Don't own Chuck

The wet team deployed from the van then cross the street. Franky and one man entered the courtyard hanging behind the bird of paradise flowers for cover waiting while their partner circled around behind. Franky was a little confused when he got in the courtyard because looking at the apartment numbers they seemed to be out of sequence. He tapped the should of his partner to wait while he called it in to their team leader.

"George, there's something wrong here," radioed Franky. He already knew George wasn't happy with him but this needed to be reported. "I'm looking at the apartment numbers and they just don't seem right."

"Maintain communications protocol Alpha," radioed George. Now he was getting really upset with Franky and his constant questioning. This was just him stalling. "You know we don't mention names over the radio. Use your head which apartment has its lights on and where can you hear voices coming from?"

"Sorry George, I mean Homebase but I thought the apartment was supposed to be off to the right in the courtyard but now it seems to be at the opposite end."

"And does it have the apartment number that we were told outside it," radioed George as he shook his head. "Well, does it?"

"Yes, it does but I'm telling you something isn't right here. I think we should drop back and regroup. White isn't even here anymore so we can take our time and get this right."

"You... Alpha, you have your orders. Now get the lead out and carry them out. Charlie, are you in position behind the apartments... Charlie, come in. Charlie, are you in position, over. Charlie, do you read me?"

"Homebase, let me sent Bravo around back to check on Charlie and make sure nothing has happened to him. I can still cover the front."

"No, you guys hold your position. Delta, met up with Alpha and hand him the package then go around back and see what's going on with Charlie. Alpha and Bravo standby to begin the assault."

Sparky crossed the street meeting up with Franky and gave him the bomb then he retreated back into the street. Once he was there he circled back around behind the apartment complex. It was dark but with his night vision goggles he could see everything as if it were day.

"Mikey... Mikey, where are you? Why aren't you answering up? Mikey," said Sparky in a low voice as he made his way around behind the complex.

"Homebase, this is Delta. I'm making my way behind but I don't see Charlie anywhere and he's not answering my calls."

"Don't call out to him unless you see him. The last thing we need is from some neighbor hear you and think there are thieves trying to break in. They'll call the cops and we'll really be in it deep then. Remember people no screw ups."

"Roger that but I still don't see him," said Sparky as he walked quietly behind the complex. He knew he was near the right apartment when he saw the lights were on and he heard voices from the inside. "I'm almost on station and I still don't see Charlie anywhere."

"Homebase, this is Alpha. Will you reconsider my suggestion that we pull back and regroup? If Charlie's been taken we could be running into a trap." There was a pause of static on the line. George had to really think hard now. But just as he was beginning to think Franky might be right.

"Wait a minute," radioed Sparky. "I see Charlie coming out of the bushes zipping up his pants. I'll go find out what's going on."

"I think we all can figure that one out. Just get him ready and in three you're to go inside," radioed George as he let out his breath. He was going to have a nice long talk with Mikey when he got back then kick Franky's butt for making him doubt himself. Things were now on track again and going as planned or so he thought.

[Meanwhile behind Echo Park things started to unravel]

"Mikey... Mikey, where have you been? Didn't you hear George radio you?" said Sparky. But Mikey just shook his head with his cap pulled low holding his head down. His night goggles covered most of his face and the skin visible was blackened.

"George is pissed so you need to come up with a good excuse. Come on we need to get ready we're going in three," said Sparky as he moved to get near the back door but as he did Mikey moved up near to him.

"Don't get so close. Fan out so we're not bunched together. I can almost feel your breath on my neck," said Sparky. That was when he noticed what looked like a body lying near the dumpsters. "What's that? Didn't you see that before?" But Mikey didn't say a word he just shook his head and pointed to the bushes he'd come from.

"Dude, you need to lay off the coffee before we go on mission. Didn't anyone ever tell you that you can't own coffee. You can only rent it," said Mikey as he walked over to the body. He saw bare legs and feet extending from behind the dumpsters the rest of the body was bent around out of sight.

"Geez, someone stole the guy's clothes. Who'd do that in this neighborhood," said Mikey as he started to walk around. That was when he saw Mikey's face... the real Mikey looking back up at him with a glassy stare in his eye.

"You shouldn't have come after my family. You mess with the bull," said Chuck. The last thing Mikey saw was a bright light from the flashlight Chuck shined in his goggles blinding him. It stunned him long enough for Chuck to plant Casey's K-bar in his throat cutting his vocal cords. Sparky gasped as he grabbed his mic but all he could do was click it before he dropped to the ground next to Mikey.

"You get the horns," said Chuck. "Sorry but I couldn't risk you warning your friends. Alex two down. There are two more in the courtyard and the team leader is in van. You know what you have to do."

"Roger that, I've got them but I don't know if Dad is going to like this plan of yours. He's still going on about what you did to his Crown Vic."

"I know but it can't be helped. But the truth is he's only going to be mad because he's not here and he missed out on all this... he'd call fun," said Chuck as he looked at the two men he'd taken out. Fun would be the last thing he'd call this.

"Alex," he radioed snapping out of his momentary trance. "I'm making my way to the van. Keep your eyes open and your head down."

"That goes for you too."

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Sarah and Casey received an earful from the General who basically accused them of abandoning their post without authorization and in her words a Court Martial offense. This was compounded by the fact that Chuck was under fire and had little in the way of back up. Casey pointed out that Chuck had Morgan and Alex but all he got in return was a raised eyebrow and the General signing off abruptly.

"Well that went better than what I thought," said John as he looked over at Sarah. She just sat there tight lipped looking out the cockpit window. "What did you expect would happened? The General applauding our little rogue mission?"

"What? No, I wasn't... the General is right. I was thinking about Jack and not about the person I should be caring about."

"Now that's a little harsh. Jack's your father and unfortunately, we don't get to pick our relatives. It's like the luck of the draw and you drew Jack."

"But I picked Chuck and I promised to love, honor and cherish until death do us part. Why did I have to point that out? I'd feel better if I could get through to him but he's not picking up and I can't bring up any of the video feeds from the CCTV cameras in Echo Park."

"Either someone's got a signal jammer going or Chuck shut down everything so whoever's after him can't tap into the feed and see what he's got set up. But that gives me an idea, I might have a work around," said Casey as he put the plane on autopilot then pulled out his phone.

"John, what are you doing? You already called the downtown team but they're stuck in a traffic jam so if your new idea is to tell them to hurry you can forget about it." John just held up a finger telling her to wait one.

"This is Colonel Casey," said John then he gave the person on the phone his authorization code. "I need the live feed off one of our birds flying over southern California. I'll give you the exact coordinates but I need for the bird to zoom in using infrared. ... yes, I need to see what's going on the ground then patch it in to me at the IP address I'm going to give you. ... Of course, it's secured, who do you think you're talking to. This isn't my first time around the block. ... No, I've never driven a model-T and no I wasn't with Teddy Roosevelt when he charged over San Juan hill. You better be grateful I like you and I need this favor," said John then he hung up. "Get your facts straight," grunted Casey. "Teddy Roosevelt was in charge of the Rough Riders and they were Army Cavalry."

"Okay, I take it your buddy works at Fort Meade that's who you called. But can he come through for us? He could get into some major trouble for this."

"Not as much as if he doesn't. When you've been around as long as he thinks I've been, you know where all the dirt is hidden. Look what we've got," said John as he pointed to the tablet Sarah had in her hand.

"Okay, I can make out two men in the courtyard and one behind the apartments. But the one behind is moving around back out into the street. What kind of strategy is that?"

"Notice that all the bodies are white meaning they're emitting heat but there are two by the dumpsters that are blue. That means they're cooling off. I've seen this before they're cooling and soon they'll be ambient temperature... Chuck took them out. Looks like he's got his big boy pants on."

"I've got someone in our apartment but where is everyone else? Did Chuck get them out in time," said Sarah as she studied what was going on. "I can't watch this."

"Give me the tablet then and you watch our heading. We're on autopilot so there's nothing you need to touch," said John as he took the tablet from her.

"What's going on with me? I never used to feel like this before," she said as she felt like her insides were eating at her and she felt physically sick.

"It's called you're going soft on me," said Casey but before Sarah could answer he started to yell. "What the heck? Why are the two perps in the courtyard attacking my apartment? That's got to be a flash grenade. I swear if they aren't dead I'm going to make them dead. What did my Bonsais do to them? You just don't touch another man's tiny trees and expect to walk away. I've got someone coming out of your place. That must be Alex," said John as he reasoned. "That's my girl she's coming up from behind them and bang, bang our two perps are history. Soon they'll be a shade of blue before they go black. Looks like Chuck's got this under control."

"If you're right and that's Alex then that has to be him crossing the road heading for that van. Looks like there's one man inside. Come on Chuck take this butthole alive so we can interrogate him. Maybe we can finally get some answers."

"I wouldn't count on that. It looks like Charles Carmichael's back in Dodge and he's returned with fury.

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Carmen walked over to the elevator following the bellhop who was carrying her bags. She smiled as people stopped to stare as she walked by. Some of the wives of men who they caught their husbands staring popped them in the back of the head with their purses. She took it all in as she sauntered across the lobby and stood by the elevator waiting for the doors to open. But she enjoyed every moment.

"I thought you'd already be up in your room by now," said Margot as she materialized out of nowhere. "But I guess you can't walk very fast in that dress."

"Well, I would've but somethings you just can't rush and you'd be surprised at what I can do in this dress," said Carmen as she smiled at Margot. It was all Margot could do to resist knocking that smile right off Carmen's face.

"If you'll excuse me I need to go up to my room and freshen up. Maybe I'll see you later... or not," said Carmen as the doors opened. She and the bellhop walked inside.

"Oh, you thought I was here to talk to you? No, I need to go up too," said Margot as she watched the look on Carmen's face change. "I live in one of the suites on the top floor. It's one of perks that come with working here."

"Isn't that nice. Sounds like you run this place but that can't be right... I mean I thought Jack was in charge and you were hired help," said Carmen. The bellhop was wishing the elevator would hurry up and get to Carmen's floor before fists started to fly. Things were starting to get heated and very uncomfortable in the tiny cabin as they made their way up.

"I don't know where you got that idea from. Sure, Jack's in charge of the Casino but I run the rest which means I'm in charge of room reservations... your reservations."

"Does that mean you're the one I'm going to have to talk to in order to stay here next week? That is of course, if I can't get my business finished by then."

"You can ask but if I were you I'd try to get my business wrapped up before next week. There aren't very many free rooms and I'd hate to have to put you out in the middle of the street like some stray cat."

"I'm sure you would," said Carmen as the bell rang and the floor was announced. The Bellhop heaved a breath of relief as he hurriedly stepped out with her bags in tow.

"This way ma'am please follow me. Your room is down this way," said the boy as he desperately wanted to break up this duel with words before it became physical.

"Oh, one last thing, I don't believe you told the receptionist what kind of business you're here for," said Margot as the doors started to close.

"That's right I didn't," said Carmen as the doors closed and she started walking down the hallway with the bellhop.

"You're right in here," the boy said as he opened her door, put her bags inside then turned around and left. He was in such a hurry to get away that he didn't wait around for his tip. He knew trouble when he saw it and Carmen was trouble with a capital 'T'.

A few minutes later after the bellhop had left and things quieted down Marcus knocked on her door then came in after she opened it. In the meantime, she'd already changed out of her clothes and had a bathrobe on. She gave him a look as he barged inside pushing past her.

"We shouldn't be seen together. Why did you come to my room instead of waiting for me in the bar like we agreed?"

"I should be asking you what took you so long to get here. I've been in my room for a while waiting for you to show up. So, what took you so long? Did something go wrong?"

"No, everything went as planned. I just did a little recon when I came in and made contact with the mark. He was such a fool bending over backwards trying to help me. You should've seen him you would've gotten a laugh out of it."

"You know you weren't supposed to make contact with Jack Burton. What would've happened if he'd recognized you then all this would be over."

"I was a kid back then and if you haven't noticed I've changed a lot since then. Chill out Marcus, I've got everything under control... well almost everything."

"What does that mean? What aren't you telling me? Something else happened when you check in didn't it. Out with it."

"Well, yes but nothing major I can assure you. I met the assistant manager or hotel manager... I don't remember her title, a Margot Silverman. She's a real... well what you accuse me of being sometimes but to the tenth power. We need to be careful around her."

"Crap, we don't need this. Does she suspect you? You know all we need is for one person to dig a little deep into you or me and everything is finished before it starts."

"Don't worry about her. If she gets too close I'll deal with her like I've done before. Nothing is going to stop us we've come too far and we're too near. Now would be your cue to leave and let me take my shower. I'll meet you downstairs in the bar after dinner. I want to make a pass inside the Casino and try my hand at few hands of cards."

"Do you think that's such a good idea? I mean you're playing with fire in there. If Jack Burton sees you playing cards that just might jog his memory and..." Carmen rolled her eyes as she cut him off.

"I know... I know. It's not like you haven't said this a hundred times already," said Carmen as she mocked him. "Then everything will be finished and the jig will be up. Just go and let me get this shower. Riding in that rental of yours has left me feeling dirty."

"You know I could help you scrub your back," said Marcus as he gave her a coy smile. "I really don't mind giving you a helping hand."

"I'm sure you don't and if you want to keep it I think it's time for you to go. Now be a good boy and run back to your room but try not to be caught slipping out into the hall. There are cameras at both ends of the corridor."

"I know I took out them out before I came over," said Marcus as he walked over and looked out her window at the square below. It gave on to the square in front of the casino entrance. "Not a bad view. Although it could be noisy at night I've got a view of the flower market outside my window."

"That's nice but I don't know why you're bringing it up and like I said can you please go or am I going to have to toss you out on your ear and you know I will."

"Just a little trivial information. The Flower Market is in execution square so when they aren't selling flowers in it they're or were lopping off heads. That's something for you to keep in mind when you're doing these little escapades," said Marcus. Carmen gave him a look. "Okay, I'm going. I'll see you later down in the bar and try to be good."

"Why? When I'm good. I'm very good. But when I'm bad I'm better," said Carmen as she stood in the doorway holding the door open then closed it as soon as he left. She went into the bathroom where she turned on the hot water and had to wait for it to warm up.

"You know Marcus isn't wrong," she said to her reflection in the mirror. "It was rather brazen of you making contact with Jack and what did you get out of it? You're now on this woman, Margot's radar so for now you need to chill out and play it safe."

"That might be true but you need to get into Jack's office. He has to have Abe's package in there somewhere and to do that it's going to mean I'm going to have to take a few risks."

"You're going to have to keep an eye on Margot. If she gets in the way she's going to have to be eliminated."

"But I can't take her out too soon or the authorities will be called in and the whole casino will be put on lockdown. If she has to be taken out it needs to look like an accident anything else and... well it will be like what Marcus said over and over 'it will be finished'," she said as she dropped her robe then stepped into the shower. She felt the water beat down on her body and her tense muscles started to relax.

"The one thing I do know is that one way or another I'm going to see this through. Jack's going to pay."