Don't own Chuck
When Chuck woke up it was already light out. He stretched and yawn then rolled over to find Sarah sitting on the edge of the bed with Bunny in her arms feeding her. He propped himself up and smiled at her. She reached up got her pillow and threw it at him. Chuck laughed as she hit him with it which made him laugh even more. Bunny joined in laughing too.
"Can you stop that I'm trying to feed your daughter and it's hard to do when she's laughing," said Sarah as she tried to look upset.
"Then why did you hit me with your pillow," he said. He picked up his and smiled at her. "I think turnabout is fair play, don't you?"
"Remember I'm holding your daughter," said Sarah as she said as she held up Bunny who laughed then spit up all over him.
"I'm so sorry I didn't realize she was going to do that," said Sarah as Chuck got out of bed. With the front of his pajama covered.
They heard little feet patting the floor running towards their room. The door opened up and just before Sam leaped she saw what he was covered.
"Yuck," she said as she stopped cold on the spot. "Bunny got you, didn't she so what's up Chuck," said Sam. Both Sarah and Sam laughed.
"Come here I want to give you a big hug," said Chuck. He held his hands out to put them around her. Sam dove across the bed sliding over to end up next to Sarah.
"No way José," she said. She hid on the other side of Sarah then from cover she poked her head out sticking her tongue out as her the put her thumbs in her ears wiggling her fingers. "Weiner, weiner."
"You're a little stinker," said Chuck. "I'm going to get you," he said as he reached out to grab her but she moved back away just outside his grasp
"If I'm a little stinker then what does that make you… a big one," said Sam. "Phew wee, do us all a favor and go change then get cleaned up you big stinker."
"Sweetie I'm sorry that Bunny got you but please can you go get cleaned up. That smell is making me feel a little queasy so go before I add to what you're wearing."
"You don't want a hug too," said Chuck.
"Back up one step. You do and I swear I will heave. Now go get yourself cleaned up and don't expect me to help you."
"Why would you help him? He's old enough to know how to clean himself up or at least I thought he was or are that old that you need help? I saw on TV these homes where old people are helped… are we getting there?"
"Just wait until you get older then you'll understand," said Chuck as he left. Sam looked puzzled at Sarah.
"I don't understand," she said. "Or is this one of those adult things that I'm supposed to learn when I get older?"
"Something like that but don't worry you have time," said Sarah. She cleaned up Bunny then laid her back in bed. "We need to go eat breakfast then get ready to leave. We decided to fly this evening instead of waiting until the day after tomorrow so we can get there earlier."
"Are you sure this is a kid friendly trip? Because it doesn't sound that way to me," said Sam. "However, as long as I'm with you guys and Bunny I'm happy but don't expect me to eat any insects or guts. That's where I draw the line."
"You've got no sense of adventure," yelled Chuck from the bathroom. "You have to learn to live a little. Enjoy live."
"Chuck, she's only five years old," yelled Sarah back. "Don't listen to your father there's a lot to be said for having no adventure especially at five."
"Almost six," said Sam as she held up six fingers. "That's more than you can count on one hand."
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General Beckman was on her way in the building when her Major met her in the parking garage. She saw him standing there with a folder in his hand and she knew it wasn't going to good. He walked up to her car opened the door for her putting the folder in her hand as she stepped out.
"Something tells me I'm not going to like this. Roan don't disappear," she said as he started to slip out the other side. "Crap, who knows about this?"
"Just the agents on site and you… well myself included. I thought you might want to fly up so I have a helicopter standing by on the roof."
"Good thinking that's exactly what I want to do. Roan you're coming with me," she said as she handed him the folder.
"Crap!" he said. "Someone left the barn doors open and the cows got out. Wait a minute this was two days ago why are we just finding out about it now?"
"I don't know," said the Major. "We can ask the acting agent in charge as soon as we land. The senior agent as you can read took himself out of the equation."
"I want his life turned inside out. I want to know if he was involved and if he was how deep was his involvement. It might be that he snapped but I'm not buying it," she said as they got in the elevator and took it up to the helipad.
"Do you want to call Agents Carmichael before they leave country? This is kind of related to them and I'm sure Charles would be interested?"
"I'm sure he'd be too and no; I don't want Chuck to know we've kept a backup of the intersect data. I don't think he'd believe that we have it to reboot him if we ever need to."
"I don't even believe you," said Roan as they exited on the roof top. "But that's just me. I'm not a very trusting soul."
"Get in the chopper Roan. Major, you're coming with us too. I want you to wander around while I'm interviewing agents to get the lay of the land. The others in the Crystal palace might be reluctant to speak to me but they might speak to you."
"Yes, ma'am with pleasure," said the Major. He was finally going to get to do something that was clandestine. He'd waited a long time for this moment and it was finally arriving.
"Major, don't get too excited. You're going to have to get close to these people pretend to be their friend then sell them out. It might seem exciting now but soon you'll realize what it's like to betray friends because in this business you have none. You've only got missions and targets. Never forget that because if you do you're dead."
"Yes sir," said the Major as the cogs in his brain were turning over and over again what Roan said trying to process it but he didn't care this was his chance.
"Sir? I'm not a sir or gentleman Major. I'm a spy and being a spy… well I've done things a gentleman would never do and the truth is I'll probably have to do them again…"
"Oh Roan, let the man have his moment. Don't be a party-pooper," said the General. As she continued to read the report.
In about a half an hour they landed near the Crystal palace. She got off the bird with Roan and her Major to be met by Paul and Teddy. They went straight to the server room where Teddy did show and tell. While that was going on the Major went down to the cafeteria in the building and got a cup of coffee.
"Hey you came in with the General," said one of the men in black. The Major nodded. "Maybe you can tell us what's going on. We haven't seen out boss for two days and the assistant has been real hush-hush about everything."
"You don't know he committed suicide," said the Major. "But keep that under your hat I could get in trouble for telling you that."
"Crap, now I understand why the General is here. Our boss was the caretaker for the Crystal palace and to do something like that…." The man started to say. The Major could almost see the man's thoughts
"Do you have any idea what could have caused him to do something like that? I shared with you now you need to share with me."
"Well there were these civilians here yesterday. One was a police detective from Alexandria. I know because I saw his badge when he flashed it at the boss and there was the security administrator for the building next to ours. It a broker headquarters but I really don't know much about them or what they do. You see we've got orders not to mix with them."
"Did you happen to hear the Detective's name?" said the Major as he ran through his head how to make contact without setting off alarms.
"Derrick I think I heard him say. But I heard them talking about being broken into and that was why they came here. You don't think all this is related do you?"
"I don't know it's too early in the investigation to speculate but thanks for the intel," said the Major. He hurried off to find the General and report in. He had an idea that he wanted to run with now he needed to see if the General would agree to it.
"Roan," said the Major. "Have you seen the General? I've got some intel and a plan I need for her to approve. It seems a Detective from the Alexandria police force stopped by along with the security manager of the building next door. They were broken into I believe at the same time we were. I want to go downtown and talk to this detective."
"Major, why are you wasting Diane's time? You've got the idea run with it and see where the lead takes you. The General can't hold your hand forever. Spies have to be decisive and make decisions on the spur of the moment and above all never look back."
"So you're telling me I should just go for it? Okay I'll run with it. Do you want to come with me? I could use the help."
"No, I think it's time for you to stretch your wings and let you see what you're capable of. Remember the objective is to get more intel then you give.
"Roger that," said the Major as he went down below to commandeer one of the post's vehicles to drive downtown to the police station.
[In the meantime]
After Teddy's dog and pony show the General inspected the Intersect vault. She looked over the column and there had been some tampering she could tell. Then she went to the roof where Paul showed her the hole and evidence he'd gathered.
"I want to take those with me when I go. I'll have our lab in Langley process them so I can get the results back quicker. You're right this air vent cover has been tampered with the screw heads have recent scratches."
"I have to ask this but do you think Mark was in on this? I mean why else would he have done what he did. A normal person wouldn't do something like that unless there was something they were guilty of."
"I don't know and I really don't want to speculate until the investigation comes back. But you're right it doesn't look good."
"How could I not see this? He invited me over to his house… we used to watch the game and we drank beers together. What kind of man was he and was I a blind idiot?"
"If he was a double agent he did exactly what a double agent should do. Get in close to the target and find out as much intel as he could before he was found out. You had not way of knowing that until now. But we're putting the cart before the horse. He might just as well have snapped under pressure I've seen plenty of that. He wouldn't be the first and definitely won't be the last. I need to gather my people together and leave."
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Morgan and Casey sat poolside in their hotel in Acapulco. Morgan had a fruity drink with a little umbrella while Casey was nursing a Corona. Both had their feet up lying on lounge chairs poolside with sunglasses on under a bright sun.
"Morgan," said Alex. "There you are. I've been looking everywhere for you. Dad, Mom's looking for you too. We're going to walk into town there's supposed to be a nice little market that sells locally made pottery and jewelry that we want to see."
"Okay, knock yourselves out. We'll be waiting here for you when you get back," said Morgan. "Oh if you're going out souvenir shopping we ought to get Chuck something. Maybe a tee-shirt that says 'this is the only thing my friends brought back for me from Mexico other than diarrhea.'"
"Funny, I'll let you get that one or maybe I ought to get one that says I'm with stupid. Morgan we came here to spend time together. I didn't come here to stay with my mother."
"I hear you babe, and we'll do something this evening. I know while you're out why don't you see if you can find a nice Chinese restaurant…"
"Maybe you'd like it to have a ten-dollar buffet too," said Alex sarcastically but it went completely over Morgan's head.
"See that's my babe. You know exactly what I like. John you know it's crazy but Alex and I can read each other's minds at time."
"If that were true, you'd be hearing a few choice words right now," thought Alex. She turned and left before she put voice to what she was thinking in her head.
"Where are the boys," asked Kat. She'd been waiting outside the hotel for Alex and the men to show up so they could walk into town.
"We're on our own," said Alex. "But I know what we're going to do. Let's go shopping and while were shopping let's find a nice expensive Mexican restaurant with the emphasis being on expensive."
"I second that idea," said Kat as they started walking into town.
[Back next to the pool]
Morgan drank one fruity drink after another while Casey paced himself. It wasn't long before the alcohol slipped up on Morgan. With the warm sun and gentle ocean breeze Morgan was asleep within minutes. Casey smiled as he got up quietly then sneaked out handing the waiter a fifty to let Morgan sleep.
[Hours later Alex and Kat came back]
"Oh Morgan, don't tell me you've been here since we left?" said Alex but his lobster look said he had. "Morgan, you're sunburnt."
"What? That's impossible I don't get sunburnt," said Morgan as he tried to get up but his whole body ached.
"Oh there you are Troll," said Casey as he walked back down to the pool. "You didn't stay down here all this time did you?"
"Dad, you were with him you should've taken care of him. What happened to semper fi… leave no man behind?"
"I didn't leave anyone behind. He's right here. I can't help it if he doesn't have the brains God gave an ant. Boy, he does look a little red."
"A little red!" said Alex. "Let me put this in words you can understand. If he were a flag, he would've been flown over the Kremlin during the cold war."
"So did you girls get a lot of shopping done?" said Casey as he tried to change the topic. But Morgan moaned with each step he took. "Freaking Nancy," mumbled Casey under his breath
"Well we did do some and we found a nice restaurant I think you'll… well like isn't the right word. But you'll see this evening."
"Alex, I'd like to go out for Chinese but I don't think I can," said Morgan. Casey walked up behind him and slapped him on the back. Casey's hand made an imprint in the red of Morgan's back. "Augh! Don't touch me."
"Morgan, I'm sorry you were so stupid as to lay out in the sun all day but you're going to go with us to the restaurant or so help me I'm going to take the car and leave. You can walk home. Do I have to tell you that had you come with us you wouldn't be sunburnt right now? This trip was for us to spend time together and so far all you spent time with has been drinks with little umbrellas."
"John, don't look so happy yourself," said Kat. I feel the same as Alex. This trip was so you guys could show us how much you care about us and so far all if seen is how much you take us for granted… but if you do care about something it's not us."
"Oh Kat, you know that's not true. Don't be like this. Okay you girls have a restaurant picked out the Troll and I will come along."
"No, it's not just coming along. You have to come with us and you have to sit there and not complain for the whole evening."
"But what kind of restaurant is this we're going to?" asked Casey. Something told him that there was something going on and he... they were being set up.
"No you'll see tonight when we get there," said Alex. "Come on Mom we need to get ready. Oh you're both going to need to wear black coat and tie to get in." Alex and Kat disappeared back into the hotel.
"Well you did it Troll," said Casey as he slapped him again on his sunburn. "You pissed them off and now I've got to live with it."
"Ouch! Stop that I didn't do anything. You know who's fault this is. It's Chuck's. They see the way he acts and think that's what we ought to do."
"Okay, I'll grant you that. You know you are really red," said Casey as he laughed. "I want to see you get in a suit this evening." John slapped him again.
"Augh! I told you not to touch me… oh you… you… I know what you did. You let me get sunburnt so Alex won't be able to touch me. This was your whole plan when you invited me to come poolside with you. At least have the guts to admit it."
"I might not have done it intentionally but the results are the same. Let's go get dressed for tonight Mr. Tomato. If you're late you can always catsup."
"Funny, Casey, really funny," moaned Morgan with each step.
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The last of the crates where loaded in the container then the truck took off to the piers for shipment to Europe. The rest of the troupe said their good byes to those who were staying behind while the rest went to the airport for the flight over. The members would arrive about a week before their equipment so they had a week to play tourist before they had to return to go to work.
"Rita, do you have anything planned you want to do when we get to France. The reason I'm asking is I could use some help with processing our customs documents and work permits."
"No there isn't anything I really want to see or do so yes I can help you," said Rita as her bothers gave her a look. "What's your problem?"
"Nothing," said Marco. "But not to be your boyfriend you and Giovanni sure do spend a lot of time together."
"We're just friends and he needs my help so what am I supposed to do. Besides I know French do any of you know it? I didn't think so."
"Hey we're not saying anything," said Raul. "I think if Papa were here he wouldn't have any problem with it either. Giovanni has circus in his blood like us so if you decide that he really is your boyfriend then we'd be okay with it."
"I don't need your approval or anyone else's about the men I date. I see who I want to see and that's that. If you've got a problem with it… well get over it."
"There's no need in getting defensive we understand. We're just saying if some day things change we wouldn't have a problem with it."
"And I'm telling you to screw off."
"You know with a temper like that it's going to be hard to find a husband. Giovanni seems to be able to put up with you. Why I don't know but he sure seems to."
[Not far away Alfredo kept an eye on the Zorros]
As he was watching them his phone rang. He pulled it out the screen name read anonymous but he had an idea who it was when he answered it.
"Hello… oh it's you. I don't have anything new to tell you. I searched their trailer and it wasn't there. I don't know where they hid it. … I'll make contact when we arrive in France. I'd suggest we grab the daughter too," said Alfredo as he rubbed the side of his face. It was still sore from being clobbered by Rita with her rock. "Okay we can play it by ear once we're all in France. … I know you've told me over and over failure will not be tolerated. But I wasn't the one who grabbed an old man with a bad heart. … No, I'm not making fun of you I'm simply stating a fact. … Okay I'll keep you posted," said Alfredo then he put away his phone.
"I'm going to grab you," said Alfredo as he looked at Rita. "I'm going to make you regret what you did. Oh will you regret it. I don't care if the boss told me to keep my hands off I let one get away and became the sad clown. I wish I could get her even with her too…"
Suddenly, Rita turned around and looked in Alfredo's direction as if she heard him. He quickly disappeared out of sight then she turned back around.
"Is something wrong," asked Raul. He saw a change in Rita's face so he started looking behind her.
"No, it was just… well I felt like I was being watched. Has Alfredo made contact with us about Papa? If he doesn't soon I'm going to pick up another rock and knock some sense in him."