When Shawn, Gus, and Chuck reached the Psych office, Sarah was sitting on the bench out front, waiting patiently. "Hey Sarah," said Shawn. "Where's the cool Brent guy?"
Sarah looked around to make sure no one was in earshot. "Agent Rinker? I don't know. Once the detectives left the hospital, his team's surveillance van gave me a ride back here and then we went our separate ways."
"You didn't even speak on the way here?" Gus asked.
"We're barely acquaintances, Gus," said Sarah.
"So you mean you just got engaged to a guy you hardly know? Tsk tsk tsk, Sarah..." said Shawn.
"I do what I have to," Sarah explained as Gus unlocked the office door. Once inside, Sarah said, "I assume the Portland police have been called?"
"Check and check," said Shawn.
"Great. Does everyone remember what comes next?"
After a simultaneous "yes," Sarah pulled a folded newspaper from her purse and handed it to Shawn. "Shawn, this is the only copy that we have and it is very important that you do not lose this. This is-" Shawn stared blankly and she paused a moment before giving the paper to Gus.
"A very smart move, Sarah," said Gus, who then put the newspaper in a prominent place on his neat desk.
"Now, all we need to do is wait until Detective O'Hara calls, then Chuck and I will be finished," said Sarah.
There was a slight pause.
"You know, Chuckie-bear, you're being awfully quiet," Shawn stated.
"Uh, yeah," he muttered. Truth be told, there was a lot on his mind. "Uh, Sarah, can we...talk outside, maybe?"
"Sure, Chuck," she said.
Once they were outside, Chuck asked, "Why didn't you tell me about the-the kiss and engagement thing?"
"Chuck..." she sighed heavily. "You know it's my job. We've been through this."
"Why was it even necessary?" He sat down on the bench hard .
"We planned it out that way so that all of my romantic ties to Shawn would be severed." She sat gently next to him. "Chuck, it isn't worth thinking about."
"Look, Sarah, you know how I feel. I-I...I don't want-"
"I do know," she said, taking his hand slowly. "But I can't let that change the way I do my job."
Chuck stayed silent. He knew the drill; Sarah had told him these things over and over again for the past year, but no matter how many times he heard the words, they never improved anything.
The door suddenly flung open. "Chuck, Sarah, Gus and I are about to watch last week's episode of American Duos. Just thought I should let you know," Shawn said. He noticed Chuck and Sarah's clasped hands and shook his head. "Boy Sarah, you are one confusing kitten. First me, then that Agent Tinker guy, and now Chuck..."
"Shawn, please," said Sarah, with a small smile. Letting go of each other's hands, Chuck and Sarah followed him back into the office.
Gus was already on the couch with a large bag of Funyuns. "I've got enough to share," he said, raising his eyebrows at Sarah.
"I doubt Sarah wants Funyuns, Gus," Shawn retorted, plopping down on the couch. "Besides, the most comfortable spot on the couch is next to me."
Sarah and Chuck stood silently for a moment. Sarah began, "Um, Chuck, why don't you-"
"Yeah," he said, sitting down between Gus and Shawn. Sarah then pulled up Gus' office chair.
Disappointed, Shawn and Gus kept quiet as the episode began. They were about five minutes into it when Shawn's cell phone rang. "Oh, Harry Potter's hairbrush," Shawn muttered. "Gus, pause the recording." Gus did so.
Shawn answered the call, putting it on speakerphone. "Hey, hey, hey, Jules. You're on speakerphone. Charlesy and Sarah are here."
"Oh, hi," said Juliet. "I just heard back from the Portland PD. Jenkins is now in custody. And get this—he was about to leave for Canada. Great work, Shawn. You too, Gus."
"Thanks, Jules," answered Shawn and Gus in unison.
"Miss Walker, how's your fiance?"
"He's doing fine," said Sarah. "He was let go from the hospital, and now he's back at home."
"Great. Congratulations again."
"Thank you, Detective."
"It was great to meet you. And Mr. Calloway. And you too, Mr. Carmichael."
Chuck hadn't had time to answer "likewise" when Shawn started in, "We're all going out for celebratory jerk chicken tonight. Wanna come?"
Sarah and Chuck exchanged glances. They hadn't been aware of any dinner plans, although it seemed like a good idea to Chuck. He figured it would give him just a little more time with his new friends. He did hope that Juliet would come as well.
"Sorry, Shawn. I'm on duty tonight."
"Oh, come on, Jules, can't you just blow work off?" Shawn asked.
On the other end of the line, everyone heard Lassiter's voice call, "O'Hara!"
"Well Shawn, if that doesn't answer your question..." Juliet trailed off.
"O'Hara!" Lassiter called again.
"Don't worry, Juliet. We'll pick you up something to go," said Gus.
"Thanks, Gus."
"O'HARA!"
"CARLTON, just hold your horses!" They all heard Juliet yell. "Sorry, Shawn, looks like I have to go."
Everyone said goodbye to Juliet and Shawn hung up. "Mission accomplished!" Shawn sang.
"Thank you both so much for your help," said Sarah.
"By the way, jerk chicken is happening," said Shawn.
"And the Psych office is paying," Gus added.
"That is very thoughtful, but Chuck and I have to get back," Sarah began. "We've already exceeded our deadline on this mission, and if we don't get back with enough time to report to General Beckman..."
"How 'bout we go back to Burbank with you guys?" said Shawn. "That way you guys can go to talk to General Bleckman before we eat."
Chuck shot Sarah a near-pleading look. "Remember, we can't take them inside Castle," she told him.
"They can hang out at the Buy More. I'll introduce them to Morgan."
"Chuck..."
"Sarah, please. I have so few friends..."
Sarah looked at Shawn and Gus, then back at Chuck. Sighing deeply, she uttered, "Okay, fine."
Everyone thanked Sarah profusely as they all headed out the door.