Don't own Chuck
Back at the circus Rita and Marco waited for Raul's return. They've mentally calculated the time it would take him to reach the Marina and return. Neither wanted to say it but both were worried anxious and the longer they waited the more worried and anxious they became. But they just sat at the table looking at each other with the phone in the middle wishing that it would ring. When there came a knock at their door they both nearly jumped out of their skins.
"I got it just stay put," said Rita as motioned for him to stay in his chair. She took a deep breath and told herself to calm down everything would be okay. However, herself answered back 'liar'. "Who is it," she asked trying to clear her head as she opened the door. She heard a voice she knew reply.
"Who is it," asked Marco. He couldn't hear whoever it was had spoken too softly and he couldn't imagine who'd be dropping in on them this late.
"It's only me," said Giovanni as Rita let him in. "I'm sorry for dropping by at this hour but I saw your light on and well... I was wondering if you'd seen Don Rodrigo? I went to check on Dad and found he was missing as well as his bed was still made."
"Sorry no, we've been here since curtain call... all of us," said Marco as he looked over at Rita. "I think I saw him right afterwards walking out with Alfredo come to think of it. Have you checked with him?" Rita gave Marco a look.
"That's what another person told me but he's missing too. But that was hours ago and he should've been back by now or I would think. What in the blue blazes could they be up to? I hate it when they're together."
"You know how your father is when he's with other people. He probably went out with Alfredo for a drink then people came in pub he knew and he stayed talking about bygone glory. Your father can talk your ear off when he gets going."
"That's true and especially after he gets a couple of drinks under his belt. I was worried about him but now I'm more concerned about the poor people that have to listen to him go on and on about days gone by. I didn't get a chance to ask you before how's your foot?"
"Better thank you," said Rita. "Well if that's it you know it is late and we all should be turning in. Tomorrow will be here before we know it and soon the crowds will be pouring in."
"Don't remind me although we did well tonight. That was one of the things I wanted to tell Dad... I thought it would make him feel good. For the first time in a long time we actually made money. You know I was worried about this European tour being a bust but it looks like things might be turning around. Who knows maybe our luck might be changing. What do you think?"
"I don't know but it sounds like things are getting better for us," said Rita. Marco gave her a look and she realized he wanted her to get rid of Giovanni but he had no intention of leaving. She just shrugged her shoulders.
"Where's Raul at," he asked. Giovanni just realized he was missing. "Oh I get it he turned in early. He had a rough night on the high wire. How's his shoulder? He was complaining about it earlier. I hope he'll be fine for tomorrow night."
"Better... Thanks for asking but it was nothing really. I put some Tiger Balm on it then he turned in early. We'll be back up on the wire tomorrow night. Well if you'll excuse us we were headed in his direction before you knocked on our door."
"Oh right, I'm sorry I shouldn't have bothered you at this hour, but like I said I saw your lights on and knew you'd tell me what I needed to hear... you always do. So anyway I'll let you call it a night and I'm sorry again."
"Don't worry about it," said Rita as she looked over at Marco. She couldn't let Giovanni leave like this. "You know I'm not really that sleepy. If you want, we can go for a walk around the circus grounds together and let Marco go on to bed."
"I'd like that if you're sure you're not sleepy... I mean I understand if you want to go to bed," said Giovanni as both Marco and Rita looked at him. "I mean if you want to go to bed alone... in your bed. Oh, you know what I mean."
"Yes I do and no I'm not sleepy," said Rita as she laughed. This was the distraction she needed. "Let me get a sweater then we can go," she said as she disappeared in the back of their trailer.
"You might as well pull up a chair and sit down. It's going to take her a while to pick one out to put on. Here let me pour you a drink while you wait."
"Thanks, I appreciate it. You know I just don't get what's gotten into Dad. He's been acting strange for a few months now. He goes off and disappears..."
"Then this isn't the first time he's gone missing," said Marco as he passed him a glass then poured himself one. "Have you asked him what's going on? I know I would if I were you."
Of course I have and he keeps telling me not to worry about it which only makes me worry that much more. I can't help but feel he's hiding something from me," Giovanni said as he took a sip. "You know I even followed him once..."
"And what did you find out," asked Marco as his attention piqued. Rita wasn't the only one who need a distraction and this was beginning to get interesting.
"Nothing really... he met Alfredo and another guy who always had his back to me. But I swear there was something familiar about that other guy. It was as if I knew him from somewhere but I just couldn't put my finger where..."
"I guess it's kind of difficult to recognize someone from behind. Did you ask your father who the guy was and why he was meeting Alfredo on the sly?"
"Of course, but in the end I wish I hadn't. He got all angry and huffy asking who I was to follow him around. Then he went on with he'd meet whoever he wants whenever he wants and that he didn't need my approval. Can you believe that? I was only concerned."
"I know what you mean believe me. But I think you were right to be concerned that Alfredo is bad news," said Marco as he took a sip. "You've got a right to be worried where he's involved."
"I know how Alfredo is and you can't believe the times I've wanted to fire him but my Dad keeps shooting me down. I'm Don Rodrigo, I'm the circus manager... the ring master. I decide who comes and goes. Well, all I've got to say to that malarkey is some circus manager. If he keeps up the way, he was going we'll be lucky to have enough money to send everyone home at the end of this tour. But you didn't hear that from me."
"Mum's the word, I know how to keep a secret," said Marco as Rita came back out wearing a black shawl. She looked at both of them.
"What secret? I know I took a while but you two haven't been talking about me? You both look like the cat who ate the canary."
"Who us?" said Giovanni. "No, I was just venting some of my frustration about my dear old Dad. Thanks Marco for listening, I promise I won't have her out too late." Then he turned to Rita. "If you're ready, we can go?"
"Just lead the way I'm right behind you," said Rita as she signaled to Marco that she had her cellphone with her. He nodded.
"You two go on and have a good time watching the stars. I might call it a night and turn in so don't be surprised if you find the lights out when you get back."
"That's a good idea," said Rita. That was Marco's code for he'd be sitting in the dark waiting or so she thought as she followed Giovanni out the door. "Now where would you like to go?"
Marco watched them from the window as they disappeared in the darkness. Then he went grabbed his jacket and slipped out the back through the same window Raul had made his escape before.
"I'm tired of sitting on my hands and waiting it's time for me to do something." They had a scooter they took with them attached to the trailer. He undid it then pushed it far enough away that Rita wouldn't hear him start it up. He had to kick start it a few time and prime it before it came to life. It coughed a bit before reluctantly starting. The scooter whined along as he drove down cobblestone roads to the Marina.
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Chuck sat on his Yamaha looking down on the pier below when he heard the gunshot and saw the muzzle flash through the portholes of the boat. He hoped he wasn't too late looking down he flashed. Gunning the engine he did a doughnut in the street kicking up black acrid smoke from his tires. He backed up across the street then did another doughnut to bring the bike back around into position.
"Here goes nothing," said Chuck as he opened up the throttle and popped the clutch the bike jerked forward as he ran through all five gears. Zero to sixty in under a minute but he was going much faster when he jumped the guard rail. Sailing through the night sky like some giant bird of prey, the wet team on the pier didn't know what dropped on them. Chuck took out the blue team like bowling pins then he laid the bike down. Chuck managed to get on his back as he kicked the bike out from under him. He and it went sliding across the steel deck plates.
"What's going on down there," yelled on of the men from above. They hadn't seen Chuck until his bike started kicking up sparks.
"There's another team down here," radioed back the red team leader. But his reply was cut short when Chuck got a hold of one of their H & K MP5As. He put a short burst into the gas tank on the bike. It went up in a fireball shooting shrapnel all over the end of the pier taking out most of the red team along with their team leader.
"Anyone listening down there get the data device from the target then get out. It is imperative that we get it. Does anyone read me?" There was no reply. However, things weren't all lost. They watched as their men regrouped back at the end of the pier. In the meantime, Chuck ran up the gangway then slid down the ladder below deck with his weapon in hand ready for anything except what he found.
"He pushed me," mumbled Raul as he stood there with his P-64 in hand. He just stood there in shock as he looked at Alfredo's body lying face down bleeding on the deck. Chuck could tell from looking at Alfredo there was nothing to be done. His heart had stopped beating so the blood was just oozing out of him. "My God, what have I done?"
"You've survived," said Chuck as he took the weapon from Raul's hand. He noticed the hole with powder burn around it in Raul's jacket pocket.
"What does this make me? Am I killer now? Is that what I do? I'm worse than him," said Raul as he started to spiral. Chuck shook him.
"No, it doesn't. Take it from me if you have to ask yourself that you're not. Listen he's got friends outside so going down the end of the pier isn't an option. Do you know how to pilot this thing?"
"I don't know... maybe, I used to do some speed boating back in the States but we'll need to get it started and we don't have the keys."
"You just leave that up to me. I want you to stay at the top of the ladder and be prepared to run topside to take over the controls. All you have to do is point us out of the port I'll take care of the rest."
"Why are you helping me after the way I treated you," asked Raul as he started to come to his senses and realized it was Chuck who was with him.
"I've been asking myself that very same question. But I've got daddy issues too so keep your head down and get ready." Chuck grabbed the fire extinguisher from below and flung it on the pier. It made a metallic ping then rolled down the pier. Topside he did the same thing then ducked down as men at the end of the pier opened fire on him. At the first lull Chuck shot both extinguishers. They hissed and shot around the pier as the CO2 inside spew out generating a white cloud that rolled down the pier like a smoke screen. He jumped up he jammed a knife he had in the ignition switch then got the boat started.
"After them don't let them get away," he heard a man scream from the causeway above. "Get a move on it. Go after them," he ranted.
"Get up and get us out of here. Keep your head down," yelled Chuck as bullets whizzed past them. He returned fire trying to be sparing with his ammunition.
"Hey, I know that voice," said Raul as he ran up and took the wheel. "What are we going to do about the boat lines?"
"I know you know that voice I do too. Just give her an all ahead and rip the cleats off. I'm running out of ammo and we need to get out of here now. We're not going to get another chance."
As Raul was trying to pull out one of the mercenaries jumped out of the white haze and onto the stern. The man tried to bring his weapon up to fire but Chuck blocked his arm causing him to miss then grabbed his shoulders and pulled him into a head butt. The man dropped his weapon then staggered back in a daze but shook it off. The killer pulled a knife and started back at him. Chuck dropped into a forward horse ready to meet him head on but was spattered by his blood instead and the killer dropped to deck. Behind him on the pier stood Sarah with her Smith and Wesson in hand.
"You and I need to talk about what it means to have a partner," said Sarah as she shot the lines after she leaped on board. The boat leaped forward and out in the port away from the pier. "Do you still have the device?" asked Sarah looking at Raul.
"Yes, don't worry it's safe right here. I've still got it," said Raul as he patted his pocket. Sarah gave a look at Chuck who just shrugged back.
"Isn't that just peachy," said Sarah. "Everyone is just going to be tickled pink, right Chuck? You can explain that to the General."
"Yes, it is but who's the General," said Raul as they pulled out of the port. "I get it need to know but it's all thanks to Chuck. If it hadn't been for him I don't know what would've happened."
"I appreciate the praise but let's just keep remarks like that to ourselves," said Chuck. "Alfredo is no long with us. He's below deck," he said as he handed Sarah the P-64.
"You didn't... well you know what I mean," said Sarah as she took the weapon from him. "Please tell me you didn't."
"Of course I didn't you know me and firearms. I took that off Raul. He was standing with that in his hand over Alfredo's body along with an exit hole in his jacket pocket. I think Alfredo must've thought that was the data device in his pocket and forced the issue."
"Well we're in a real pickle now. How do you purpose to get us out of this mess? I know you've got a plan. You've always got a plan."
"Yes I do, but I don't particularly like it. However, you can't have everything I guess. You just have to appreciate what you have."
"Is that your plan or are you trying to get yourself out of the doghouse. Because if it's the later you need to work a lot harder mister because that isn't going to fly this time."
"Did I tell you I don't need anything else because I already have everything I've ever wanted and more," said Chuck as he took her hand in his.
"Keep on trying you're doing better now," said Sarah. But as she was talking her phone began to ring. "See some of us keep our phones on. John, we're safe and sound in a speed boat in the harbor. ... Yes, Raul is with us and he has the data device," said Sarah. She had to hold the phone away from her ear as much screaming as he was doing. "Have you calmed down? You know there are longer words in the English language to describe how you feel. If you'll listen now I was told it couldn't be helped. Chuck has a plan he can explain it when we get back together..."
"No, it's imperative he gets back to the Zorros' trailer on the double. I'm afraid there might be a reprisal against them and beware of any and every one."
"Did you get that? I hope you know what he means because I don't. ... You do? ... Beckman called you. You'll explain what she said when we see you. Okay, roger out. You know I'm beginning to feel like the little fat kid here..."
"And a pretty one you are," said Chuck as he leaned over and kissed her. "We need to run up on the beach somewhere before the coast guard comes looking for this boat then commandeer a ride back to the circus."
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Up on the street that over looked the pier Marco drove up on his scooter. Down below looked like a war zone with fires and smoke everywhere. There was the pungent smell of gun powder that hung in the air. In the distance he heard the sounds of sirens getting louder meaning they were getting nearer. He was perplexed he didn't know what to do then a black van pulled up next to him. The side opened up and a familiar voice called to him.
"Marco hurry up and get in," said Don Rodrigo. Marco rubbed his eyes he couldn't believe his sight. Sitting inside was Giovanni's father. "I said get in the police are coming and you don't want to be caught here. Just try to explain to them that you had nothing to do with this carnage."
"Okay but what about my scooter," said Marco as he got off and put it up on the kick stand. "If the police find it, they'll trace it back to us."
"Don't worry about it we can always report it stolen. Just hurry up and get in unless you want to be arrested and tossed into jail. I don't think you can afford the police snooping in your family's affairs."
"How'd you know about what we do? Do you know Giovanni's looking for you? He stopped by our trailer searching for you earlier. He's really worried about you," said Marco as he got in.
"I'll see him soon enough," said Don Rodrigo as another man inside closed the door then locked it. They sped off and as they drove away two police cars with sirens and lights on passed them. "See I saved you in the nick of time. You've always been an inquisitive boy I'm sure there are questions you want to ask me. Well here's your chance, go ahead and ask."
"Well yes," said Marco as he looked around. There were four men inside and they all looked like someone you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley. Each was dressed in black with what looked like body armor on. "No on second thought, I don't think I want to ask anything. Well maybe one thing how long before we reach the circus?""
"Soon... very soon. But come on now you've got to be a little curious as to why I was at the Marina tonight? I think you can guess why if you try hard enough."
"No, I really can't... but you know I think we're far enough away from the police now. I can walk back to the circus from here. A little walk will do me good... some healthy night air from an invigorating hike. Just what the doctor ordered," said Marco as he started to get up. But one of the men behind him shoved him back down in his seat.
"Don't worry we'll let you out as soon as we get back. Oh, I see what's going on you don't like these men. They're new roadies I hired to take care of my personal business."
"Did they take care of Alfredo's too?" snapped Marco as he looked around for a way out but didn't see one. "Giovanni told me you were seeing a lot of him lately and you go upset with him when he asked what you were up to."
"See I knew you were a clever boy. Yes, Alfredo worked for me... well for us but I'm getting ahead of myself. I was like his silent partner. He did things for me and together we generated extra revenue for the circus. The same way more or less you and yours do... Oh, did I let the cat out of the bag? I bet you didn't know that but a share of everything you made as 'le chat' went to financing the circus. I had a similar deal with Sarah or whatever she calls herself these days and her father..."
"And to think we encouraged our sister to date your son. Does Giovanni know about this little arrangement? From the conversation I had with him tonight, I don't think so."
"Giovanni... well, Giovanni is my son and I couldn't very well involve him in something like this where he might go to jail. But not all fathers think that way.