Don't own Chuck
Chuck and Sarah got everyone situated in the hotel. The room and view were both great. They went out on the balcony and sat looking over the beach and boardwalk below with all the people milling about. Sam sat with her sunglasses on dangling her feet from the chair. Her legs were too short for her to touch the floor. Molly sat next to her and they both were trying to stay awake but they were in a yawning contest that was going back and forth.
"I get it," said Chuck. "Neither one of you want to go out this evening." But as he was speaking there was a knock at their door. "Come in," he said as he went to see who it was. As he went to the door the bellhop came in pushing a stroller.
"Excusez-moi," said the boy. "But this was left for you at the front desk earlier. A mademoiselle Hannah ordered it for your use."
"That was thoughtful of Hannah," said Sarah as she came in and checked the stroller before putting Bunny inside. Chuck handed the boy a tip for his trouble then he left.
"I don't know about the rest of you but I'd like to go for a walk along the boardwalk at sunset. How about you? Or do you trust me with all those scantily clad women on the beach we saw from the balcony."
"You're going to wait for me buster. You pushing Bunny in the stroller on the boardwalk would be a chick magnet and before I have to hurt someone I'm coming. We should let everyone on the balcony know we're going out."
"I'll do that while you get Bunny ready. Who knows maybe the girls have changed their minds," said Chuck but he wasn't counting on it. When he went back out on the balcony his skepticism was confirmed he found everyone fast asleep. Sam and Molly were leaning on each other snoring and even Emma had her eyes closed.
"Come on you two," said Chuck as he tossed one girl over one shoulder and the other one over the other. He carried them in through the living area.
"Chuck, what are you doing," said Sarah. "They aren't two sacks of potatoes." But he walked into the sleeping area then dropped them on a bed. They never woke up as tired as they were.
"They can sleep like this until we get back. Then we can change them and put them in bed properly. However, like this their days and nights are going to be screwed up for a while."
"Here you watch Bunny," said Sarah. "You're not going to do that to Emma. I'll go get her then we can go for that walk.
"What? I wasn't going to throw Emma over my shoulder. No, I was going to carry her in with the chair then put both in the living area," said Chuck. Sarah stopped and looked back at him. "Just kidding."
"I'll get her like I said." Sarah went out then came back inside with Emma. Emma walked over to the bedrooms.
"Have a walk for me while you two are at it," said Emma as she yawned. "Phew, these transcontinental flights are getting old for this gal. I'll see you two at breakfast tomorrow. We can make a game plan then but until then the girls and I are going to be sleeping."
Chuck pushed Bunny out in the corridor with Sarah next to him. She went ahead and pressed the button for the elevator then rode it down then out on the boardwalk.
"So shall we have go at La Promenade des Anglais," said Chuck as they started strolling under the palm trees. People passed by them and smiled. It took Chuck a little while to figure out they were smiling at Bunny.
"You're right when you said Bunny would be a chick magnet but it's not just chicks it's everybody. The French really like babies. Did you notice the way they smiled at her as they pass by?"
"I know I think it's a Mediterranean thing but if they like babies so much where are they when she makes a number two and has to be cleaned up. I'll be more than happy to let them take over." Chuck laughed.
"I think we've walked far enough. What do you think," asked Sarah. Chuck nodded back. "I'm a little tired from the flight over too. Let's sit in the first sidewalk café for a little while before we have to head back to the hotel. Don't get me wrong I like us being with everyone but every now and then I like to have a little alone time just you and me."
"Me too," said Chuck. He turned to her and kissed her then he pushed the stroller into the first little café on the boardwalk. It was cute all in white wash even the tables and chairs were white with umbrellas over the tables for shade. "Is this good for you?"
"This is fine," said Sarah as she sat down in one of the white chairs. She looked around. "This is nice, isn't it just the two of us all alone with no one around."
"Yes, like you said a little alone time is good," said Chuck as he tried to get the attention of the waiter. "Garçon excusez moi… Is there something you'd like?"
"Maybe a Campari soda with a twist of orange," said Sarah as the waiter came over. The waiter ignored them and went straight over to Bunny and smiled.
"Oh, what a beautiful little baby. She looks like a little angel. Can I take your order?" said the man as he took out his notepad and pencil.
"Two Campari sodas twist of orange and an appetizer plate merci," said Chuck. He looked back at Sarah but caught her looking over at the table next to theirs on it was a French newspaper. He smiled as he thought about what to do.
"Yes, this quality time together is really nice. I wonder what's going on in the world now that we've got a little us time," he said as he reached over to the table next to theirs and picked up the paper.
"Let's see what's what in Le Monde. Oh look at this there's an article about a wife who yelled at her husband who showed interest in a robbery only for him to find out his wife was interested in the same case."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I was simply pointing out that catching La Chat was the responsibility of the police not yours and that we shouldn't get involved."
"Really then you're not interested in this article printed in this paper about La Chat and his criminal activities. Before you say anything do I need to remind you about our pact no lies, no secrets."
"Give me the paper and shut up," said Sarah as Chuck smiled at her. "I just want to see how he's or they're pulling off these heists. Call it professional curiosity if you like."
"Is it just that or could it be more? Something from your previous life with Jack."
"I don't know what you're talking about and if you don't want to sleep on the couch I would drop it there."
"Message received and understood."
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Back in Langley the Major came back in with the report for their field agents but when he walked in the General's office her door was closed. Connie looked up at him from her deck and motioned for him to hold it down. He signaled to Connie what was going on so she motioned for him to follow her into the back of the office near the coffee mess.
"What the heck is going on? Why is the General's door closed? It's usually never closed or if it is I'm usually on the other side."
"Agent Montgomery just arrived in France and called in. She closed the door but not before telling me to keep everyone out until she opened it."
"Geez and everything is supposed to come to a standstill. I've got that report back she asked for. Now what do I do?"
"Don't look at me I'm not going in there and face her wrath. If I were you I'd just hang around out here for a little while until she comes out or gives the okay to let people in."
"I don't know if it can wait. If I take it in and interrupt her I risk her anger. But if I wait and she wants to pass some of this on to agent Montgomery I risk her ire so I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't…"
"That would be a fair assessment of your situation," said Connie as she poured him a cup of coffee then handed it to him. "Take this."
"Thanks… but I could really use something a little bit stronger right now," he said as he took it from her and took a sip. "Let me finish this then I'll go in."
"I've heard of people getting strength from a bottle but never from a cup of coffee," said Connie as she made herself a cup. The Major was about half way finished with his cup when the General came out.
"Connie, have you seen the Major? I was expecting him to report in with… oh there you are. What are you doing wasting time chatting with my secretary? Come on in we've got work that needs to be done. What did our people find out about this European tour?"
"It's all here," said the Major as he laid the folder in her desk. She took out her reading glasses then opened it. "But the European tour goes on annually more or less. I also ran the financials of the circus and found they're strapped for cash right now. That was one of the reasons they left their animals behind."
"Explain," said the General as she read the report. She could see she was going to have to call Roan back to pass on some of this intel.
"Well if they took the animals they'd have to clear them through customs and put them in quarantined which would mean they'd have to pay for room and board. When you're talking about a Pomeranian it's one thing but if you're talking about an elephant or a three hundred pound Bengal tiger it's another."
"I see and any of these people that were left behind could they be involved in our theft," asked the General as she looked over her glasses.
"No, none of them really possess the expertise to pull off this heist or the motor skills to walk a tight rope. Further I did some checking you'll find it towards the end. But the circus' arrival in Europe seems to coincide with an outbreak of robberies similar to the ones we have here. All high rises and the thief or thieves seem to enter and exit without detection. The French have even given the thief a name 'La Chat' the cat…"
"I know what it means. I bet their newspapers revel in gossip about this thief painting him like some kind of modern day Robin Hood."
"Something like that and get this there was a robbery the same night the troupe arrived in Orléans. I've included some of the articles from the major French newspapers. But they all seem to be asking the same question is the cat back."
"Well if I have my way the cat's nine lives are about to run out. Connie," yelled the General. "Get me Roan back on the horn. I need to pass some intel on him. Major one last thing is there any word on Colonel Casey? He should be in Spain by now."
"Yes Ma'am he arrived a little while ago and was met by our Station Chief out of Madrid. He ran him over to the Jerez de la Frontera airport in Cádiz and put him on a plane for Orléans. He should be there in a couple of hours."
"Good let's hope this thing is about to come to an end and we can move on. I have to say so far we really haven't needed the intersect. It feels like the old days before we had to rely on Chuck."
"I hope he's enjoying his vacation," said the Major. "We really have been over tasking him and if anyone deserves a break it is him as well as his family. Personally, I don't see how he can do it, be in this line of work and find time to have a normal family."
"Well Major now that you've gotten this confession off your chest maybe we can get some work done today. You're dismissed Major. Connie where's my phone call?"
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Roan walked into the Carlton looking around the lobby at the various circus performers rehearse their acts. He seemed amused and walked up to the check-in desk to find a sign that read 'back in five' so Roan strolled past the bearded woman smiled at her. He thought she smiled back but couldn't tell under the beard and moustache. He walked in the bar then sat on a stool and after sitting down he waved for the barkeep.
"I'll have a Martini with three olives and stirred not shaken. When you bring it to me I'd like some information."
"Information… what kind of information," said the man as he made Roan his Martini. The man looked Roan over there was something about him that puzzled him.
"Here's your Martini," said the barkeep as he put the olives in his drink. "Now you said something about wanting information. I don't know much but ask away," said the man as he toweled down the counter top.
"This is an easy one I was trying to check-in but there's no one at the front desk. It says back in five but it looks like dust has built up on the sign." The bartender laughed.
"You're looking for me. My name is Pierre and I manage this hotel the best I can. We're short staffed right now so everyone has to double up. Finish your Martini then I can get you checked in. I'm sorry but with the circus in town the only rooms I have available are suites."
"That's fine exactly what I was looking for and you've answered my second question which was what the heck was going on. I take it they are here on some sort of tour?"
"Yes they always stay here until they have their papers. There will be a performance tomorrow night they're still working out the location but there will be a sign downstairs in the lobby."
"That might be a good break from my business here. I'm supposed to be here for a rose symposium in the park. The topic is roses and their cryptic meaning."
"That sounds interesting but I don't believe I've heard anything about it. Are you sure it's supposed to be held here in the Le parc floral de la Source?"
"That was what was written in the invitation," said Roan. He downed his Martini then ate his olives. "Now if you can give me my key card I'd like to go to my room and relax for a bit before I go out. This is my first time in Orléans and I'm anxious to get out and try some of the local delicacies."
"We have some highly prized vinegars used in cooking and there are champignons de Paris mushrooms. We have other dishes and plates that I'm sure you'd like."
"When I mentioned delicacies I was talking about the blonde, brunette and red-head varieties. But I've got to eat to keep up my strength too." Pierre and Roan laughed as they were laughing Roan's phone rang. He looked at the number then hung up.
"It's the office trying to get in touch with me. I swear those people just don't know what to do if I'm not there. I planned this trip out to coincide with this symposium and now they're bothering me with work."
"Your company is paying for your trip here, no? So is it so wrong that they expect a little in return," said Pierre and not sounding very French to Roan."
"Maybe but some people live to work not work to live if you know what I mean. All work and no play makes Jacque want to jump off a roof."
"That I'll give you," said Pierre. "Follow me and I'll get you that key card." Roan walked back over to the check-in desk with Pierre but as they were walking back he noticed a girl with two men waiting in the lobby. They went outside only to have a group of unsavory types follow them out.
"Who was that who just walked out with those two men. I think I know her," said Roan as he faked a double take.
"Oh you might have seen her perform on TV with her brothers Raul and Marco. They're last name is Zorro they perform a high wire act. Their old man was good, I'm talking about really good but they told me he was taking care of things in the States then coming over. But I don't know the old man is getting up in the years and this life has got to be taking its toll on him."
"What? You think he's dead and they're hiding the facts for what end? It seems they'd get more sympathy and pity if they paraded him out."
"You don't know them so you can't understand but that would be the last thing they'd do. The old man rules as undisputed head of the family. Here's your keycard," said Pierre. "Come down and we can chat some more."
Roan took the keycard then picked up his suitcase and went up to his room. He had no sooner stepped inside when his phone rang again. He answered it putting it on speaker as he went to the balcony to check out the view and see if he could see the girl.
"Diane, I just got checked into my room and it's okay but a little old world style emphasis on old. I couldn't talk before I was gathering intel from the hotel manager slash barkeep. What do you have for me?"
"You need to get your hand today's issue of any of the major French newspapers. There's an article in there about 'La Chat' as the French call our guy. It seems every time the circus is in town the cat is active."
"Good then I'm in the right spot," said Roan as he watched the girl and her two brothers from his balcony. "As I said I just checked into the hotel where the circus people are staying until they get their permits in order. I need for you to check on a girl for me…"
"Roan, really you want me to check on one of your girls? Can we keep our head in the mission and off the pillow for now?"
"What? No… I didn't mean that Diane. I want you to run a background check on a Rita Zorro and her family. There's supposed to be some sort of patriarchal head but I don't know his name. Once you start looking into them you'll find they perform a high wire act and have been on television."
"Interesting, I'll contact our Station Chief and tell him to give you whatever assistance you might need. This could be the break we were waiting for."
"Yes… well tell the Station Chief not to get too froggy. I'll tell him when to jump and not to jump before. These people can spot someone who's not supposed to be here a mile away and the last thing we want them to do is panic and run.
"You're right. Try to find the location of the device. I'd prefer we go with the plan that substitutes it and we get whoever commissioned this heist but I'll settle for getting the data back."
"Well we're not at that juncture just yet. I've got to go get ready. Somehow I think this is going to be a long night ahead of me and I should get some rest first."
"Roger that Roan be careful Diane out."
"Diane, Diane, they just don't make women like you anymore," Roan said as he pulled out a pair of binoculars watching the girl and her brothers. "Okay now what are you guys up to," he said then he watched them split up. "What have we here," he said as he saw the goons behind them freeze in a momentary fit of panic then they divided up to follow their individual prey. "Smart move."
[Done on the street below]
"Crap now what," said the one goon. "We need to split up and follow them. You go after the one guy and you that the other while I go after the girl."
"We're not going to be able to leave a thirty-yard cushion so they're either going to see us or we're going to lose them."
"Do what you you've got to do," said the one man. They split up and tried to follow their targets the best they could. They wandered around the town until they were led in a big circle bringing them back together.
"Crap, what are you doing here?"
"What are you doing here? Crap, you're here too? Where are our targets? Did anyone see where they went to?" The men looked around but the people they were supposed to be following were gone. The one goon pulled out his phone. "Boss we've got a problem. We're coming in to explain."