slip ups other than she might've been too perky. "That can get you into trouble sometimes," she thought as she wrote a note for Henson.

"General Beckman's secretary called to inform you that Agent Montgomery was being sent to visit us. She didn't say why just that we should meet him at the airport and not let anything like what happened before from repeating itself."

"Do I tell him she said there will be consequences if it does or just wait and tell it to him? I think I'll opt for omitting it because he has to know that's implied," said Gina as she signed the note then glanced at her watch and at the phone wondering why she hadn't received a phone call yet.