Don't own Chuck

John put on his turn signal then got on the off ramp driving back into town following the signs marked for Westside Memorial. As he turned off he kept looking up at the rearview. He thought he was being followed by a black panel van that kept popping up. Alex noticed him checking so she turned around but didn't see anything.

"What is it Dad," asked Alex as she looked at him then looked behind them. "What did you see? I don't seeing anything."

"I don't know for a moment I thought we were being followed. There was a black panel van that was behind us but I don't see him anymore. He must've stayed on the freeway."

"It's probably the hazards of working so long for the agency that you start to become a little paranoid. I guess it's only understandable that you go a little bonkers after a while."

"Bonkers? Who are you saying is crazy anyway? If I'm as you say a little paranoid it's what has kept me alive so far. Oh and for the record I rather be a like a live bonker then a dead idiot."

"John I didn't mean anything bad by that. I was just saying that in your line of work it is only natural to become a little paranoid. But think of this we were all on the same freeway coming out of the airport so naturally if they got on behind us they'd stay there until either we or they would turn off."

"Morgan's right Dad. And you said yourself they're not behind us anymore so they must still be on the freeway. But guys this ends here I don't want you two arguing in front of Sarah like this. If you do I'm going to get upset."

"Well it's not my fault he started it," said Casey as he looked up at Morgan in the mirror. "If the troll keeps it up I'm going to climb back there and finish it."

"Dad, I mean it. You behave and that goes for you too Morgan. Sarah's been through enough and there's no need in us adding to it."

"What did I do?" said Morgan as he looked perplexed. "This was all him I'm innocent in this. I was just sitting back here minding my own business."

"Morgan please," said Alex. This time the tone in her voice meant 'can it' so he tried but he just couldn't quite keep a lid on it.

"Just one last thing," said Morgan. He could almost feel Alex's eyes roll. "So what are we exactly going to do with Sarah when we get to the hospital?"

"I don't know find out how she is then go from there. I was thinking about stopping for Chinese on the way back but Kat said she's supposed to eat healthy."

"Since when isn't Chinese healthy? I have you know at Sizzling Shrimp you can now get whole grain rice and steamed buns instead of fried," said Morgan as his phone rang while they were speaking.

"Oh it's Ellie, I hope you're not jealous," said Morgan to Alex who rolled her eyes. "Hey Ellie we just got back in town we're heading over to the hospital now to see Sarah. … Why is she in the hospital? Gwen thinks she had a panic attack… Yes I said Gwen, why?"

"No Morgan, keep your mouth shut. Sarah didn't want her to know," said Alex.

"No El I don't know why they didn't call you. … who's they? Oh well Kat's with her," said Morgan. But Alex motioned for him to give her the phone. "I think I ought to pass you over to Alex. Here let me put you on speaker."

"Gee thanks Morgan. Look Ellie my mom said it wasn't anything and Sarah didn't want to worry you guys and especially not Sam. Mom said they ran through a lot of tests but they all came back negative. We're pulling into the hospital parking garage right now I'll have one of them call you back."

"Thanks Alex I'd appreciate that we're going to keep the girls here longer and wait for your call. I don't want to take Sam home and not find Sarah there so keep me posted. I can see I'm going to have to establish some protocols of my own."

[At the beach]

Devon saw the look on Ellie's face and could tell something was wrong so he waited until she hung up then met her as she was walking back. She saw him walking towards her then she looked over at the girls then motioned for him to walk off where they could talk without being overheard but close enough to keep an eye on the girls.

"Keep on smiling but Sarah's in the hospital having tests run. Something happened this morning and Kat took her to the hospital. Gwen thinks she had a panic attack."

"I'm not surprised with being pregnant and the stress she's been under. You don't know how many times I've seen perfectly healthy people walk into the E.R. thinking they're having a heart attack. One attack isn't bad I've seen people who have had a string. They become a vicious circle until the person is afraid to do anything for fear of having another one. There are some natural remedies she can try like valerian root but I don't know if she can take it with her being pregnant."

"Why don't we leave that to her Ob-Gyn. Right now we're supposed to keep the girls here until we hear back from Alex. She's at the hospital with Morgan, Casey and Kat."

"You should call Gwen and get a copy of her EEG to check it against the other readings you have when her intersect was active."

"You're right it's my responsibility as a physician to monitor my patient. As a neurologist I need to monitor the intersect in her so we can better understand the way it works in a female subject. Thanks honey you're the best," said Ellie as she kissed him.

"The best at what... helping you justify your meddling?"

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Chuck flew the DC 9 over the border into the U.S. with no problem with more ease than he thought he'd have which told him that he was being monitored. He just hoped it was his people that were monitoring them. He planted the seed of distrust before but the fact was what he told Ettore was true. Someone or something tipped this mysterious Mr. Big off and there wasn't any reason to think he wouldn't know where they were landing. Chuck called Ettore up to the cockpit.

"Ettore we're about a half hour out from out runway. You need to call in that bomb threat and make sure those vehicles are in place but you should do it personally. The last thing we need is for a greeting party to be there waiting for us like when we took off."

"I asked Paolo to look into that," said Ettore. "But he hasn't found anything yet. I'll keep on him to find our leak."

"You put the fox in charge of the hen house. I know you two have history together but he's a prime suspect. Like I said before give me access to your files and I can root out who the mole is." Chuck could see Ettore was apprehensive about going along with his idea. "Let's do this if Paolo hasn't found out anything by the time we get to the cabin you give me access. That gives him plenty of time to locate the mole."

"That's fair," said Ettore. "After all you're going to be my new partner so I should trust you. It's just… well I hope you realize why I'm having a hard time doing this."

"Sure I understand it's like going all the way on a first date. You don't want to be thought of as being easy," said Chuck.

"I knew you understood me Juri. You and I are going to do great things together," said Ettore as he winked over at Zondra then left."

"What was that wink about?" said Chuck as he looked over at Zondra. "No don't tell me I'd have to use X-13 gas on myself then I'd probably have nightmares."

"Stop freaking out nothing happened or did they and I'm just telling you this to get you to calm down," said Zondra as she smiled. "Okay enough screwing around…"

"Poor word choice but okay this is the plan now. We've got the frequency and the pass codes Ettore uses with the FARC but if I can get him to give me full access to his database we can get it all. I'll plant a virus and have a copy forwarded to Langley. We'll have every crook and criminal Ettore has ever dealt with plus their address and phone numbers."

"Sneaky Chuck with one move we can drop a net over no telling how many criminals and criminal operations. This could be big really big does your friend, Sheila, know what you're up to?"

"No I can't risk her spilling the beans in a moment when she's distracted with Ettore. I'm telling you because you're my partner and there shouldn't be any secrets between partners. I need to know you've got my back."

"You don't have to worry about me but don't you think she might be a little upset when she finds out what we've done behind hers?"

"I'm not going to tell her and you're not. This plan will be classified way above her paygrade so she'll never know but I plan on throwing her a bone." Zondra gave him a looked. "I'm going to let her have Ettore. She can take him in for Interpol that will be the feather in her cap she needs. We'll have all his files so there's nothing he can add that we won't already have. If nothing else we can corroborate anything he says to Interpol. But this can be hammered out later. I just wish there was some way to get word to Sarah."

"Sarah can take care of herself. Your plan is good but you've got a lot of balls in the air and if you drop any of them we'll be join those guys that used to be in the back."

"I know but I can't help it. I've got this knot in my stomach that tells me I need to call her. I'm afraid something's wrong."

"That might be hunger you haven't eaten anything since we left. Oh I forgot I brought you up a tuna sandwich on whole wheat," said Zondra as she pulled a mangled blob out of her pocket.

"Thanks but I'll pass that just proves what I've said all along mayonnaise just doesn't travel well especially in climates like Colombia."

"Nor when the guy next to you is like an octopus."

"Yuck, I think I'm going to be sick," said Chuck as he shook his head. "How am I supposed to get that out of my head now?"

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Beckman had Ettore's DC 9 monitored via spy satellite and drone. She was keeping close tabs on it. This was going to be a big catch when she hauled him in and there was no way she was going to let him slip through her fingers. It came as no surprise to her when Chuck amended his flight plan for Bob Hope. However, even when he did that she didn't believe that was his real final destination.

"Major," said the General as they looked over a map of Southern California. "Chuck is coming up the Gulf of California then turning here at Mexicali where he was supposed to land. But now he's amended his flight plan to head up to Burbank…"

"Well you always said you didn't think he was going to land in Mexicali so this latest change proves you right."

"I know but I don't think he's going to put down at Bob Hope either. Ettore is to high profile a target right now to fly through there without being noticed…"

"You mean like Agent Grimes? We let them land there and nothing happened," said the Major. The General looked up for a minute thinking.

"Well that just goes to prove whoever tried to get them in Chiapas has sorted out his apples and oranges. No we need to think like Chuck," said the General as she looked over the map.

"He could set the plane down on a freeway," said the Major. "There are a number of them that could accommodate a plane that size in an emergency."

"No I don't think so. He'll be coming in at rush hour so there will be traffic on most of the roads and he can't take the chance that the road he picked won't be covered with bumper to bumper traffic. No there's something else we're missing," said the General as she looked over the map. "But what is it?"

"We could call the other Agent Carmichael and ask her if she's got any idea. Maybe she knows something we don't."

"Okay go ahead and get her on the horn," said the General. "I can't help but think we're looking right at it and should know it but we're just not seeing it.

[Meanwhile in the hospital]

Gwen finished with Sarah and stood with her as she was getting dressed. She went over some of the things she should look for in any future panic attacks as well as technics to head them off before they got out of hand. But as they were talking Gwen's phone rang the screen name came up "Ellie Woodcomb". She showed Sarah the name and she rolled her eyes.

"Hey Doctor Woodcomb," said Gwen. "Okay Ellie, what can I do for you?" she said like she didn't know why she called. "I'll tell her hold one second," said Gwen. "Ellie says remember to turn on your phone. Okay I'm back what can I do for you? … I can't talk to you about my patient. … Okay I'll send you're the EEG but if you want to know more you need to talk with Sarah. … Ellie, what you're asking is unethical and like I said you need to talk to Sarah. Good bye," said Gwen as she hung up.

"I'm sorry," said Sarah. "I don't want to get you in a bind with Ellie. She is your colleague after all. If she calls back it's all right for you to tell her what you told me. It's not like it's a big secret. I just don't want my daughter to worry," said Sarah but as she was talking with Gwen her phone rang.

"Well that didn't take Ellie long," said Sarah as answered putting the call on speaker as she continued to get dressed. "Listen Ellie it was nothing to worry about and please don't tell Sam anything."

"Agent Carmichael, Sarah this isn't Ellie," said Beckman. Gwen turned her head and looked at Sarah. She just shrugged her shoulders.

"Oh General I'm sorry I thought you were… well you know who I thought you were never mind. What can I do for you?" Gwen gave Sarah a look she held up her hands like 'what do expect me to do?'

"I'm calling about Chuck and the DC 9 he's flying. His original flight plan had him coming into Mexicali but now he's modified it for Burbank. But I don't think he's going to make if that far."

"So he modified his flight plan for Burbank. I agree with you I don't think he'll choose Bob Hope. There are too many eyes and coming in like that would make it difficult to get out."

"Okay since we both agree that's not the airport he'll be flying into. Where would he fly into?" asked the General as Sarah finished buttoning her blouse.

"I don't know," said Sarah as she paused thinking. "Wait a minute we talked about an investment opportunity. He wanted to invest money in an amusement park the City of Irvine approved to be built where the El Toro MCAB used to be. I was a little skeptical about shelling out that kind of capital on an amusement park and if I remember right the construction is going kind of slowly so one of the runways might still be clear."

"That's exactly what I needed to know," said the General. "Major find out what you can about the status of El Toro."

"General, you're welcome but can I ask if he does come in there can you let me know. This could be a message for me that he's okay."

"General this is Agent Carmichael's Ob-Gyn, Dr. Louis. I think you remember me, anyway I'd like to add for Sarah's medical health you should make the effort to let her know her husband is okay."

"I will inform my aide and make it happen. Beckman out."

"Thanks Gwen I appreciate that," said Sarah. Her phone rang again this time she checked to make sure who was on the other end before she answered.

"Hi Ellie … I know you called her I was standing right next to her. … Listen I'm leaving right now and we can talk this over at home. I've also gotten word on Chuck. … I'll tell you what I know at home not over the phone. … Tonight for supper I was thinking about pizza," said Sarah. Gwen made a face at her. "No let's change that into pasta with tomato sauce that's still Italian. Okay see you guys tonight and please don't tell Sam where I am."

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The men in the van finally got turned around and pulled into the hospital in time to see Alex, Casey and the man they thought was Ettore cross the street from the parking garage to the hospital. One of them got out of the van and went into the hospital lobby while the rest drove into the parking garage where they drove around until they spotted Ettore's Escalade.

"I'm in the lobby waiting," radioed back their man in the hospital. "I saw the target and the rest get into an elevator then went up. I'm not sure to where."

"He might be seeing a plastic surgeon to alter his appearance," radioed the team leader back. "Be careful I don't think they'll do any alterations today but you never know. Keep an eye out for the people that were around him."

"Roger that I've got the exit covered. He's not going to be able to sneak past me," said the man as he went and took a seat waiting for his target to come down.

"Okay ladies this is the place. I want you guys out. Let's set up here for the hit. There's not that much foot traffic. Joe I want you to stay in the van... keep it running we may have to get out in a hurry. Ettore's not going to get away from us here and there will be little to no collateral. Now let's move it."

The team set up in the dark recesses of the parking garage waiting for their lookout to signal the target was coming. They seemed to be waiting forever when the lookout finally spotted Ettore getting off the elevator.

"Guys the target's on the move. I repeat the target's on the move. There is a revision there's now two other women with our man and one looks very pregnant. I guess what they say about Ettore being a lady's man is true."

"Cut the chatter down to the minimum. Leave now and follow behind them I want you to close off any opportunity Ettore has to escape. Okay everyone else hold your fire until I commence then I want you all to join in."

[Meanwhile below]

"I was thinking about what to cook tonight," said Sarah as they walked out of the hospital and across the street. "But I don't know what to make. What do you guys want?"

"Well we could have Chinese or Italian but in addition to your vegetarian no olives I'd like a combo with the works and a grape soda. You never know how much you like something until you have to do without."

"Morgan, ordering pizza isn't eating Italian. Gwen pointed that out to me. I was talking about real cooking. You know with pans and eating off dishes not out of cartons or from a paper napkin."

"Well we can order Thai to go then stop by on our way home if you want. How does everyone feel about that? Sarah can Walnut put up with the spicy food?"

"No hold up I'm cooking. I was going to cook pasta with sauce but I'm not sure about the acidy of the tomato right now," said Sarah. Morgan let out a low chuckle. "Is there something wrong with my cooking? Sure I'm not as good as Kat or Ellie but I think I do well with what I can cook."

"Which is what? Water or MREs," said Casey. Everyone laughed except Sarah who made a face at them.

"Very funny John, no I want to stop on the way home and grab some things to make fettucine Alfredo. It's simple and Gwen told me I need to start eating healthier."

"I really need to go home take a shower and change," said Alex as she look sad at Casey. "Dad you can run me home and Mom since you brought Sarah here you two can do the shopping then we all meet back up at Echo Park."

"Sounds good to me," said Kat. "I just need the keys to your vehicle. Sarah after today I think you need to ride in the passenger's seat for a while."

"That's not going to work. I signed for our Escalade and it's a government vehicle so technically only one of us can drive it excluding the Troll."

"Oh John and why not me?" said Morgan.

"Don't oh John me I've seen the way you drive the Herders. My name is on the paperwork for that Escalade not yours. I'll run Alex home in the Escalade and Kat, you have my Crown Vic so you can run Sarah to get the stuff she needs. Grimes you ride with the ladies to help them with any heavy lifting although they probably can lift more than you can."

"Oh John really, you can't come up with a better excuse," said Morgan. Morgan knew exactly what Casey was up to. He didn't want him alone with Alex at home.