A/N - I'm back - here is the next chapter. Updates should be more frequent. Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think. I don't own Chuck, Olympics, etc.
Chapter 27
Chuck and Sarah walked hand-in-hand toward the Olympic awards ceremony stage to cheer on Morgan and Alex. They saw that Crash and Carina were waiting for them near the back of the seating area and waved. When they were about half way there, Chuck heard commotion coming behind them and turned his head to look. Two men were heading their way running at a fast clip. Instinctively, Chuck wrapped his arms around his wife and moved them both away from the direction the men were heading. The men veered toward where Chuck and Sarah had moved to and Chuck saw that one of the men carried what looked like a wooden billy club, the type of baton police officers used. Chuck moved farther away from the crowd and kept Sarah behind him.
Alarmed, Sarah said "What's wrong sweetheart?"
Chuck just said "Stay behind me Sarah. I don't like the looks of these two men coming toward us."
Sarah peeked around Chuck as the two men came closer and closer. The man with the club arrived first and raised it to strike without slowing down. Chuck said commandingly to Sarah, "Get down." Sarah squatted down behind Chuck and when the man came close, Chuck pretended he was on the ice and gave the man a perfect hip check, sending him flying by. The club flew out of his hand as he crash landed on the pavement with a loud oof. The second man came soon after and tried to step around Chuck to get to Sarah. No one was going to harm his wife. No one. Chuck stuck out his forearm and clotheslined the man under his chin. The man's feet flew out from under him and he landed flat on his back. By this time, Crash and Carina had arrived on the scene and saw what was happening. Crash rushed over and stood with Chuck while Carina came over and helped Sarah to stand. The two attackers got to their feet and saw that not only Chuck was guarding Sarah, but a man even bigger was with him. Both men, scraped and bruised from their encounter with Chuck hobbled away as fast as they could. Sarah launched herself into her husband's arms and clung to him for dear life. After a few minutes Carina asked "Are you OK Sarah?"
"I'm fine. Are you OK Chuck?"
"Yes." He continued to hold his wife as tightly as possible.
"Who were those men?" Crash asked.
Sarah thought for a moment and said "I wonder if they could be what Sophia warned us about."
"What are you talking about? Carina asked.
"A supermodel and Russian gigolo tried to cause problems between Chuck and me so we would lose the pairs competition. Sophia, the supermodel said that the Russian coach asked them to do this. She then warned us that they may try something else."
Carina said "This sure looks like another Nancy Kerrigan - Tonya Harding fiasco."
Sarah said "Yeah, I just saw a TV show on it this morning."
While they were talking, an Olympic security team of four men came over to where they all were standing. One of them spoke in Russian to the group. Crash said "Sorry, we don't speak Russian. Does anyone speak English?"
Another man stepped forward. "Ah, you are American. Can you tell us what happened here?"
Chuck spoke up "My wife and I were heading over to watch our friends get their gold medals when two men ran up and tried to attack my wife. I stopped them with the help of our friends here."
"Why would these men try to attack your wife, Mr…"
"Bartowski. My name is Chuck Bartowski and this is my wife Sarah."
"The Olympic skaters?"
"Yes. These are our friends Carina Miller and Crash Thompson, also Olympians."
The man turned to the rest of the security team and started speaking rapidly in Russian. After a short discussion he turned back to Chuck. "The safety of our Olympians is our utmost priority. Do you have any idea why these men would attack you?"
"None, unless they were trying to keep us from competing."
"Who would want to do that?"
Sarah spoke up "We learned earlier today that the Russian coach wanted to distract Chuck and I so we wouldn't win the gold medal."
"Preposterous. A Russian coach would never do something like that."
"That's what Sophia Stefanova told us."
"The supermodel?"
"Yes."
"Your story gets more unbelievable by the minute. You accuse the Russian coach of trying to cheat?"
"You're right. This does sound unbelievable. I wouldn't believe it myself if I didn't see it with my own eyes and hear it directly from Sophia. Why don't you ask her and her partner in this situation Sergei Romanov?"
"The actor?"
"Yes. If you don't believe us, talk to them."
A moment later, a family of four came up to the group and the father started speaking rapidly in Russian. After listening for a few minutes, the security man turned to Chuck and Sarah. "This man saw the whole thing. His story corroborates yours. I still don't believe that the Russian coach would send someone to attack you Mrs. Bartowski."
Carina added "It's the Tonya Harding – Nancy Kerrigan fiasco all over again. It happened twenty years ago."
"I remember that story. Crazy."
Crash said "It really doesn't matter at this point who is behind the attack. My friends need protection."
The security man nodded. "I agree Mr. Thompson. Our first priority is to keep the Bartowskis safe. The investigation is important but not as important as that. Are you staying in the Olympic Village Mr. and Mrs. Bartowski?"
"No. We're staying in the Raddison nearby."
"We can arrange additional security for you and your husband Mrs. Bartowski at your hotel."
"I am more concerned about public places such as this one." Chuck added. "Can you have someone watch us until the end of the pairs competition?"
The security man nodded. "My name is Hans Mueller. I am with the IOC and speak fluent Russian. Here is my card."
Chuck took it and thanked Mr. Mueller.
"Please call me with your schedule tomorrow and I will have someone go with you when you are out in public. In the meantime, Marcus Shmirkov will watch over you tonight until you get back to your hotel." He waved the man over and introduced him to the Bartowskis before heading off to observe the medal ceremonies.
xxxxx
After Morgan and Alex received their gold medals, their group decided to go out and celebrate. Walking out of the Olympic Village area, they spotted signs for a concert in the park and decided to check it out. It wasn't too cold outside and there was a good crowd on hand waiting for the concert to begin. Tables were set up on the sidewalks around the park selling coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate and various snacks. Chuck bought Sarah and their friends hot chocolate and they found some seats at the back to wait for the concert to start. After several minutes passed, an MC walked up onto the stage. Speaking first in Russian and then in English, the announcer said "And now, for our opening act, please welcome Jeffster!"
Jeffrey Barnes danced up onto the stage playing his accordion while two Russian young women wearing short shorts and white low cut tops were dancing on each side of him. Lester Patel sauntered up from the side holding a cordless microphone singing and fake smoke billowed all around them. Sarah looked at Chuck and said "My god, they're everywhere!" Chuck looked back at his wife and smirked before standing up and taking her hand before dragging her in front of the stage to dance with her. After a minute or two, Crash dragged Carina up front as did Morgan with Alex. Rye and Zondra happened to come by at the same time and joined their friends in front of the stage. Cole and Karolina were walking by as well and joined in the fun. The group of friends danced as couples, did some line dancing and some group dancing, leading other members of the audience to come forward and join in. It got so crowded in front, Jeff and Lester invited Chuck, Sarah, Carina, Crash, Morgan, Alex, Cole, Karolina, Rye and Zondra to join them on stage. Everyone was having a good time and heartily joined in with Lester as he sang popular and familiar tunes and continued to dance until the end of their first set.
Standing next to a tree behind the stage were two more men watching intently the singer and dancers. They each wore Jeffster caps and T-shirts looking like they were big fans. In reality, the two men were watching a particular blonde figure skater hoping for an opening to attack her. The stage was very crowded with all the extra dancers, so the men would have to wait until Sarah left the stage.
Before they all got off the stage, Jeffrey brought out "water" bottles and started passing them around. Instead of regular water, the bottles contained Jeffrey's special "Black Sea water" which was basically vodka mixed with Sprite and a few other clear liquids. The actual ingredients varied with how much Jeffrey already had to drink before mixing the "water." Chuck and Sarah politely declined as they learned to avoid anything that Jeff offered as did Carina and Crash, but Carina and Crash each took a bottle for later. Cole took one of the bottles and offered some to Karolina. Morgan and Alex decided to have some since they were finished competing. Zondra took a bottle and gave it to Rye with a smirk. After climbing down from the stage, the group of friends decided to head over to a restaurant for some coffee and dessert. On the way Cole and Zondra told Karolina and Rye to have a sip from the water bottles. They each took a sip and said "Not bad. Here, try some." Cole raised an eyebrow and shrugged. Taking the bottle from Karolina, he also took a sip. "Mmmm, not bad." Chuck spoke up. "Careful guys. Don't forget about the Jungle Juice. It doesn't hit you until later."
The two men followed the group of friends at a discrete distance. One man said to the other "This is going to take a lot longer that I'd hoped for. We can't do anything with that large group around them." The other man just nodded and said "We wait."
Upon arriving at the restaurant, the group went inside. After pushing several tables together they sat down by the front window and the waitress took their orders. Cole and Karolina were sitting next to Chuck and Sarah and Cole said "Sarah, thanks for introducing me to Karolina."
Sarah nodded. Karolina said "Yes, thank you. I've enjoyed meeting Cole as well. How do you know each other?"
"We met in Vancouver through mutual friends at a place similar to this. Chuck and I became Curling fans because of Cole."
Cole said "Speaking of Curling, why don't you and Chuck join me at the Curling arena tomorrow? It would be fun to show you how it's done. It would be great if you would come too, Karolina."
Sarah looked at her husband and he nodded. "Sounds like fun. What time?"
"11am."
Chuck said "Good timing. We have practice time at 1pm so we'll be there. Can you make it Karolina?"
Karolina nodded and spoke in Italian accented English "That is good timing for me, too. My practice is at 9am. I'll come over right after."
Cole smiled broadly and said "Great. It'll be fun."
The desserts and drinks were brought to the table and Chuck picked up the tab. Sarah smiled at him and loved the way he was so generous with their friends as well as their favorite charities. Chuck raised his cup of hot chocolate and proposed a toast. "To friends, family and a great Olympics." "Here, here" came the reply as they took turns touching their glasses and cups together.
The two men watched impatiently from outside. One of them, Ivan, was getting really thirsty and took a large liter bottle out of his pocket. He had snagged it along with another one from Jeffrey's stash behind the stage. After taking a sip he said "Hey, this stuff is pretty good. It tastes like flavored water."
His companion, Igor said "Let me try some." Ivan took the second bottle out of his other pocket and handed it to Igor. "Here. I got one for you." Igor nodded and took a sip. "You're right, not bad."
Ivan and Igor continued to drink the Black Sea water like it was plain water. Just when they each finished their bottles, Chuck and Sarah walked out of the restaurant with Carina and Crash to head back to the hotel. Ivan looked up from the bench they were sitting at and said to Igor in a slurred voice "Looook, theeeree theyyy arree." Igor and Ivan tried to stand up but felt really dizzy and sat right back down. On their second attempt to stand up, both men passed out and fell back on the bench.
Chuck and Sarah walked hand in hand right by the two men along with Crash and Carina, also hand in hand. Chuck, pointing out the two men passed out on the bench with the empty bottles lying nearby said "Look guys. I told you to watch out for anything Jeff or Lester gives you to drink."
Carina stopped and looked at the men before pulling out the bottle she took for later. "I'm not drinking this now. What about you Crash?" Crash took his bottle out of his pocket, grabbed Carina's bottle and put both of them next to the men lying there. Crash said to the sleeping bad guys "Here you go, boys. I think you'll need this to help your hangover." The four friends chuckled and headed back to the hotel never knowing the danger they just escaped.
xxxxx
Karolina Costner had just left the figure skating practice arena to go to the Ice Cube arena just after Chuck and Sarah walked by with their arms around each other's waists. "Sarah, Chuck." She called after them.
Sarah turned, saw it was Karolina and they stopped, waiting for her to catch up to them. It was a bright, clear winter morning making them glad they were wearing sunglasses. "Good morning Karolina. How was your practice?"
"It went very well, thank you."
"Are you skating tonight?" Tonight was the final night for the team competition.
"Yes, but we are too far behind to win a medal. It looks like you have a good chance at a silver or bronze, though."
Team USA was currently in third place but very close to the second place Canadians. With Davis and White skating along with Gracie Gold, the team had a good chance at moving up.
"You could have a say in that Karolina."
Karolina smiled. "I guess I could. But please know it's nothing personal."
Chuck and Sarah both laughed. "Of course we know that. We always want to do our best and we hope you do your best tonight."
Karolina nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate it."
The three skaters arrived at the Ice Cube arena as they continued to walk while talking. Opening the door for the two ladies, Chuck waited until they passed by before going inside. There were four curling sheets with what looked like bulls eyes on each end of the sheet.
Cole was standing in the middle of the far left sheet and waved them over. The arena was empty except for the four of them as the rest of Cole's team just left the building. At his feet was a Curling rock and he held brooms in each hand.
One Sarah, Karolina and Chuck got to Cole he said "Welcome to the Ice Cube where the Curling events are held. Would you like to learn how it's done?"
"Yes," the three skaters said in unison as they stood there waiting for Cole to begin his lesson.
Cole explained the general rules and demonstrated how to deliver the stone. "Who wants to try it first?"
Chuck said "Karolina, why don't you give it a try?"
Sarah smiled at Chuck and gave him a wink, knowing that he was trying to give Cole and Karolina every chance to become a couple if that is what they wanted.
Karolina came over to the hack and Cole took her hand and placed it on the handle of the stone while leaning over her back with his lips near her ear. Cole was very happy that Karolina didn't flinch or pull away from him when he moved her hand back and forth with the stone on the ice showing her how to throw the rock. Karolina was having a hard time concentrating on what Cole was telling her as his breath on her cheek and the closeness of his body was sending shivers down her spine. After a few more practice motions, Cole let go of Karolina's hand and she sent the stone down the sheet. When they stood up Cole put his arm around Karolina's waist and she leaned into him. They watched as the stone slid true until it stopped just inside the outer circle in line for the button if it went a few feet further. Karolina smiled and hugged Cole as she was excited she did so well on her very first throw. Chuck and Sarah smiled at each other seeing how well Cole and Karolina seemed to be getting along. Cole and Karolina turned to face Sarah and Chuck. "Let's see if you can beat that." Karolina challenged.
Sarah and Chuck walked over to the hack where Cole had another stone ready for the Bartowskis to throw. "Do you want any more tips before you give it a try?" Cole asked.
Chuck looked at Sarah and back at Cole. "Naw. I think we've got it."
Sarah leaned over and grabbed the handle of the stone. Chuck leaned over, put his arm around Sarah and put his hand on hers while whispering in his wife's ear. "I love you Sarah."
Sarah turned her head and beamed back at her husband before giving him a big smack on the lips. "I love you too, sweetheart." They resumed the throwing position and practiced moving the stone back and forth on the ice. Chuck whispered into her ear "In and out, in and out." Sarah turned red and bumped Chuck with her hip, almost knocking them over. After regaining their balance, Chuck and Sarah released the stone, sending it down the ice. It was travelling too fast but fortunately for them hit Karolina's rock on the side, sending both stones out of the zone.
Sarah grabbed Chuck at the back of his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. When it broke she whispered in his ear "That was some thrust there at the end. It sure sent both of us over the edge." It was Chuck's turn to blush.
Cole spent the next several minutes teaching the others how to sweep and teamwork in getting the rock to the right place. Everyone enjoyed themselves and Karolina and Cole really enjoyed spending time together. When it came time to go, they all cleaned up the area and started to head to the exit when Chuck noticed that one of the men from last night was standing at the exit and the other man was at the other end of the ice sheet walking toward them.
A/N 2 - Next update in a few days. Can't have you hanging on a cliff for too long, can I.