Don't own Chuck
Chuck was in his room getting into costume so he and Zondra could go down to the lobby. He was going to go to the restaurant for breakfast while she wanted to go for an early morning run. Zondra hovered over him chomping at the bit for him to get a move on it as she stretched out. Finally he told her to go ahead without him so he could get some peace and tranquility. It was amazing how fast he could get ready without her barking in his ear.
"I know what I promised," said Chuck as he checked his makeup in the mirror. "But never again." He finished getting dressed then the last thing he did was to grab his cane on the way out the door. On the other side of the door he started limping.
"I should've brought an antacid," he said to himself as he rang for the elevator. "I'm liable to get acid reflux during breakfast when she gets back. I wonder how the CAT squad got anything done." The doors opened to the elevator and Chuck got in. He pushed the button for the lobby and the elevator started down. "You'd better keep that to yourself if you want to sleep in the bedroom when you get back."
Meanwhile in the lobby a small squabble arose because the McDonald's Pablo went to has just opened so the grill was still cold. He had to wait around until finally after twiddling his thumbs for almost an hour it was ready. He drove back to the hotel as fast as he could but found the Manager and Juan tapping their feet wondering what had taken him so long. Juan prepared the cart then grabbed one of the busboys sending him off with it.
"Here take this up to the penthouse to Mr. La Barba right away he's been waiting for this," said Juan. "For this time and this time only take the guest elevator I'll cover for you with the Manager but he's been waiting on this for a while."
"So you want me to take food up to that... I mean to Mr. La Barba after he's been starving and getting cranky?"
"Yes, just go and do your job everything will be okay. Don't worry about it," said Juan. The busboy started pushing it but he did worry about it. He couldn't help wondering if he wasn't some sort of sacrificial lamb being sent to slaughter. The boy pushed the cart slowly towards the elevator thinking about how many ways this could go wrong for him when one he hadn't even thought of happened. On his way to the elevator Sheila came up behind him.
"Is that cart going up to Mr. La Barba's room," she asked in a soft seductive voice as she laid her hand gently on the boy's shoulder stopping him in his tracks. He smiled back at her as his heart race. She drew close enough to him that her perfume filled his senses. He was the fly and she was the spider dinner was served up hot and steamy.
"Yea... yea... yes," he said as he tried to swallow the knock he had in his throat having a hard time speaking. "This is his breakfast he called down for. If you want the same I can arrange something for you. I've got pull in the kitchen," he said trying to impress her.
"What say you give me this cart," she said as she handed him money that equaled to a month's salary. This wasn't the type of payment he was expecting but the money was good and he could definitely put it to some good use.
"I really shouldn't I could get into trouble," he said so she doubled it and threw in a kiss on the cheek. "Well I guess it's okay just after it's delivered could you leave the cart in the hallway I'll pick it up later."
"Sure so do we have a deal," asked Sheila. The boy took her money then left. He decided it would be a good idea to lay low for a bit then come back for the cart later. He could go up pick up the cart and no one be the wiser and he'd have money enough to go have some fun.
Sheila stood there as the elevator door opened and an elderly man with a limp got out. He smiled at her then acted funny like he was going to pass out.
"Are you feeling all right," asked Sheila as she helped steady the man. "You should go to the lobby and sit down for a while until this passes."
"No I'm fine but I think I need to go back up to my room and get my medication. Do you mind if I ride up with you? Do you work here?"
"Well, I was going up to see... well I was going up. But no I don't work here," said Sheila as she and Chuck got back on the elevator. "I'm going up to surprise someone with breakfast." They climbed on the elevator together and the doors closed behind them.
"Oh that's nice Ms. Swanson but aren't you afraid to face Ettore by yourself without back up? I know I would be and I don't scare easily."
"Excuse me but how do you know my name and where I'm going?" asked Sheila as she put her hand in her purse. Her face went gray as she tried to stare down Chuck.
"I'm sorry we have never been properly introduced and I have a tendency for theatrics. I guess it has to do with something I picked up in school. You know I was a very good Perchik in 'Fiddler on the Roof."
"You're rambling and you haven't answered my question. How do you know my name and where I'm going? Do you work for La Barba?" Sheila was about thirty seconds away from drawing on Chuck.
"No... heavens no, that jumped up little twerp there's no way I'd work for him. I'm sorry let me begin again. My name Ms. Sheila Swanson of Interpol is Kolonel Juri Sheshenov of the FSB and we know everything. Like how you couldn't be fired from your last post so instead they promoted you to get rid of you. My guess is they stuck you here hoping you'd quit. Too bad that your people don't appreciate the good agent you are. I've known other women in your position beautiful and smart. Your male bosses feel threatened as well as their wives."
"I never did anything in Lyons to deserve the reputation they gave me," blurted out Sheila. She couldn't understand why she felt she needed to defend herself especially to a stranger.
"I for one believe you. You unfortunately have had the misfortune of working for some narrow minded bigots. We would've treated you differently on that you can rest assured."
"That may be but I'm not defecting. If that's what this is," said Sheila. Chuck laughed and she turned red. He could tell she was getting angry with him. Now he was doing to Sheila what Zondra had done to him.
"I'm sorry I'm being rude but no I don't want you to defect. I think you're in the place you ought to be in charge."
"Good because I wouldn't. So Kolonel cutting through your flattery you are a bit out of your jurisdiction being here aren't you? I suppose you won't share with me what you're up to."
"I can't tell you everything but I might be out of my jurisdiction; however, only one of us is about to take the law in her own hands. What are you carrying in your bag? Your Glock service piece or something unregistered with the serial numbers filed off. I hope there's a warrant with it."
"I don't need a warrant La Barba is a wanted criminal and as such I can arrest him on the spot. I'm not afraid of him or his goons for that matter."
"Do you want to get yourself killed like your assistant Martin LaBlanc?" She gave him a look when he mention Martin's name. "Yes I know what happened in the Penthouse and I can understand you wanting to get even but this isn't the way take my word for it. I've been down the road you're on and it usually ends badly for everyone involved."
"Why should I listen to you? Like I said I'm just going to go down wheel this cart in through the door then point my gun at Ettore's face and get some answers to my questions."
"Then when his security pulls their guns on you what will you do? You'll be in a Mexican standoff you shoot, they shoot and for what? Ettore will tell you he was out and has no idea who killed your man. I can tell you he was out..."
"I know I've been told that but that doesn't mean anything. Before you say it I know Martin was on the take and a snitch for Ettore."
"He was? Well that's interesting to know. See you told me something I didn't know. We can help each other if you're willing to work with me. I've got a dinner meeting with Ettore at his farm this evening. He thinks I've come to talk to him about an arms deal when I'm here for something else. Don't ask what I can't tell you but if things work out right there will a lot of confusion. We can use this to our advantage. I'll do what I need to do and you can take Ettore. We meet back up you come with me and we head for the airport. I have a plane waiting on deck as soon as we're all aboard we take off and as soon as we're out you can contact your people about where you want to take Ettore."
"I get full credit for the grab and you're not doing anything illegal?" asked Sheila. She was turning the idea over in her head and it sounded good.
"Do I look like I care about who takes the credit? No I don't need nor do I want it as far as anything illegal goes no I'm not doing anything illegal. That's all I can tell you because if you get caught I don't want my mission compromised because of you."
"Very well... all right I'm in," said Sheila. She'd never admit it but his plan was better than hers and it had the advantage of probably not getting her shot. "So what do you want me to do?"
"Get dressed in something eye catching, men are more pliable with a pretty smile but I think you already know that, then wait for me outside your apartment. I'll be by around a half past eight to pick you up."
"I'm not going to ask how you know where I live?"
"Like I said we know everything."
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Sarah was late getting into Castle. Sam and Clara were slow getting up then she had to feed them and wait for Kat to show up. There was no sign of Ellie or Devon. Clara wanted to go over and check on them but Sarah talked her out of it saying that they might be sleeping in after doing so much laundry the night before. But now she was in Castle and she had just sat her bag down when the monitor came on.
"General good morning," said Sarah as Beckman raised one eyebrow and held her watch up to the monitor.
"This is the third time I'm calling you this morning and you finally showed up for work. You know there's a lot to be said for people who are punctual."
"But they don't have two children to get up and get ready in the morning. I'm sorry General I will work on it. I don't have much to report. I talked with Chuck last night and he's received an invitation for a dinner and meeting at Ettore's ranch this evening. Chuck's plan is moving forward and by tonight early tomorrow it could be over."
"Good I don't suppose he mentioned if he'd seen the Colonel or Grimes in Bogotá. We don't have very good resources in that area to do much investigating."
"I didn't ask and he didn't tell so I'm assuming not. Is there anything else you'd like to know?"
"To know no but I need for you to pass on to Chuck. There's been a lot of chatter on the dark net about an imminent strike against Ettore so when he's at that ranch house he needs to keep his eyes peeled and one of them needs to be on an exit at all times. Now I'm done. Beckman out."
"Crap Chuck what happens if this hit goes down at the ranch house," said Sarah. "No I can't think about this besides Chuck knows what he's doing. Think happy thoughts," she said to herself but they weren't coming.
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Morgan's stomach was talking to him as they waited for their breakfast. John poured himself another cup of coffee and looked over the building plans Chuck had given him. He would never admit to Chuck that he needed them but like this they weren't going to go in blind. Morgan stood behind John looking over his shoulder John felt his eyes on the back of his neck. Finally Casey couldn't take it anymore.
"Can you please find a seat and park it in it? You're bothering me standing back there. I don't like anyone to stand behind me it makes me nervous and you don't want me nervous."
"Do you think they had to chase down the pig to get the bacon? Or do you think they're standing around the chicken waiting for her to lay the eggs? I can see how she might get stage fright all those people staring and waiting around her watching her do her business."
"What are you rambling on about? Do you ever listen to yourself speak?" said Casey as he shook his head. "Do us both a favor find a chair and put yourself in it then zip it up."
"I would but I'm hungry. You might ask what does that have to do with anything," said Morgan as Casey grunted and gave him a look. "Or not, I've waited long enough I'm going to call back down there and find out what's going on. Ettore's outraged at this personal affront," he said but as he started for the phone it rang.
"Chill out and let me do the talking," said John as he went over and picked it up. He held up the receiver waiting to hear who was on the phone before speaking then he heard a familiar voice.
"Oh it's you. What do you want? ... Really it's out in the hall. Thanks I'll go get it. Do I want to know how it got there on its own? ... I guess what I'm asking is the food safe to eat. ... Okay and while I've got you on the line we'll go in with you to the ranch house then break off and do our own thing. ... All right we'll meet then," said Casey then he hung up.
"Who was that," asked Morgan as he followed Casey going out into the hallway. There just outside the elevator was a cart with their food on it. "These people are so afraid of me they refuse to come to the room?"
"Just give it a break for now and let's eat. Maybe if you shove food in that hole you've got in the middle of your face you might be able to stay quiet for a little while so I can get some work done."
"I won't promise anything," said Morgan as he started to eat. "How are your short stacks? My eggs are a little cold but I'm too hungry to care. So you never told me who was on the phone?"
"It was Chuck and we're going to change our plans a little. He's gotten an invitation to the ranch so we'll be going in with him then breaking off. I'll show you later on the blueprints where we're going to start at then how we'll move through the house."
"You talked with Chuck last night and didn't say anything to me did you? John don't you think I'm committed to rescuing Alex? I love her and I'm in this all the way."
"I am too but Chuck told me something. He said you manipulated me into bringing you along and that was the reason you came to me and not to him or Sarah."
"Okay maybe a little is true but I think I told you that," said Morgan. Casey growled with pancake in his mouth. "No you don't understand. If I had told them what I told you they would've gone to Beckman you said so yourself and she would've sidelined you and me telling us we're too close to this."
"You're right and tonight we free Alex plus I'll get to play whack-a-troll. Boy this is going to be fun I can't wait to see the look of the other moron's face when he sees me."
"He's probably going to need another pair of pants," said Morgan as he smiled at Casey. "You know this is better that the breakfast we got the other day at McDonald's. You can't beat food prepared by chef in a good restaurant. How are you short stacks? Do you mind if I try a bite?" said Morgan as he reached over with his fork.
"Do you want to lose that hand just keep it up," growled Casey. "Eat your own food or be prepared to eat you next meal through a straw."
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Bob boarded the Learjet like Mr. Big had instructed him to then he kicked back on board. The plane took off and flew through the night arriving in Colombian airspace around midday. The co-pilot came back and told him they were arriving early and his contact in Bogotá had been advised. He poured himself a cup of coffee then returned to his seat looking out of the window at the lush green canopy below.
"So you're going to get in early what are you going to do with yourself until the evening?" he said to himself but he had no idea.
The plane received permission then landed at Bogotá's Eldorado airport. It taxied into a hangar and almost as soon as it pulled in a ladder came up against the side. Bob walked down it to be greeted by a rather large well-built man.
"My name is Rupert and I will be taking you to see the rest of the men," said the junior mountain as he took Bob to a waiting car. "We've got rooms in the El Presidente. After you meet the guys I'd recommend you lying down for a bit to get over your jetlag. Besides you'll need to be bright eyed for tonight's mission."
"Okay but I don't need to take a nap," said Bob as he looked at Rupert. "How old do you think I am? Humor me, I can do this I just need to be brought up to speed about how the hit's going down. The more details I know the better it will be."
"Well, it's going to be rather straightforward. We're bringing in two vehicles one you'll be in. Between the two vehicles we'll have eight hitters. They'll make us leave our escort with the vehicles while they shuttle you to the ranch house. I'll be coming with you.
"Good but I want a piece to carry too just in case things get sticky inside and if I can get close to Ettore... well he's not going to get away because I wasn't armed."
"I concur I'll get you a piece as soon as we get to the hotel. Anyway they'll make our men stay at the main gate. At midnight we cut the power then begin to occupy the villa. The men have been told to assume everyone is hostile inside. You and I will carry these," said Rupert as he showed Bob a pill. "You're going to swallow that before we go in. It will send out a low ping that out people will hear through their earpieces so they'll know not to shoot us."
"So we can avoid friendly fire. Good that was a concern of mine when you said they've been told everyone inside was a hostile. It sounds like you've got everything under control. I don't really understand why you needed me."
"Are you kidding? You're our ticket through the Ciudad which is filled with FARC supporters who are protecting Ettore then you're going to get us inside his forbidden fortress armed. When we hit him he won't know what happened. Here we are," said Rupert as they pulled into the hotel parking lot.
"Is there anything else I need to know before we get out?" asked Bob. He didn't want to admit it but his eyes were beginning to feel heavy.
"Well yes there is. Ettore is staying in this hotel. He's up in the penthouse apartment. I know what you're about to ask but yes there have been a number of hits on him in the hotel but he's managed to foil them all. Believe me our best bet is at his ranch where he won't expect it."
"Well I guess it does sort of make senses if you think about it. Here in the hotel he's expecting people to try to get at him so he's got his guard up. But at the ranch he considers it impervious so there he lets his guard down."
"Exactly, I couldn't have explained it better. Now come on and let me introduce you to your men," said Rupert as they got out of the car. Bob yawned as they headed for the elevator.
"I'm not admitting I'm old or jetlagged but I think I will take a little shut eye after I meet the guys," said Bob. Rupert just smiled.